FARMERS are now eligible for a government rebate for farm battery installations.

Kicking in from July 1 and worth around $344 per kilowatt hour of storage the rebate is capped at 50kw/h of usable storage although total battery capacity can be larger.

Labor agreed to extend the home battery rebate just prior to the last election after pressure from Farmers for Climate Action (FCA) representing more than 8,000 farmers.

The Federal Government subsequently announced a rebate of around $344 per kilowatt hour of storage capped at 50 kw/h worth of rebate, although farmers can install up to a 100 kw/h battery system and receive a rebate on the first 50 kw/h of storage.

Farmers for Climate Action CEO Natalie Collard encouraged farmers to get involved.

“Let’s charge up farm batteries to charge up farm energy independence,” said Ms Collard.

“We know batteries give us more energy independence, more energy security, and also help keep our energy grid reliable and affordable.

“This rebate is also helpful for households.

“It will help put downward pressure on energy prices because batteries reduce energy consumption at peak times.

“Using the energy farmers generate and storing the energy on-farm could save farmers thousands of dollars each year.

“Keeping farmers profitable and productive is a no brainer.

“It’s frustrating when the local grid goes down.

“Farmers with on-farm storage can choose batteries to keep the farm running during blackouts.

“No extra paperwork is required to access the rebate, because it will be delivered through the existing Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme.

“The rebate is capped at $2.3 billion nationally so it could run out unless it’s extended.”

For more information go to energy.gov.au/rebates/cheaper-home-batteries-program