The threat of heatwave related blackouts in Australia is another reason households are contemplating increased energy independence through the installation of solar and battery systems.
Recent heatwave conditions in South Australia have seen wholesale electricity prices soar past $14,000 per megawatt hour at times – that’s $14 per kilowatt hour. Demand was such on Wednesday night that load-shedding took place in the state even though capacity was apparently available, with blackouts affecting tens of thousands of households.
Problems with mains grid electricity supply in heatwave conditions aren’t confined to South Australia and shouldn’t be blamed squarely on renewables. Coal-reliant New South Wales also reportedly faces a potential rolling blackout scenario this afternoon. Various issues affecting Australia’s “dumb grid” could increasingly become a threat to energy security – and not just in summer.
Yesterday, South Australia’s Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis warned SA’s electricity challenges were “coming to a city near you on the eastern seaboard soon”.
While the finger-pointing and blame game continues and no doubt will do so for some time to come, more Australians are taking energy security and independence into their own hands with solar and storage.
As we mentioned after SA’s massive storm-related blackout last year, not all battery systems can be utilised as blackout insurance. The good news is there are a couple of add-on options that will be available very soon for some of the popular new generation battery systems.
Energy Matters says it is now taking orders for the additional component required for the new Tesla Powerwall 2 to provide power during a blackout. The automatic disconnect switch will make this highly sought-after battery system even more attractive.
Leading German battery manufacturer Sonnen has indicated the Sonnen Protect add-on will enable blackout power capabilities – and it should be available in the second quarter of this year. According to the company, it can be easily retrofitted to existing sonnenBatterie Eco installations. The German-made sonnenBatterie Eco is Europe’s best-selling home battery system and is also gaining popularity in Australia.
Solar battery systems aren’t just helpful to solar owners in making the most of their valuable rooftop generated electricity. An article recently published on The Conversation describes how homes fitted with solar power systems and batteries can help protect Australia’s vulnerable electricity grids.
The first home energy revolution in Australia was all about solar panels – the next will be around energy-efficient smart homes with solar and storage as a centrepiece technology; which could be of benefit to all.
Related:
