Batteries are rapidly becoming a common component in Australia’s shift towards cleaner energy sources, found not only within households but also integrated into the nation's electrical grid.
Approximately one out of every five newly installed solar systems now incorporates a home battery, up from one in twenty in 2021, as per recent statistics shared by Jeff Sykes, the CEO of the comparison site Solar Choice.
This has been fueled by a significant amount growth in the significance of large-scale batteries And an increasing number of Australians are opting for home batteries to stash electricity produced from solar panels, aiming to lessen their dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
Those interested in utilizing battery systems can rejoice as their affordability and simpler setup are becoming more appealing for residential use.
The advantages of utilizing batteries in city environments
Glen Currie, residing in a century-old timber home in Boroondara within Melbourne’s east, added a new battery when upgrading his two-decade-old 5kW solar setup to a more advanced 10kW solar configuration.
He mounted the battery on the wall in a shaded area on the eastern part of his building near the solar inverters, thereby eliminating the necessity for cumbersome cable runs.
Currie mentions that one of the aspects he appreciates about the new battery is the accompanying smartphone application, which lets him monitor the daily inflow of power. "We are setting aside funds for an electric vehicle, and once we have it, we'll be capable of using all that surplus solar energy to recharge the car," he explains.
Currie advises individuals to invest in a battery prior to getting solar panels. This approach allows them to save power from the grid during cheaper hours and use their stored energy when rates rise.
This task is straightforward for your installer to complete and can also be configured at a later time.
Are you located in an area with an inconsistent power supply?
For certain individuals, batteries serve a distinctly utilitarian purpose aside from aiming to lessen their environmental impact. Those residing in remote regions frequently encounter unreliable electricity supply from the mains network; thus, possessing a reliable battery becomes essential.
Based on Lance Turner from Renew When considering a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing climate and energy resilience for Australian residences, there are multiple aspects to evaluate prior to having a battery installed at your home.
"It's crucial to confirm that the installation system can provide the necessary level of power and energy needed during blackouts," he states, noting that not all batteries are equipped for grid support. Some might only run essential devices such as fridges, making it essential to seek clarification.
Sykes emphasizes that a crucial factor is having an adequate number of solar panels to complement your selected battery. "The aim should be for it to charge primarily through excess solar energy all year round, even during winter when there’s less daylight."
Latest models simplifying home installation processes and reducing costs.
Home batteries have seen slow, incremental improvements in safety, cost reduction and ease of installation as lithium-based technology has developed, according to Finn Peacock, author of the Good Solar Guide and founder of Solar Quotes website.
"The pace of decrease in costs for home batteries has been maddeningly gradual, but it’s finally beginning to pick up speed," he notes.
A key advancement highlighted by Peacock is the shift towards 'all-in-one' modular systems that integrate a solar inverter within the battery setup. According to Peacock, this represents the optimal choice for customers because there’s no immediate necessity to purchase an additional battery; these can be incorporated subsequently at considerably lower expense.
Large-scale batteries are crucial for Australia’s shift towards renewable energy.
Australia was the pioneer nation for large-scale battery technology with the introduction of the Hornsdale Power Reserve in South Australia. started operating its 100 MW Tesla battery in November 2017 to stabilize the power grid and prevent blackouts.
Since then, advancements have decelerated, yet Victoria remains. recently announced A $370 million, 100 MW battery will be built alongside a solar farm in the western part of the state. Although large-scale batteries have advanced significantly recently, Sykes notes this is primarily due to their more favorable revenue structure compared to residential batteries since they connect to the wholesale market.
“To transition Australia completely to renewable energy sources, sufficient energy storage capacity must be established,” states Peacock. “Although pumped hydro systems were historically used for this purpose, utility firms now overwhelmingly favor large-scale batteries because they can be deployed quickly, offer greater adaptability, provide swift responses, along with continuously decreasing expenses.”
