Queensland has long been recognised as a leader in renewable energy, and it’s hardly surprising considering the well-known moniker it holds as ‘The Sunshine State’. With plenty of sun, solar energy is an extremely worthwhile investment, and that’s already been evidenced by the state’s record numbers of rooftop solar installations.
But in a new move, Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Minister Mick de Brenni has announced a $10 million initiative to bring neighbourhood solar batteries to Queensland.
What are neighbourhood batteries?
While the name suggests there will be free solar energy available for everybody in a neighbourhood, that’s not quite right. However, there are definite benefits for homeowners located in specific regions.
Neighbourhood batteries, in this case, will be installed by Energex and operated by Origin Energy in the wholesale energy market. Ideally, the batteries are intended to hold cheap, excess energy generated by the equivalent of around 600 rooftop solar installations. The energy will be captured during the day, but the benefit is in the energy’s deployment.
This energy will be deployed into the market during peak hours (in the evening), with a view that the batteries will help to drive down energy prices during those times.
Where are the batteries?
Currently, the $10 million dollar initiative involves installing 35 batteries across various locations in the Ipswich region. Energex has already trialled the technology, and the first batteries are expected to be rolled out shortly. The early target areas are Goodna, Booval and Redbank Plains in locations known for high solar energy generation.
In addition to the obvious benefits where energy prices are concerned, the project is also expected to generate jobs. The batteries are being manufactured by Pixii in Darra and EcoJoule in Loganholme, providing an added boost for local businesses. Plus, with the major player being Energex, a publicly owned company, the initiative is being seen as a win for local communities and Queenslanders.
Looking for solar battery storage solutions?
Accord Electrical are your local experts for all things solar. Whether you want a standard on-grid solar panel system or you’d like to also add battery storage, we can help. We’ve got a range of packages available for all budgets and all household sizes. Plus, with a free quote, we can analyse your energy consumption to show you just how much you can save with solar. If you’re ready to join the clean energy revolution and save money in the process, contact Accord Electrical today.
