The Albanese Government subsequently announced a policy which pays a rebate of about $344 per kilowatt-hour of storage capped at 50 kWh worth of rebate.
A farmer could install up to a 100 kWh battery system and would receive the rebate on the first 50 kWh of storage.
Farmers for Climate Action chief executive officer Natalie Collard encouraged farmers to get involved.
“Let’s charge up farm batteries to charge up farm energy independence,” Ms Collard said.
“We know batteries give us more energy independence, more energy security and also help keep our grid energy reliable and affordable.
“This rebate is also helpful for households and will help put downward pressure on energy prices because batteries reduce energy consumption at peak times.”
Ms Collard said this rebate could save farmers thousands of dollars.
“And thousands more every year as farmers use the energy they generate and store on-farm. Keeping farmers profitable and productive is a no-brainer,” she said.
“It’s frustrating when the local grid goes down, so farmers can choose batteries to keep the farm running during blackouts.
“No extra paperwork is required to access the rebate, because it will be delivered through the existing Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
“The rebate is capped at $2.3 billion, so it will run out unless it’s extended.”
For more information, go to www.energy.gov.au/rebates/cheaper-home-batteries-program
