Winter in South Australia means higher energy bills and unpredictable power demands—but what if you could turn the season to your advantage? On April 6, 2025, the Labor Party announced a game-changing $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program, promising a 30% discount on household batteries if re-elected. At Energy SA, we’re here to break down what this means for you and how our tailored solar and battery solutions—already designed to maximise savings—can amplify these benefits.

Let’s dive in and get your business or home ready to save more this winter.

Labor’s Battery Subsidy: The Fine Print

Labor’s plan, set to launch on July 1, 2025, if they win the May 3 election, aims to get 1 million more Australian households, small businesses, and community facilities equipped with batteries by 2030. Here’s what you need to know:

The 30% discount—delivered through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)—offers approximately $372 per kWh of usable capacity (theoretical maximum), minus admin fees, potentially saving you around $4,000 on an 11.5 kWh battery.

Eligible systems range from 5kWh to 50kWh, though you can install up to 100kWh. Batteries must be VPP-capable (no participation required) and attached to a new or existing solar system—legislation limits this to solar-connected setups.

Batteries installed from now until July 1 will be eligible (if Labor wins), but cannot be switched on until the program starts.

You can “double-dip” with state incentives, install additional systems if you already own a battery, and claim subsidies for multiple properties. The scheme is uncapped, and the government will buy SRES certificates, ensuring no upward pressure on power prices.

Note: The subsidy will decrease over time, like the SRES, so acting early maximises your savings. Learn more about rebates.

Winter’s shorter days don’t dim solar’s potential—South Australia still gets 4-5 peak sunlight hours, even in June. Our solar systems (from 3kW) paired with batteries like Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ let you store daytime energy for those chilly evenings. This means fewer blackouts, lower bills (savings of up to $2,300 annually for new solar-battery setups, per Labor estimates), and energy independence. With energy prices up 5% since July 2025 (Financial Review), batteries are a smart shield against winter spikes. For businesses, it’s a sustainability edge that aligns with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals while keeping operations humming.

Energy SA’s Offer: Maximise Your Savings

We’re already ahead of the curve with our competitive solar and battery bundles, designed to fit your needs—whether you’re a homeowner or running a business. Our packages include top-tier panels (Canadian Solar, JinkoSolar, REC) and inverters (Enphase, SMA, SolarEdge), all installed by our Solar Accreditation Australia-certified team. With Labor’s subsidy, your upfront costs drop even further, and our government rebate expertise ensures you claim every dollar available, including STCs and feed-in tariffs. Plus, our HVAC systems like ducted reverse cycle can complement your setup, keeping you warm efficiently all winter.

This announcement couldn’t be timelier as winter ramps up energy demands. Whether you’re a small business dodging peak rates or a homeowner tired of high bills, we can help you harness this subsidy to its fullest. Combine it with our offers, and you’re looking at unmatched savings, resilience, and sustainability—just in time for the cold months.

Let’s Make Winter Work for You: Don’t wait for July—start planning now. Call us at 08 8374 1491 to strategise about what Labor’s battery boost means for you. We’ll tailor a solar, battery, or HVAC solution that keeps your winter costs down and your energy up. Contact Energy SA today and let’s power through winter together.

Discover Labor’s $2.3B battery subsidy and save $4,000 this winter with Energy SA. Learn how our solar and battery solutions cut costs in South Australia. Call us to strategise!

Power Up This Winter with Energy SA: Labor’s $2.3B Battery Boost Unveiled

When considering solar it’s important to be well informed about your investment. How long will it take to receive a return on your investment and what exactly are you paying for? Panels play a large part in a system cost – they aren’t the only expense – but it’s good to know a little more before you buy. So how much do solar panels cost?

If you’re looking for a quick price, we have a handy tool that recommends system size based on your electricity bill and the amount of time you’re home. Complete Step 2 of the form and you will automatically receive a link via SMS with three pricing options, without having to wait for a call back.

Click here to get your recommended system size and system price.

If you’re looking for a more in depth answer, then consider these five things:

At the most basic level, panels are priced per watt. Typically you can expect to spend between 50c and $1.20 per watt, depending on the panel. 

From there, it’s simple math to calculate your panel price. For example:

Brand name is the next player in panel price. At Energy SA, we aren’t biased towards any one brand. We’ll make recommendations for your situation, but ultimately the panel brand is your decision. See more info on some of our brands here. 

Why some brands are more expensive than others is a question that belongs to marketing gurus and psychologists. As such, it’s a bit outside the scope of this article. However, in the solar world, brand power is about 3 key things:

Engineering quality, innovation and prestige

Warranty and reliability. It’s important to consider that if a company boasts a 25 year warranty, they need to be around for 25 years to back it. If they are new in the game or aren’t backed by a multinational, the length of their warranty might be irrelevant.

We don’t often pay attention to the roof over our heads, but aesthetic does play a large role in our purchases. Most panels look very similar, but it’s the subtle things that make a difference. It’s not uncommon to find panels with black trimmings instead of silver, and busbars that are nearly invisible. Perhaps this is why solar roof tiles have gained so much popularity in recent times?

