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As worries about climate change continue to grow, people and governments worldwide are looking for ways to reduce carbon emissions and fight global warming.  

In Australia, the state of Victoria has started several programs to encourage energy-saving habits. One of these programs is the Government Air Conditioning Rebate Victoria, also known as VIC Energy Aircon Rebate.   

Today, we’ll discuss the VIC Energy Aircon Rebate and why you should claim your rebate now! The current rebates range from $1,000 to $8,800, depending on who qualifies. 

As temperatures rise in Victoria, staying comfortable at home becomes very important. To help with this, the Victorian government has introduced the split system air conditioner rebate 

This program aims to make homes more comfortable, promote energy efficiency, and lower energy bills. Using energy efficiently is the best approach for a sustainable lifestyle.

What is the Victorian Government Rebate on Air Conditioning?

As part of the Victorian Energy Upgrades program, the Air Conditioning Discount helps residents and businesses replace old, inefficient systems with new ones. These new systems use less power and produce fewer greenhouse gases. 

This program encourages people to buy split system air conditioners, but it also covers other energy-efficient heating and cooling technologies, like clothes dryers and freezers. 

The aircon split system rebates in Victoria support energy-efficient air conditioning in homes and businesses through a government initiative.  

Eligible participants get financial help to upgrade old units or install new, energy-efficient systems. Victorian homes spend up to $800 a year on heating, which is one-third of their energy costs, while businesses often spend even more.  

The government wants to reduce these costs by promoting energy-efficient air conditioners. To save on energy costs, take advantage of this year’s Victorian Government Energy Upgrade program.  

By replacing your ducted gas system with multiple energy-efficient electric split systems, including installation, you can make significant savings. Protect your budget from rising power costs and enjoy better energy efficiency with this VIC government rebate. 

How Much is the Rebate?

SLA aircon

The VEU’s air conditioning discount isn’t a full rebate or subsidy. Owners will still have some out-of-pocket expenses.  

However, the discount greatly lowers the cost of buying and installing eligible energy-efficient AC units. The exact discount depends on the type, model, size, and installation details of the air conditioning system. 

However, the current rebates range starting from $1,000 up to $8,800, depending on who qualifies. 

The savings don’t stop with the purchase and installation. On average, households that upgrade to energy-efficient air conditioners save between $120 and $1,100 on energy bills each year, depending on the upgrade. Over the years, these savings can make the upgrade very worthwhile. 

What Type of Air Conditioning is Eligible for a Rebate?

The VEU program supports many air conditioning systems, but they must meet specific energy efficiency standards.  

Eligible types include split systems, reverse cycle, and other HVAC systems. To qualify, AC systems must be listed on the VEU program registry, indicating they meet the necessary energy performance standards. 

Requirements and Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Aircon VIC government rebate program, you need to meet certain criteria: 

  1. Residential Property: You must live in Victoria, Australia, to be eligible for the rebate.
  2. Property Ownership or Renting: Both homeowners and renters can apply, but specific terms and conditions apply.
  3. Professional Installation: The air conditioner must be installed by a licensed and accredited professional.
  4. Compliance with Regulations: The air conditioner must meet the required energy efficiency and safety standards.
  5. Energy Efficiency Requirements: The system must meet the program’s energy efficiency standards.

To check if you qualify for the rebate, contact Cyanergy, a reputable accredited provider, for a free assessment. After that, a professional installer will upgrade your air conditioner at your convenience. 

How to Apply for the Rebate? Application Process

Applying for the Victoria Air Conditioning Discount is simple and designed to be easy. 

Research: Become familiar with the program’s specific requirements and guidelines, such as eligible air conditioning units and energy efficiency standards.  

Check Eligibility: First, make sure your intended purchase is eligible and approved under the VEU program. 

Contact a Provider: Reach out to Cyanergy. We are authorised to perform installations under the VEU. 

Consultation: During the consultation, the provider will assess your needs, recommend eligible products, and explain the installation process. 

Application: Your chosen provider will complete the paperwork and submit all required documentation for the discount application on your behalf. 

Purchase and Install: Select an eligible energy-efficient air conditioning system and have it installed by a qualified professional in accordance with the program’s specifications. The more energy-efficient the unit is, the more you save.  

Why You Should Participate in the Government Split System Rebate

VIC aircon rebate

Financial Savings:

By getting the split system air conditioner rebate through the VEU scheme, you can save a lot of money. The rebate reduces the overall installation cost of upgrading your heating and cooling system.  

Split systems are more energy-efficient, which means lower energy bills over time. Although they may cost more upfront, their long-term savings make them a cost-effective choice for both homes and businesses. 

