Bright ideas for brighter bills
Short on time? Here’s a quick summary:
NSW has introduced new battery rebates worth about $1,600 to $2,400.
Extra support is available if you join a Virtual Power Plant.
The rebates make adding a battery far more affordable for most homes.
Installing solar or a battery before summer means you benefit from long daylight hours straight away.
Early installation helps you avoid the busy season and possible delays.
A working system before the hottest days can cut the cost of running air-conditioning.
Rising electricity prices make generating your own energy more valuable.
November is a strong time to act if you want the best mix of rebates, savings and long-term value.
1. Major news: new rebates in NSW
The New South Wales Government has introduced a significant incentive for home battery installations under its Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS), which began on 1 November 2024.
Here are the key points you should know:
Eligible households (or businesses) installing a battery connected with rooftop solar can receive a rebate of $1,600 to $2,400 off the upfront cost.
If you agree to join a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) via your battery system, there’s an additional rebate of around $250–$400.
To qualify: you must already have a solar system (or install one at the same time) and use an accredited installer. Batteries must meet certain quality/warranty standards.
In practical terms: if you’ve been considering adding a battery to your solar setup, this rebate brings your cost down considerably. It’s the state government’s way of encouraging homes to absorb more solar energy, reduce grid peaks and support network stability.
2. Why now is the time to act — ahead of summer
With the warmer months approaching in NSW, there are several strong reasons to move ahead with installing solar (and ideally a battery) before summer arrives:
Peak usage & higher tariffs: As air-conditioners and other cooling systems run harder, your electricity usage spikes and your bills can climb. A solar system (and battery) helps you generate your own power when the sun is high.
Better return on investment: Installing now means you’ll benefit from those summer generation months immediately — the extra kilowatt-hours you produce in long daylight hours bring more savings.
Rebate window: The current rebate under the PDRS is a limited-time opportunity. While panels and batteries will remain viable for many years, the “sweet spot” for installation is now, to lock in the support and maximise savings.
System readiness for summer: Having the system in place before very hot days means you avoid installation delays, get the system commissioned in cooler weather, and are well-prepared when demand is highest.
Increasing electricity costs: As the grid evolves, costs may rise. Generating your own energy gives you more control, plus the added benefit of participating in grid support via a battery-VPP.
In short: doing it now means you beat the rush, use the rebate, generate more in summer, and reduce your reliance on the grid when it’s under pressure.
3. What to check with your installer
When you speak to us (or any accredited installer) at 5 Points Electric, we’ll walk you through everything — but here are the main things you should ask:
Are all panels, inverters and batteries compliant with the relevant standards and accredited by the Clean Energy Council (CEC)?
Does the quote clearly show the rebate (e.g., the $1,600-$2,400 discount) applied?
What size of solar array is right for your home (given your roof orientation, shade, electricity usage)?
If you’re adding a battery: what usable capacity does it have, what warranty is offered, and are there ongoing requirements (e.g., joining a VPP)?
When will installation occur, and what’s the timeline to having it commissioned before the hottest months?
What will your pay-back look like: how much will you save per year, how many years until the system has paid for itself?
Maintenance and monitoring: what support is offered, how easy is it to track your generation and usage?
4. Long-term benefits you’ll enjoy
Beyond the initial rebate and summer savings, installing solar (and battery) brings benefits across seasons and years:
Reduced electricity bills: you’ll buy less from the grid, and you’ll export less excess power for lower value, because you’ll use more yourself.
Greater energy independence: you’re less exposed to rising utility costs or network charges.
Potential income from energy export or VPP participation: especially the battery + VPP route gives you a way to turn stored energy into value.
Increased home value: solar systems are increasingly seen as features buyers value.
Environmental benefit: less reliance on fossil-fuel based generation, lower carbon footprint — a positive for our community and for you.
5. What next?
If you’re ready to explore how much you could save and find the right system for your home in NSW:
Contact 5 Points Electric for a personalised assessment — we’ll review your roof, energy use, budget and goals.
Ask for several quote options (solar only / solar + battery) so you can compare what makes sense for you.
Ensure you factor in the rebate, expected generation, export value, battery size (if going that route), and installation timetable.
Once you choose a system, we’ll book the installation so you’re ready ahead of summer — ideally commissioned in time for the hottest days.
With the new NSW rebate making batteries more affordable, and summer looming when energy use rises, there’s a clear window of opportunity right now. At 5 Points Electric we’re proud to be Australian owned and operated, ready to help you step into the next phase of clean energy savings with clarity, confidence and a focus on long-term value.
Let’s get your home solar-ready for summer — let’s talk soon.