The Queensland government has recently announced the trial of 5 new solar battery storage sites across the state. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the new sites in response to growing solar uptake across the state.
“Because Queensland has one of the highest levels of rooftop solar uptake in the world, we want to make sure we’re using this important source of renewable energy in the right way, and our network is keeping up with demand,” the Premier said.
The new sites
Primarily focused on Queensland Energy-owned sites have been identified for trial because deployment can occur quickly, and also because these areas have the highest penetration of solar on the network. The new solar battery storage trials will occur at:
- Black River Substation – Townsville
- Tanby Substation – Yeppoon
- Bargara Substation – Bundaberg
- Torquay Substation – Hervey Bay
- Torrington Substation – Toowoomba
The network-connected sites will have the capacity to store 40MWh of solar energy, and the Premier stated the excess renewable power generated by Queenslanders will be stored for sustainable use, which includes capturing the low-cost renewable energy during the day to distribute into the market in the high-use peak periods.
Why is solar battery storage important?
Solar battery storage is important in order to harness the full power of the sun. The larger electricity network is similar to the average home in many ways. If solar energy flows into the main grid, it needs to be distributed throughout the network immediately, or it is wasted. With battery storage options, solar energy can be held for use when it is needed.
Queensland leading the way
The state of Queensland continues to lead the way in rooftop solar uptake, with nearly 1 in 3 homes having solar panels. If the battery storage trials are successful, Energy Minister Nick de Brenni said there would be more on the way. Queensland is aiming to achieve 50% renewable energy by 2030, and battery storage such as the new sites in Townsville, Yeppoon, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Toowoomba may be crucial in reaching those targets.
Looking for Queensland solar energy?
Accord Electrical offers a whole range of off-grid solar energy packages to suit all families and all budgets. We carefully analyse your energy usage patterns to determine the best solar options for your household. We also offer battery storage solutions if you want to escape the power companies for good! Contact us today and find out how we can help you save money with clean, green energy from the sun.
