SA Power Networks has announced it will roll out 100 heavily subsidised battery systems in the Adelaide suburb of Salisbury.
Formally launched yesterday afternoon at the Energy Networks 2016 conference, the program will use Tesla Powerwall battery systems and a Samsung energy storage product.
The trial is being run to determine if combining solar and battery storage can help SA Power Networks avoid the expense of building additional electricity infrastructure to service growing demand in an existing residential area.
“We want to work with customers to avoid the need to invest in new poles and wires. Instead of building a new power line, we would like to see whether we can defer or avoid that by tapping into local solar PV generation and combining this with energy storage,” said Paul Roberts, Manager Stakeholder Relations.
No doubt as the news gets around Salisbury, SA Power Networks will be inundated with enquiries. It says a targeted group of customers in the suburb will approached regarding the trial and letters will be sent out in the next few weeks.
Solar panels are a common sight on rooftops in Salisbury; which is situated north-east of Adelaide’s central business district. There are approximately 4,040 installations in Salisbury’s postcode, totaling 1.2MW of capacity.
According to solar provider Energy Matters, a good quality 5.3kW solar power system incorporating a Tesla Powerwall installed in Adelaide can return a financial benefit of up to $3,063 annually, depending on installation scenario and household electricity consumption profile.
“Combinations of solar PV, battery storage and grid connections are the future of energy provision,” said Mr. Roberts. “With the right settings and approach they will provide benefits for customers and to us as managers of the network and also help contain long–term network costs for customers.”
Another battery system subsidy available in the Adelaide region is through Adelaide City Council, which launched Australia’s first energy storage incentive in June last year. The Council is offering CBD businesses, residents, schools and community groups up to $5,000 for installing battery systems and up to $5,000 to install solar panels.
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