The Yarra Energy Foundation are very pleased to see the first portion of the Australian Government’s $200 million ‘Community Batteries for Household Solar program’ open next week (30/01/2023).

Organisations are able to apply for grants between $100,000 – $500,000 per location to facilitate the deployment of community batteries across the country, soaking up excess solar and providing thousands of households access to more renewable energy storage.

As Australia’s renewable energy production continues to rise, mainly through solar and wind, more storage is essential to provide and maintain secure, clean, and affordable energy for everyone.

“These community batteries will not only benefit households with solar panels, but will help lower electricity bills, cut emissions and reduce pressure on the electricity grid.” – Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy.

Applications will be evaluated based on their impact on both households and the energy network, including:

1. Putting downward pressure on household electricity costs
2. Contribution to lower emissions
3. Providing a net benefit to the electricity network
4. Storing solar energy for later use or sharing and supporting more solar installations
5. Allowing households that cannot install solar panels to enjoy the benefits of renewable energy through shared community storage.

This initial stream of the program is aiming to install 58 community batteries in certain locations. Applications close on 24/02/2023. You can read the full grant guidelines here.

Following this phase in the first half of 2023, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is expected to announce a process for funding applications for the remaining 342 batteries.

Read more

• Community batteries
• FAQs
• Grant guidelines