Energy Efficiency:

Split-type air conditioners use advanced technology to be more energy-efficient. The VEU scheme encourages the use of such energy-saving appliances.  

These units cool specific areas better and use less energy than traditional systems, resulting in a more comfortable indoor space and lower energy consumption. 

Environmental Impact:

Choosing energy-efficient systems helps the environment. These air conditioners use refrigerants with lower global warming potential and consume less electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  

Participating in the government rebate program supports efforts to combat climate change and promotes a more sustainable future. 

Improved Air Quality:

Installing an air conditioner with the Victoria rebate can improve indoor air quality. These systems often have advanced filters that remove dust, allergens, and pollutants from the air, making the environment healthier for living or working. 

Switching to a split-type air conditioner under the VEU scheme can save energy, reduce costs, and improve air quality. This makes it a smart and beneficial choice for a greener lifestyle. 

Upgrade to SLA Aircon to Save More

SLA Aircon’s features make it a great choice for an upgrade. Here are some features: 

Rapid Action Temperature Control: The Turbo Start mode heats or cools quickly, providing instant comfort without waiting. 

Cost Savings: SLA air conditioners are energy-efficient, which means they use less electricity and save money on energy bills. 

Easy-Clean Design: The aircon is designed for easy cleaning. It can be taken apart, washed, and reassembled effortlessly. 

Smart Airflow: SLA aircon adjusts to natural heating and cooling cues, using rising-style heating and shower-style cooling for quick action. 

Clever Inverter: The split system operates quickly and efficiently, helping you reach your desired comfort level. 

High-Temperature Performance: The SLA air conditioner keeps you cool even in very hot weather, maintaining full cooling capacity up to 50°C and working up to 60°C. 

Filter Cleaning Reminder: The aircon reminds you when it’s time to clean the filters, ensuring they run smoothly and efficiently. 

30-Second Fast Cooling: The SLA air conditioner can lower the temperature from 27 degrees to 18 degrees in just 30 seconds. 

Quiet Operation: The super quiet mode allows the aircon to run smoothly without making too much noise. 

In summary, SLA aircons offer quick temperature control, cost savings, easy cleaning, smart airflow, efficient inverter technology, high-temperature performance, filter cleaning reminders, fast cooling, and quiet operation.  

These features make it an excellent choice for comfort and convenience and are essential to claim the Vic aircon rebates.  

Who is Eligible for Other VEU Rebates?

If you are a homeowner, tenant, or business operator in Victoria wanting to upgrade to a more energy-efficient air conditioning system, you are likely eligible for the discount. 

The main requirement is that the air conditioning product be listed on the VEU program registry to ensure it meets energy efficiency standards. 

Other basic criteria include: 

  • The property is at least 2 years old. 
  • The home or business is located in Victoria. 
  • You haven’t claimed a VEU Air Conditioning upgrade in the last 2 years. 
  • You are replacing an existing inefficient system. 

The VEU rebate program also covers other energy-saving upgrades, such as lighting, water heating, and other heating and cooling systems. 

Eligibility for the rebates is generally open to all Victorian households and businesses, whether renting or owning the property. 

To maximise the rebate’s benefits, you should consult an authorised VEU provider for guidance on eligible products and installation requirements. 

Your Solution Is Just a Click Away

The post VIC Energy Aircon Rebate 2024| Claim Your Rebate Now! appeared first on Cyanergy.

VIC Energy Aircon Rebate 2024| Claim Your Rebate Now!

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ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

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ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

Statement from American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) President and CEO Ray Long on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance:

“The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is deeply concerned that today’s Treasury guidance on the long-standing ‘beginning of construction’ safe harbor significantly undermines its proven effectiveness, is inconsistent with the law, and creates unnecessary uncertainty for renewable energy development in the United States.

“For over a decade, the safe harbor provisions have served as clear, accountable rules of the road – helping to reduce compliance burdens, foster private investment, and ensure taxpayer protections. These guardrails have been integral to delivering affordable, reliable American clean energy while maintaining transparency and adherence to the rule of law. This was recognized in the One Big Beautiful Act, which codified the safe harbor rules, now changed by this action. 

“We need to build more power generation now, and that includes renewable energy. The U.S. will need roughly 118 gigawatts (the equivalent of 12 New York Cities) of new power generation in the next four years to prevent price spikes and potential shortages. Only a limited set of technologies – solar, wind, batteries, and some natural gas – can be built at that scale in that timeframe.”

###

ABOUT ACORE

For over 20 years, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) has been the nation’s leading voice on the issues most essential to clean energy expansion. ACORE unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. For more information, please visit http://www.acore.org.

