Given that the federal government launched the Cheaper Home Batteries Program at the beginning of July, a local renewable energy group is planning to host a free community event to inform the public about solar and home batteries.
The $2.3 billion investment in the Cheaper Home Batteries Program aims to help more people install batteries.
Australian households, businesses and community organisations can now get a discount of around 30 per cent on the upfront cost of installing small-scale battery systems from 5 kWh to 100 kWh through the Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
Healesville Community Renewable Energy (Healesville CoRE) president Karen Roberts said with the recent launch of the federal government’s Cheaper Home Battery Program, Healesville CoRE’s committee felt they needed an event explaining the rebate available, eligibility, whether it is now worth installing a home battery, and how to avoid the cowboys out there.
“There will also be a discussion on the pricing of solar, especially comparing what you would have paid about a decade ago, to what you would expect to pay today,” she said.
“If you are considering a solar installation and/or a home battery, it will be worth investing a couple of hours to hear the latest news from experts who are here to help you.”
The special community information evening is scheduled from 7pm to 9pm on Monday 18 August, at the Memorial Hall in Healesville.
Two key speakers have around 40 minutes each to discuss their topic, a speaker from Yarra Ranges Council’s Sustainability Department has around 15 minutes, and then there will be the usual 20-minute Q and A at the end.
“Glen Morris will be known to many locals as a highly respected expert in off-grid and renewable systems, with over thirty years of experience in the design and implementation of innovative energy solutions. He is the general manager of Smart Energy Lab based here in Healesville, where he has lived off-grid for the past 34 years,” Ms Roberts said.
“Glen has played a pivotal role in shaping Australia’s renewable energy standards and policies, has served on the Australian Standards Committee for over a decade and was vice president of the Smart Energy Council for six years. I think we are safe in the knowledge that he knows what he is talking about.
“Lloyd Heathfield is Project Lead at Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF), a not-for-profit organisation working to accelerate the energy transition. With experience as a solar installer and technician, Lloyd leads YEF’s solar and electrification programs, focusing on the interests of local communities in the face of a changing climate. Lloyd is passionate about the need to ‘electrify everything’ and speaks regularly at community information sessions and government and industry conferences.”
Entry is free, and a light supper will be served after.
To register for a spot, please visit the Healesville CoRE’s website at healesvillecore.org.au/civicrm/event/info/?reset=1&id=40
