Latest news with #CheaperHomeBatteries
Time Business News
4 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Cheaper Home Batteries Program: Where Green Innovation Meets Everyday Energy Use
As climate change and higher energy prices make news, Australia's Cheaper Home Batteries Program is an excellent example of how technology benefits the environment. The initiative is designed to help everyday Australians save money while also giving them an essential role in contributing to a greener revolution. The central idea of the Cheaper Home Batteries program is to enable households to utilize advanced, eco-friendly batteries to store their solar energy. As solar panels have gained popularity over the last decade, the primary challenge remains finding a way to store excess energy for nighttime use or when there is no power supply. Batteries installed in your house solve the typical energy supply issue. Until recently, most families found solar panels too expensive. The purpose of the Cheaper Home Batteries Program is to provide financial assistance to homeowners to reduce the cost of battery installation. As a result, the impact goes well beyond what happens in a single home. Energy storage is revolutionary for protecting the environment. Homes equipped with solar batteries can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and traditional power sources. As a result, there is a real drop in carbon emissions, especially in the evening when the electricity grid is under its heaviest strain, mostly from non-renewable sources. Battery systems used nationwide can enhance the grid's stability. When there are changes in supply and demand, home batteries help stabilize the grid, allowing coal or gas-fired power stations to run less during spikes in demand. The result? New energy infrastructure that is stable and relies on renewable sources that are dispersed. The batteries from this program are not only for storage—they are also packed with features. Most current battery systems for homes include intelligence that adjusts both charging and discharging cycles according to your habits and the weather expected. Sometimes, these systems interact with the energy grid, returning any excess energy to the network at the appropriate times while providing homeowners with information on how to save money. The cheaper home batteries program impresses most when it mixes technology and sustainability. With smart meters, users can better manage their energy consumption and contribute to the creation of a greener energy network. One of the most impressive aspects of the program is its focus on equity. As home battery installations become more affordable, it becomes possible for more households in various areas to switch to clean energy. As a result, the program not only protects the environment but also reduces disparities in energy access. Many other nations can adopt Australia's approach to accelerate their transition to clean energy. The program's results show that users can be supported, batteries can power homes, and the environment can be protected, all without being overly costly. Those concerned about becoming involved in this initiative will find all the details and eligibility information they need at Your Solar Quotes. It isn't only an energy policy; the Cheaper Home Batteries Program also looks ahead to the future. Technology can empower ordinary people to take active steps toward environmental improvement when it's accessible to them. Australia is showing that positive environmental change can happen where people live. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Perth Now
28-04-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Energy a major divide as election looms
Voters will be asked to decide between a renewables-led grid or the Coalition's nuclear promise, with energy policy a key point of difference between the two major parties. After years of infighting between the Liberals and the Nationals, the Coalition says nuclear is the only way Australia can reach its net zero targets, power the country's energy demands, and deliver cheaper energy bills. Labor refutes this. Instead, a Labor government will continue to pursue renewable energy through solar and wind farms. It's the same policy that has angered Nationals and regional MPs, who say renewable projects risk damaging land values, and disproportionately affect people living in communities outside of capital cities. Here's how Labor and the Coalition are tackling Australia's energy issue. What the parties agree on Weather radar: Both Labor and the Coalition have committed to a $10 million investment in a new BOM weather radar for regional Queensland. Energy Minister Chris Bowen says a renewable grid is the best way for Australia to reach net-zero carbon emissions and lower energy bills. Christian Gilles / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia The Coalition's energy spokesman Ted O'Brien is backing nuclear. NewsWire/ John Gass Credit: News Corp Australia Labor Cheap solar batteries: Labor will slash the cost of solar battery installations by up to $4000 per household from July 1, as part of its $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries program. Bill relief: The government announced in the federal budget it would extend the current energy bill rebate until the end of the year, saving households $150. Community energy upgrades: Labor has pledged $100 million for energy upgrades to community facilities, including more efficient lighting and battery storage at sporting fields, community halls and libraries. Green social housing: Labor will add another $500 million to its Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative, worth a total $800 million, to cut energy bills and reduce emissions for social housing tenants. Vehicle emission standards: Legislation has been enacted to establish vehicle emission standards for new vehicles sold in Australia, effective from July 1, 2025, to reduce transportation-related emissions. This will include penalties for manufacturers breaching the standard. Renewable energyfocus: Labor will aim to source 82 per cent of the electricity grid from renewables by 2030, which will be firmed by battery storage and gas. It's currently at about 35 per cent. Critical minerals reserve: Announced in response to Donald Trump's blanket 'Liberation Day' tariffs, an elected Labor government would pledge $1.2 billion for a National Reserve of Critical Minerals, including lithium and nickel. National emission reduction target: The government has committed to reducing carbon emissions by 43 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030, a target that has been legislated to ensure accountability and progress. Labor has also continue to back Australia as a signature to the Paris Climate Agreement which requires participating countries to reach net zero by 