In a move that could help millions of Australians manage their soaring electricity bills, Aldi is expanding its solar program to New South Wales, Queensland, and the ACT. After a successful trial in Victoria, the supermarket chain is now offering affordable solar panel packages to households across the country, with the promise of significant long-term savings.
With electricity prices rising sharply in recent years, Australian consumers are seeking alternatives to ease the financial burden of their power bills. Aldi’s solar initiative has arrived at a crucial time, offering an affordable solution to energy costs, and aims to empower households with a sustainable energy future.
Aldi’s Solar Packages: Affordable and Accessible
Aldi’s entry into the solar market marks a new chapter in its efforts to offer more than just groceries. The solar packages, which have already proven popular in Victoria, are designed to be both cost-effective and accessible. According to Aldi Australia’s Group Director, Simon Padovani-Ginies, the program aims to “put power back in the hands of households ready to take control of their energy costs.”
There are two main solar package options available:
- For $6,999, customers can get 15 solar panels (each 440W), two 5kWh batteries, and a 5.5kW inverter.
- For those willing to invest a little more, a $8,499 package offers the same number of solar panels and inverter but includes double the battery capacity (two 10kWh batteries).
The pricing covers installation and blackout protection, with certified professionals handling the setup. For many, the upfront cost may seem steep, but the promise of significant long-term savings could make this a wise investment. According to Aldi, a home in south-west Sydney could save over $3,600 on energy bills annually by switching to solar, with the payback period typically ranging between two to two and a half years.
Why Solar is Gaining Popularity in Australia
Australia’s energy market has faced significant price hikes, with recent reports indicating power bills have increased by as much as 9.7%, or an additional $280 per year for households, according to Finder. This financial strain has led many Australians to look for alternatives to traditional electricity services.
For example, tradie Neil Westgarth shared how installing solar panels allowed him to escape a $1,500 quarterly electricity bill. He now pays only between $59 and $240 per quarter, despite having spent $11,000 on the two 20kWh batteries installed. With the federal government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program offering a 30% discount on battery installations, the investment becomes even more attractive for homeowners looking to reduce their energy costs.
The uptake of solar energy has been notably high, with more than 22% of Australians surveyed by Finder citing solar panels as the most effective method for reducing household energy costs. With more than 1,000 Australians participating in the survey, it’s clear that solar adoption is becoming an essential tool in the fight against rising power prices.
Expanding Access to Solar Power
Aldi’s solar offer is now open for pre-orders, with installations slated to begin in November. Selected postcodes in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra will be eligible for the program, enabling a wide range of households to take advantage of the offer.
Aldi’s move into the solar sector, alongside its other non-grocery ventures like Aldi Mobile and Aldi Insurance, is a sign of the growing interest in sustainable, cost-saving solutions for Australian consumers.
