Energy

If you are interested in finding out more about SHASA’s energy projects please contact Rob Shorrock on 0408 472 873 or email  rshorr48@gmail.com

Cheaper Home Batteries Program

Australia’s federal rebate for solar batteries is called the Cheaper Home Batteries Program (began July 1, 2025). It offers approximately a 30% discount or around $372 per usable kilowatt-hour (kWh) for batteries between 5 and 50 kWh. This upfront discount is generally applied by accredited installers and can significantly reduce the cost of eligible systems. The rebate amount decreases annually until 2030, so it’s best to apply for it as soon as possible.  

How the Rebate Works

Eligibility: The program is for homeowners, small businesses, and community facilities installing solar batteries that are either connected to a new solar system or an existing one. 

Discount Structure: The discount is based on the usable capacity of the battery and is calculated using Solar Energy Certificates (STCs). 

Application: The discount is applied upfront by an accredited installer, so you don’t need to apply directly to the government. 

Diminishing Value: The subsidy amount per kWh will decrease each year until the program concludes at the end of 2030. 

Solar Reuse Centre – Moruya Transfer Station

Local Not for Profit Repurposing for Resilience aims to reduce the waste and landfill burden associated with removing solar panels and associated components from installation before the end of their effective working life. 

Panels and components are tested and where applicable a limited re-certification and warranty is applied so the equipment can be re-used.

If the equipment is found to be below warranty standard but still useful it is repurposed for alternative applications.

Open Saturday’s 9.30am – 2.30pm or by appointment.

Enjoy the benefits of going solar

Find out more about our Eurobodalla Community Solar Program

Unpacking Battery Storage

Community Microgrids in the Eurobodalla

SHASA, ANU, Essential Energy and Zepben have developed high level microgrid feasibility reports for:

Central Tilba/Tilba Tilba; Bodalla; Broulee; South Durras; Mystery Bay & Congo.

For an update contact Phil Shorten, SHASA’s Project Management for the microgrid feasibility project on 043821796 or email phil@impartskills.onmicrosoft.com

Building Better Houses

If you plan to build a new home please read SHASA’s Sustainable Houses. It has a few simple ideas to make new houses more comfortable as well as cheaper to run. Make the entire house electric (no gas), which can then be powered using renewable energy.

Is it Still Worth Buying a Rooftop Solar System?

Recent years have seen a rapid decline in feed-in tariffs for electricity put back into the grid from household rooftop solar systems.  A quick check of retailers shows between 5c and 10c per kWh on the South Coast.  Most households with a large rooftop solar system consume between 30% and 50% of the solar electricity they generate. 

The more solar electricity you can consume, the bigger the savings.  For example, an electric car uses 16–18kWh per 100km.  If you charge your car using the excess solar electricity, it will only cost you the feed-in tariff.  

Kathryn Maxwell, President of SHASA, owns an MG4 with a 64 kWh battery.  It costs her $3.20 for 400+ km of driving.  Switch all appliances to electric (save on expensive gas bottles and fees) and use timers to operate during the day to add to your savings.

You will be able to smile when your electricity bills arrive in your letterbox or inbox. 

To ensure a quality install, we recommend local Bodalla business Micro Energy Systems (MESA). They have done a fantastic job with all of SHASA’s community facility solar installs and they help to fund SHASA’s work.  

Give Lisa a call on 0410 790 616.

Bigger isn’t better (when it comes to energy)

TEDx talk, Adelaide, Heather Smith.