If you’re considering adding a solar battery to your home, the upcoming solar battery rebate in November 2024 is likely on your radar. You may have even read our first Solar Battery Rebate NSW 2024 article on the topic. But before you get too excited, there’s a crucial question to ask: which batteries actually qualify for this rebate? It might seem like a simple inquiry, but the reality is a bit more complex—and you might be surprised by the answers.

Not every solar battery will make the cut, and even some of the most popular models may fall short of the eligibility criteria. This means you’ll need to be extra careful when choosing your solar battery, especially if you’re counting on that rebate to reduce your overall costs.

In this article, you’ll learn about the specific criteria that solar batteries must meet to qualify for the rebate, the surprising exclusions of well-known brands, and how industry leaders are adapting to these new requirements. Whether you’re eyeing the latest technology or considering a tried-and-true option, understanding these details could make all the difference in your investment.

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Understanding the Battery Criteria

When it comes to qualifying for the upcoming solar battery rebate, the criteria are more stringent than many might expect. One of the most surprising revelations is that some of the most popular solar batteries on the market won’t qualify under the new guidelines. 

Popular Batteries That Don’t Qualify

According to the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme, to be eligible for the rebate, solar batteries must have a 10-year warranty and retain at least 70% of their usable capacity after that period. This requirement alone eliminates all batteries from many top-tier manufacturers from qualifying, including well-known brands like BYD and Sungrow. 

We have been informed by Sungrow that they plan to extend their warranties to meet the rebate criteria, before November 2024. We believe that Tesla might follow suit, adjusting their future models or even updating the warranty terms on existing products to align with these new standards. These brands typically offer only 60% usable capacity after 10 years, which falls short of the new standards.

What’s Knocking Out the Big Players

Another key criteria that’s eliminating some big names is the requirement for a warranted throughput of 3.65 MWh per kWh. This specification is particularly significant as it knocks out the Tesla Powerwall 2, which has been a favourite among homeowners.

Adding to this, it’s highly likely that Tesla has already stopped producing the Powerwall 2, meaning what’s currently available on the market is all that’s left. 

No More Tesla Powerwall 2

The discontinuation of the Tesla Powerwall 2 adds another layer of complexity. If you’re considering this battery, it’s important to note that availability could become an issue soon, given that no new units are expected to be produced. This could lead to a shortage and possibly even a price increase as the remaining units become scarce. The Powerwall 2 is also not compatible with the Powerwall 3 (it’s like Apple changing their chargers all over again), so if you’re thinking about expanding your storage, it’s best to act quickly.

Remember, these are still early days, and the finer details are being ironed out as we approach November 2024. However, it’s clear that the market is already starting to shift in response to these new requirements.

Eligible Solar Batteries

With the stringent criteria set for the solar battery rebate, it’s crucial to know which batteries are likely to qualify. As we’ve seen, not all popular models will make the cut, but there are some that do. Let’s take a closer look at the batteries that currently meet the eligibility requirements and what this means for your solar investment.

Based on the information available, the following batteries are expected to be eligible for the rebate:

• Sonnen
• Enphase IQ 5P
• SolarEdge Energy Bank
• Alpha-ESS
• Soltaro AIO2
• SolaX Triple Power
• Zenaji Aeon

These batteries have been highlighted as front-runners because they meet the essential criteria: a 10-year warranty with a guaranteed 70% or higher usable capacity after a decade, and the required warranted throughput of 3.65 MWh per kWh.

What Does This Mean for Your Solar Investment?

If you’re planning to invest in a solar battery, these developments are significant. Knowing which batteries are currently eligible helps you make an informed decision, but it’s also worth keeping an eye on potential changes from major brands like Sungrow and Tesla. Their willingness to extend warranties shows that the market is dynamic, and more options could become available as the rebate launch approaches.

The Application Process and Industry Uncertainty

While knowing which batteries are eligible for the rebate is crucial, understanding the application process is equally important. As installers, we’ve been navigating this process to ensure that everything is in place for you when the rebate officially launches. However, there’s still some uncertainty in how things will unfold, and it’s important to be prepared for potential hurdles.

The application process for the rebate has been extensive and complex. As suppliers, we’ve participated in numerous meetings and training sessions to understand every detail.

Throughout these sessions, we were informed that any battery approved by the Clean Energy Council (CEC) should qualify for the rebate. This seemed straightforward initially, but as we’ve dug deeper, it’s clear that some uncertainties remain.

For instance, while the CEC approval is a strong indicator of eligibility, the specific criteria tied to warranties and usable capacity have added layers of complexity. This means that even if a battery is CEC-approved, it might still fall short of the rebate requirements, as seen with some of the big names like Tesla and Sungrow.

Stay Informed!

We are still awaiting concrete confirmation on which batteries will be officially included in the rebate scheme. This uncertainty means that while we can provide a preliminary list of eligible batteries, there may be last-minute changes or additional clarifications from the authorities.

In the meantime, many of our customers are securing their Tesla Powerwall 2 ahead of the November rebate and forecasted stock shortages. We are actively updating our mailing list with those interested—if you’d like to reserve your spot and stay informed, please get in touch today!

One thing we’re confident about is that Tesla won’t want to miss the chance to be part of the first NSW solar battery scheme.