The last thing to consider in the pricing chain is the retailer.

As a retailer and solar installer, we are a little biased to be credible on this topic, but it is important to consider the retailer in your search for solar. 

Each retailer is a business, and as such, they markup their panels and systems. This is where competition comes into play. At Energy SA, we will be competitive, but we will never compromise on quality.

At this point you may have calculated a ball park figure for your system. However, it’s important to note – and in your favour to consider – STCs. STCs are Small scale Technology Certificates. STCs are the Australian government’s scheme to assist in offsetting the cost of solar. In most cases this will save you thousands. But don’t be fooled into thinking you’ll get a double discount. Most retailers will quote your price after calculating the STC discount.

Solar systems are more complex than slapping a panel or two on your roof. What else do you consider when making decisions about solar? Is brand prestige important to you? How much would you be willing to pay for a more aesthetically pleasing panel?

If you’re considering saving money on electricity bills by going solar, we’d love to chat through your needs. Drop us a line here or contact us on (08) 8374 1491 to chat with one of our Adelaide-based team.

When considering solar it’s important to be well informed about your investment. How long will it take to receive a return on your investment and what exactly are you paying for? Panels play a large part in a system cost – so how much are they?

Update, September 2022: All Home Battery Scheme subsidies have now been allocated. If you have any questions about an existing application or just getting a great price on a battery, contact Energy SA at (08) 8374 1491 or sales@energysa.com.au.

In the second half of 2018, Steven Marshall revealed the State Government’s plan to reduce the cost of electricity. $100 million of subsidies and $100 million in loans will pay for the installation of home solar batteries, through the new Home Battery Scheme (HBS).

This is not to be mistaken with Tesla’s virtual power plant, as announced in February of 2018. The Tesla scheme will use homes as ‘rental’ space for government-owned systems. The payment for using your rooftop is cheaper electricity.

In contrast, this new scheme allows consumers to choose from a variety of systems which they will then own. However, excess energy generated from solar or stored in a battery will be available for use by the grid.

Update, 8 October 2020: Since the launch of the HBS in October 2018, we have learnt a lot more. Let’s take a look at what we now know, and what you as the consumer can do.

The State Government announced that 40,000 South Australian households from October 2018 will have access to two distinct offerings: subsidies and loans. The details are as follows:

$100 million in battery subsidies, available to all South Australians.

$100 million in loans to pay for the installation of home battery systems

The subsidy will be available to ALL South Australians at $200 per kilowatt hour (kWh).

Energy Concession Holders will be able to access a higher subsidy at $300 per kilowatt hour (kWh).

The subsidy will vary depending on the size of the battery, but there is a cap of $3,000 per battery installed.

The loans are available for the entire solar system or for the expansion of existing systems.

Households will be able to apply for finance through RateSetter (contracted by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to distribute the funds).

Not all battery products will be eligible for the subsidy.

To be eligible, battery systems will need to be virtual power plant (VPP) capable. Not all batteries on the market currently have this capability.

Includes communication and control functions beyond basic battery system functions.

Needs to be capable of registering to a VPP with minimal or no additional hardware.

Will be able to respond to remote commands once registered to a VPP. This allows the energy provider to discharge your battery when the grid needs more power.

Battery systems must meet minimum technical specifications. These include:

The system must be designed and installed by a CEC-accredited installer.

The installed system must have a minimum 5-year warranty, including workmanship. The battery component must have a minimum 7-year warranty (under daily cycling application).

The system must be VPP capable (as above).

A priority will also be given to providers who commit to installing systems that are manufactured or assembled in South Australia.

There are only a handful of brands that are currently on the list of approved batteries. This list will grow in time, but the approval process is no simple task. As such, some battery providers won’t see the value in applying for approval, and may sit this one out.

Here are a couple of brands that are on the list, and that are compatible with almost all existing systems:

Solar providers and installers are required to meet a set of standards in order to qualify for the HBS. These include CEC accreditation, contribution to the South Australian economy and company reputation.

Update, 11 January 2019: Energy SA is now proud to be a CEC approved retailer and a Qualified System Provider for the South Australian Home Battery Scheme. We have worked hard to achieve these approvals, and are proud to be contributing to the future of South Australia.

Keep informed. Research your options. Get the ball rolling and get a quote.

If you’re waiting for your favourite brand to get on the list, it’s worth contacting the company to see if they are applying for approval. Otherwise, we highly recommend brands like Enphase and Sonnen – each of which has different benefits, depending on your needs.

If you’d like to know more about what works for your situation, give us a call on (08) 8374 1491 or enquire online.

The State Government announced its plans to reduce the cost of electricity, by rolling out $100 million of loans and $100 million of subsidies for home solar battery systems, through it’s new Home Battery Scheme.

South Australia’s Home Battery Scheme: What We Now Know

You are reading this article thanks to the modern wonder of electricity. Access to electricity is a privilege that all Australians can enjoy. However, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), this privilege is available to some 20% of the population. In the remote town of Luvungi, the lack of access to electricity isn't just about modern conveniences but life or death. Without electricity, life-saving surgery is impossible, mothers die in childbirth, and orphaned children don't have access to an education that could otherwise break this cycle.