Media Contacts:
Stephanie Genco
Senior Vice President, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
genco@acore.org

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Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System?

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Frequent power outages, unreliable grid connection, sky-high electricity bills, and to top it off, your solar panels are exporting excess energy back to the grid, for a very low feed-in-tariff. 

Do all these scenarios sound familiar? Your answer might be yes! 

These challenges have become increasingly common across Australia, encouraging more and more homeowners to consider solar battery storage systems. 

Why? Because they want to take control of their energy, store surplus solar power, and reduce reliance on the grid.  

But then again, people often get perplexed, and their biggest question remains: Should I get a Solar Battery Storage System in Australia? 

Well, the answer can be yes in many cases, such as a battery can offer energy independence, ensure better bill savings, and provide peace of mind during unexpected power outages, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.  

There are circumstances where a battery may not be necessary or even cost-effective. 

In this guide, we’ll break down when it makes sense and all the pros and cons you need to know before making the investment.

Why You Need Battery Storage Now?

According to data, Australia has surpassed 3.9 million rooftop solar installations, generating more than 37 GW of PV capacity, which is about 20% of electricity in the National Electricity Market in 2024 and early 2025.  

Undoubtedly, the country’s strong renewable energy targets, sustainability goals, and the clean‑energy revolution have brought solar power affordability, but the next step in self‑reliance is battery storage. 

Data from The Guardian says that 1 in 5 new solar installs in 2025 now includes a home battery, versus 1 in 20 just a few years ago, representing a significant leap in adoption.  

Moreover, the recent launch of the Cheaper Home Batteries program has driven this uptake even further, with over 11,500 battery units installed in just the first three weeks from July 1, and around 1,000 installations per day. 

Overall, the Australian energy market is evolving rapidly. Average household battery size has climbed to about 17 kWh from 10–12 kWh previously.  

Hence, the experts are assuming that 10 GW of new battery capacity will be added over the next five years, competing with Australia’s current coal‑fired capacity.

What Am I Missing Out on Without Solar Batteries?

Honestly? You’re missing out on the best part of going solar. 

Renewable sources of energy like solar, hydro, and wind make us feel empowered. For example, solar batteries lower your electricity bills, minimize grid dependency, and also help to reduce your carbon footprint 

But here’s the catch! Without battery storage, you’re only halfway there! 

The true magic of solar power isn’t just in producing clean energy; it’s storing and using it efficiently.  

A solar battery lets you store excess energy and use it when the sun goes down or the grid goes out. It’s the key to real energy independence. Therefore, ultimately, getting a battery is what makes your solar system truly yours.

Why You Need Battery Storage Now

Here’s a list of what you’re missing out on without a solar battery: 

  1. Energy Independence 
  2. Batteries help you to stay powered even during blackouts or grid failures. With energy storage, you don’t have to think of fuel price volatility and supply-demand disruption in the  Australian energy market. 

  3. Maximized Savings  
  4. Adding a solar battery to your solar PV system allows you to use your own stored energy at night instead of repurchasing it at high rates. It also reduces grid pressure during peak hours, restoring grid stability. 

  5. Better Return on Investment ROI 
  6. Tired of Australian low feed-in-tariff rates 

    Make full use of your solar system by storing excess power at a low price rather than exporting it. Solar panel and battery systems can be a powerful duo for Australian households.  

  7. Lower Carbon Footprint 
  8. Despite the steady growth in solar, wind, and hydro, fossil fuels still dominate the grid. Fossil fuels supplied approximately 64% of Australia’s total electricity generation, while coal alone accounted for around 45%. 

    These stats highlight why solar battery storage is so valuable. By storing surplus solar energy, homeowners can reduce their reliance on a grid that still runs on coal and gas.  

  9. Peace of Mind 
  10. Enjoy 24/7 uninterrupted power, no matter what’s happening outside.  

    Besides powering urban homes and businesses, batteries also provide reliable power backup for off-grid living at night when your solar panel can’t produce, ensuring peace of mind. 

What Size Solar Battery Do I Need?

While choosing the battery size, it isn’t just about picking the biggest one you can afford; it’s about matching your household’s energy consumption pattern. There is no one-size battery that will make financial or functional sense for everyone. 

Nevertheless, if you have an average family of four with no exceptional power demands, you may get by with a 10kWh to 12kWh battery bank as a ready-to-roll backup system.  

Well, this is just an estimation, as we have no idea of your power needs, because selecting a battery is highly subjective to the household in question. 

With that being said, you can get a good idea of how much power you use on average by analyzing your electric bill copy. Also, keeping track of which appliances you use the most and which ones require the most power will help you.  

