Rooftop solar in Australia has reached new heights, hitting over 4 million installations across the country last year. With approximately 300,000 rooftop solar systems installed annually, 1 in 3 homes in Australia now have solar panels on their roofs, according to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Just last month, the Australian Government introduced the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, an expansion of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), which aims to reduce the costs of new residential and business rooftop solar systems. For businesses looking to import solar panels and batteries, this presents new opportunities through increased demand and lower upfront costs.
Understanding the Rebate Schemes
Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)
The SRES Scheme is based on tradable certificates called Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). To be eligible for STCs, your solar system must be installed by a Solar Accreditation Australia-accredited installer and must be on the list of Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved modules and inverters. This eligibility allows for entitlements to STCs, creating a subsidy for households and businesses that install renewable energy technologies. This requirement means you should first ensure that any solar system you intend to import into Australia is on the list approved by CEC.
Cheaper Home Batteries Program
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is an extension of the SRES, supporting households and businesses by providing a discount of approximately 30% on the upfront cost of installing eligible small-scale batteries.
Aside from the SRES and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which is available nationwide, there are also subsidy schemes available for the various states and territories, such as the WA Residential Battery Scheme.
Regulations for Solar Panels and Battery Imports
For solar panels and batteries to be imported and eligible for STCs, they must meet important guidelines, including:
- Product Standards: Solar panels and batteries have to be on the CEC-approved product list and must comply with the safety standard (IEC 61215 for solar panels and IEC 62619 for batteries) to be eligible for STCs
- Serial Number Ledger: Importers must provide serial number data for all eligible solar panels to the Clean Energy Regulator’s (CER) ledger. Importers are also responsible for meeting the manufacturer’s warranty obligation and keeping a record of all serial numbers
- Dangerous Goods Classification: Lithium batteries are classified under the Australian Dangerous Goods Codes and therefore require special handling, packaging, and documentation
Choosing Bullocks Freight Masters For Your Import Needs
Importing is always a complex process, especially when involving solar panels and batteries and the relevant requirements for scheme approval. From complex regulations to specific handling and paperwork requirements, the process requires in-depth understanding and experience. Failure to do so could be a costly and expensive mistake.
Bullocks Freight Masters International is your trusted freight logistics provider and customs broker. With over 40 years of industry experience, we have the expertise and knowledge to advise and handle all your import and paperwork needs. As an Australian Border Force Trusted Trade, our compliant trade practices provide benefits, including faster customs processing.
Are you ready to make the most out of the solar rebates? Contact us today to find out more about how Bullocks Freight Masters can help you navigate your solar system importing needs.