In the remote town of Luvungi, the lack of access to electricity isn't just about modern conveniences but life or death.

Fortunately, the story doesn't end there. Dr Luc Mulimbalimba and his wife, Delice, are making significant and sustainable changes through their partnership with Australian organisations. Their organisation, Mission in Health Care and Development Australian Support Association (here on, referred to as MHCDASA), is a humanitarian, non-profit organisation based in Adelaide, Australia.

According to Dr Luc, MHCDASA's main objectives are to "reduce poverty and malnutrition, provide good and proper health care for people, [assist] community development activities, as well as promote education" in DRC communities.

Reducing poverty and malnutrition, providing healthcare and promoting education

MHCDASA has a vast impact on Luvungi and the surrounding districts and nations. Since its inception in 2005, MHCDASA has created over 200 jobs, received over 150 beds for hospitals, started a secondary school with over 1300 children - most of whom are orphans - and developed community microfinancing for women.

MHCDASA's Containers of Hope are a great source of joy for the Congolese people.

One of MHCDASA's most impactful initiatives is 'Container of Hope'. These containers bring donated medical equipment and educational and humanitarian resources, including solar panels, to the Congolese people.

These resources enable hospitals and schools to expand and develop their capabilities, and donated solar panels can provide power for running water, toilets and showers, operating tables, theatre lights, anaesthetic machines, and sterilisers. MHCDASA's Containers of Hope are a great source of joy for the Congolese people (Source: MHCDASA). 

A second life for solar panels is saving lives in DR Congo

In 2020, only 17.5 million people – or 19% of the population – had access to electricity in DR Congo (Source: WorldBank). Luvungi, the town where MHCDASA's work is based, has no electricity infrastructure whatsoever.

Before 2020, MHCDASA's work relied on a power generator and purchased fuel to keep their electrical supplies running. However, the rising fuel cost and limited financial aid made maintaining supplies more challenging. So they began receiving donations of used solar panels to set up "a 100kw solar farm in Luvungi which will be a great socio-economic project in the Uvira Territory" (Source: MHCDASA).

"If you don't have power and electricity, the world today is difficult. You can't finish secondary school without opening a computer. If you have a computer, they need charge," explains Dr Luc.

In Luvungi, electricity brings dignity, education and life-saving healthcare.

In Luvungi, electricity brings dignity, education and life-saving healthcare by powering a midwifery college, accommodation units, a community hall and a university.

Once this project is complete, the plan is to use 50% of the electricity for MHCDASA's projects, such as providing electricity to hospitals and schools. The other 50% will be distributed to approximately 300 houses and microfinancing projects.

Small talk or an appointment with destiny?

In 2019, Robby Mack (Energy SA's co-owner) was making small talk with an acquaintance at a birthday dinner. The conversation started with your run-of-the-mill party pleasantries but gradually took a more meaningful turn.

In the following moments, Robby's acquaintance introduced him to the work of MHCDASA and explained that Energy SA could donate solar panels to support Congolese communities. Having a 'shed load' of used (but still functioning) panels that could have been sold or recycled, Robby jumped at the opportunity to donate.

Hearing about the need in DR Congo and the "massive difference that Dr Luc is making," Robby saw the opportunity to donate the "shed full of solar panels that could have been recycled or sold".

Here in Australia, roof space on properties can be limited. With technology continually improving, older panels are often physically larger and produce less power for the area they occupy. People look to upgrade their system - not because their current system is obsolete - but because they want to maximise their space with a more efficient system.

"Participating in this ongoing initiative offers no financial benefit to Energy SA," Robby explains. "We do our best to reduce our environmental impact, so partnering with MHCDASA is a meaningful and sustainable way to give panels a second life for people who need them. Everyone wins!"

Partnering with MHCDASA is a meaningful and sustainable way to give panels a second life for people who need them.

"Energy SA was on the frontline to help with secondhand solar panels," explains Dr Luc. "They tested them, and they were in very good condition. We have already sent two containers of solar panels to DRC and have since installed a solar farm.

Now we are looking for donations of solar batteries and inverters to be able to make the solar farm off-grid and provide continuous power to the community."

"Solar power will be a big relief, not only for Luvingi but for the district. People from all over the DRC and the surrounding countries come for treatment and schooling. If we want to do better than what we're doing, we need power."

Upgrading your system through Energy SA means that your old panels, batteries and inverters will find a second life - and a meaningful one. If you have a current solar system that you want to upgrade, speak with one of our friendly team members. We'd love to discuss your options! 

If you're interested in finding out more about MHCDASA or supporting them directly, you can visit their website.

Energy SA is proud to partner with Mission in Health Care and Development Australian Support Association (MHCDASA) by donating used solar panels, saving lives and benefiting communities in DR Congo.

How Energy SA is Contributing to Communities in DR Congo

The Blog

Featured

Power Up This Winter with Energy SA: Labor’s $2.3B Battery Boost Unveiled

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?

South Australia’s Home Battery Scheme: What We Now Know

How Energy SA is Contributing to Communities in DR Congo