So, to figure out the ideal battery size for your home, you need to consider three most important things: 

  1. Your Daily Energy Usage

Check your electricity bill for your average daily consumption (in kWh). Most Australian homes use between 15 to 25 kWh per day. 

  1. Your Solar System Output

How much excess solar energy are you generating during the day? That’s the power you’ll store to use later rather than exporting. 

  1. Your Nighttime Power Usage

A battery is most useful at night or during grid outages. So, estimate how much power you typically use after sunset. However, by using a battery, you can also get the freedom of living off the grid. 

Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies! 

  • For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable. 
  • For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough. 
  • Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system. 
  • For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh. 

Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!  

Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies! 

  • For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable. 
  • For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough. 
  • Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system. 
  • For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh. 

Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help! 

How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?

How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost

Previously, you would have to pay between $3000 and $3600 for the battery alone, plus the cost of installation, for every kWh of solar battery storage.  

However, you can currently expect to pay between $1200 and $1400 for each kWh of solar battery storage. That is a price reduction of approximately 52%, and things will only get better from here. 

Does that imply solar batteries are cheap now? Not really, but the cost is well justified by the pros of having a battery storage system. 

Also, while paying for solar batteries, you have to consider many other factors like the type of battery, your solar panel system configurations and compatibility, brand, and installation partner.  

These will significantly influence the price range of battery storage. 

Is a Solar Battery Worth It | Pros and Cons at a Glance

It’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed while deciding to invest your hard-earned money in a battery.  

So, here we’ve listed the pros and cons of having a solar battery to help you in the decision-making process. 

Benefits of Solar Battery Storage 

  • Solar batteries help you become self-sustaining. 
  • You don’t have to care about power outages anymore 
  • In the event of any natural disaster, you will still have a power source 
  • Battery prices are dropping significantly as we speak 
  • During peak hours, grid electricity prices increase due to high demand; you can avoid paying a high price and use your battery. It’s essentially free energy, as solar generates energy from the sun. 
  • Reduced carbon footprint as the battery stores energy from a renewable source. 

Advantages of battery for the grid and national energy system: 

  • Batteries support Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). In 2025, consumers get financial bonuses (AUD 250‑400) for joining, plus grid benefits via distributed dispatchable power.  
  • Grid‑scale batteries like Victoria Big Battery or Hornsdale Power Reserve are increasing system resilience by storing large amounts of renewable energy and reducing blackout risk. 

Drawbacks of Solar Battery Storage 

  • One of the biggest barriers is that solar batteries have a high upfront cost, which makes installation harder for residents. 
  • Home batteries require physical space, proper ventilation, and can’t always be placed just anywhere, especially in smaller homes or apartments. 
  • Most batteries, like lithium-ion batteries, last 5 to 15 years, meaning they may need replacement during your solar system’s lifetime. 
  • While many systems are low-maintenance, some may require software updates, monitoring, or even professional servicing over time. 
  • Battery production involves mining and processing materials like lithium or lead, which raise environmental and ethical concerns.   

Should You Buy a Solar Battery?: Here’s the Final Call!

You should consider buying a solar battery if several key factors align with your situation.  

First, it’s a strong financial move if you live in a state where federal and state incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost. This can make the investment far more affordable.  

A solar battery can be especially worthwhile if you value having backup power during outages, lowering your electricity bills, and gaining a measure of energy independence from the grid.  

Additionally, you should be comfortable with taking a few extra steps to get the most value out of your system, such as joining a virtual power plant (VPP), which allows your battery to participate in grid services in exchange for modest returns.  

Finally, it’s worth noting that rebates decline annually, and early adopters get the most value.  

Takeaway Thoughts

Installing a solar battery in Australia in mid‑2025 offers substantial financial, environmental, and energy‑security benefits, especially if you qualify for multiple subsidies and have good solar capacity.  

With rebates shrinking after 2025 and demand surging, early movers stand to benefit most. 

By helping balance the grid and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, home battery adoption contributes significantly to Australia’s national goals of 82% renewable energy by 2030 

It’s not just about savings; it’s about being part of a smarter, cleaner, more resilient electricity future for Australia. 

Looking for CEC-accredited local installers?  

Contact us today for any of your solar needs. We’d be happy to assist!  

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Renewable Energy

Wine Grapes and Climate Change

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I just spoke with a guy in the wine industry, and I asked him how, if at all, climate change is affecting what we does.

From his perspective, it’s the horrific wildfires whose smoke imbues (or “taints”) the grapes with an unpleasant flavor that needs to be modified, normally by creative methods of blending.

Wine Grapes and Climate Change

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