2050. Expansion of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC): An additional $2bn has been allocated to the CEFC to support households, workers, and businesses in adopting renewable energy solutions, making clean energy more accessible and affordable. Labor will aim to source 82 per cent of Australia's electricity grid from renewable energy. It's currently at about 35 per cent. NewsWire/ Brenton Edwards Credit: News Corp Australia The Coalition Flagship nuclear policy: A Coalition government will build seven government-owned nuclear reactors co-located alongside retiring coal-fired generators by 2050, with the first two smaller generators in operation by 2035. In terms of costs to the taxpayer, modelling done by Frontier economics claims the build will cost $331bn over 25 years, a figure Labor disputes. So far, no state premiers have supported the policy, including in Queensland which could potentially host two of the reactors. The state would also need to vote in a plebiscite to remove the prohibition on nuclear power. Energy mix: Under a Coalition government, the energy mix would be 54 per cent renewables, 33 per cent nuclear, with the remaining 13 per cent comprised of battery storage and gas. The Coalition's nuclear strategy will make up 33 per cent of Australia's energy grid by 2050 if elected. NewsWire/ Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia Boost in gas production: To make up for the near-term energy shortfall while nuclear comes online, the Coalition will plug the short fall by creating a reservation policy to force producers to direct up to 20 per cent of exports to the domestic market. The Coalition will also commit $1 billion to expanding the east coast gas market to increase pipelines and storage capacity. Energy bills: The Coalition estimates its gas plan will reduce retail gas bills by 7 per cent for households and 15 per cent for industrial consumers. Disaster response: A Coalition government would give a $64.5 million boost to Disaster Relief Australia, which deploys volunteers to areas ravaged by natural disasters. Dutton coy on Paris Agreements: While the Coalition will have a 2035 emissions reductions target, it's unlikely the short-term figures will be revealed unless the opposition wins back government.
News.com.au
26-04-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Australian rooftop solar output spikes 20 per cent, now accounts for 16 per cent of grid, new data reveals
The amount of energy generated by rooftop solar has surged by one-fifth this summer, now reaching 16 per cent of Australia's total electricity mix. According to new data released by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, the spike is driven by new installations and favorable weather conditions. The total output produced across the country from the start of December last year through to the end of February was 10,592GWh, compared to 8,852GWh last summer period and 8,102GWh in 2022/2023. Across the country, New South Wales led the charge with rooftop solar energy output up by 25.4 per cent, followed closely by Victoria at 23.1 per cent and South Australia at 22.5 per cent. Queensland's rooftop production jumped by 18 per cent, Tasmania saw a 8.9 per cent spike while Western Australia's South West Interconnected System lifted output by 6.2 per cent. Energy and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen hailed the results, saying total rooftop solar output had grown 55 per cent since the Albanese Labor government was elected with one in three households now using solar panels. 'There's a reason that Australia's solar is the envy of the world – it means cleaner, cheaper energy for millions of households,' he said. 'This new data reinforces why Labor's Cheaper Home Batteries program makes so much sense – with record solar output, we want to help more households use that energy when it's needed most, to get bills down and take pressure off the grid.' There are now more than 4 millions solar panels across the country's rooftops, the data reveals, with Queensland leading the pack at 1,104,200, while NSW and VIC round out the top three with 1,067,900 and 809,500 respectively. WA now has 534,800 panels, SA is home to 426,800, while the ACT has 61,400, TAS 61,400 and the NT contains 24,200. According to the Australian Energy Market Operator, renewable energy sources supplied a record 46% of the market's electricity in the final quarter of 2024.
Perth Now
26-04-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Rooftop solar output surges 20 per cent
The amount of energy generated by rooftop solar has surged by one-fifth this summer, now reaching 16 per cent of Australia's total electricity mix. According to new data released by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, the spike is driven by new installations and favorable weather conditions. The total output produced across the country from the start of December last year through to the end of February was 10,592GWh, compared to 8,852GWh last summer period and 8,102GWh in 2022/2023. Rooftop solar provided 16 per cent of the grid over the summer months. NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui Credit: News Corp Australia Across the country, New South Wales led the charge with rooftop solar energy output up by 25.4 per cent, followed closely by Victoria at 23.1 per cent and South Australia at 22.5 per cent. Queensland's rooftop production jumped by 18 per cent, Tasmania saw a 8.9 per cent spike while Western Australia's South West Interconnected System lifted output by 6.2 per cent. One in three households now have rooftop solar. NewsWire / Gaye Gerard Credit: News Corp Australia Energy and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen hailed the results, saying total rooftop solar output had grown 55 per cent since the Albanese Labor government was elected with one in three households now using solar panels. 'There's a reason that Australia's solar is the envy of the world – it means cleaner, cheaper energy for millions of households,' he said. 'This new data reinforces why Labor's Cheaper Home Batteries program makes so much sense – with record solar output, we want to help more households use that energy when it's needed most, to get bills down and take pressure off the grid.' Chris Bowen hailed the growth. NewsWire / David Swift Credit: News Corp Australia There are now more than 4 millions solar panels across the country's rooftops, the data reveals, with Queensland leading the pack at 1,104,200, while NSW and VIC round out the top three with 1,067,900 and 809,500 respectively. WA now has 534,800 panels, SA is home to 426,800, while the ACT has 61,400, TAS 61,400 and the NT contains 24,200. According to the Australian Energy Market Operator, renewable energy sources supplied a record 46% of the market's electricity in the final quarter of 2024.
