Toowoomba residents are upping the solar stakes by investing in battery storage—bringing more jobs to the region and embracing Queensland’s renewable future.
While visiting The Garden City today, Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said Toowoomba was seeing a solar and battery surge thanks to the Government’s interest-free loans and grants.
“Installing a solar battery system could save you up to $600 a year, even after loan repayments,” Dr Lynham said.
“It’s a great opportunity to cut your power bill and your emissions, by being able to store excess solar energy generated during the day to use at night.”
Dr Lynham said 144 solar-savvy Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley residents already had taken up the Queensland Government’s scheme, which closes on Sunday 30 June.
“Toowoomba already is ranked fifth in the nation in the take-up of solar, in fact Queensland has four of the top five places with Bundaberg first, Hervey Bay third, and Caloundra fourth.
“Mandurah in Western Australia ranks second and is the only non-Queensland city in the top five.”
“So far, 69 of the solar and battery systems have already been installed, with the other applicants set to get theirs up and running within six months of receiving their approval.”
The scheme offers grants of $3000 for batteries and interest-free loans of up to $10,000 for rooftop solar panels and batteries.
Local Toowoomba installer Terry Davis, Director at ACDC Energy, said business was booming thanks to the Government scheme.
“We’ve been able to hire a full-time electrician and an apprentice because of the work created by the scheme,” he said.
“As a local business we’re passionate about helping Toowoomba residents get the most out of their solar and battery systems, and we’re proud to be paying it forward by also using Queensland suppliers.”
Dr Lynham said the Palaszczuk Government was investing $21 million into the scheme, including $4.8m in the 2019-20 Budget, as part of Queensland’s Affordable Energy Plan, to help make solar and battery systems more affordable for around 4000 families and small businesses across Queensland.
“The clock is ticking on the scheme, so, check your eligibility, get a quote from an approved supplier and apply before it’s too late.”
Three assistance packages are available for: solar systems; battery systems; and combined solar and battery systems.
To apply:
- Get a quote from an eligible supplier for an eligible system. You can find a list of eligible suppliers and eligible batteries online at
- Apply online
- Once approved, contact your supplier and get your system installed. (You cannot get it installed before approval or you’re not eligible.)
- Get back online to have your approved dollar amount paid to your supplier.
- You have six months from approval to get your system installed.
