The South Australian Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, has launched two new community batteries in Edwardstown and Magill.
These 405 kilowatts-hour (kWh) battery storage systems aim to provide energy bill relief by storing and utilising more affordable solar energy for around 600 eligible SA Housing Trust households.
Expect say these systems could save approximately $550 annually through an exclusive energy plan offering a retail tariff 25 per cent below the state’s Default Market Offer.
This initiative, under the Community Batteries for Household Solar program, represents an ongoing national push toward accessible renewable energy.
According to the Federal Government, while rooftop solar powers one in three Australian homes, fewer than one in forty homes have battery storage.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the rollout of community batteries is vital to making sure that everyone can share the benefits of renewable energy by storing rooftop solar energy during the day and dispatching at night where it’s needed.
“The rain isn’t constantly falling, yet we always have water on tap because it’s stored for when we need it – and batteries like the ones in Edwardstown and Magill will do the same thing for reliable renewable energy,” Bowen said.
The Federal Government said it has committed to deploying over 420 community batteries nationwide as part of a $200 million program, with $171 million managed through ARENA.
These batteries are expected to ultimately benefit up to 10,000 SA Housing Trust tenants through reduced energy tariffs.
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