Western Australia is set to become the first Australian state to legalise plug-in solar and batteries, beginning consultation on safety standards and integration.
In September, Australia’s energy ministers agreed to work towards making plug-in solar and batteries available to all Australians, exploring pathways to support their safe deployment.
Overseas, plug-in solar and batteries are widely used in Great Britain, Germany, and many American states by renters, low-income households, and those living in apartments.
Related article: Aussies could soon plug in solar and battery systems
Plug-in solar refers to small solar units that can be plugged into power points to help offset the cost of fridges, TVs, and other appliances. They can be attached to apartment balconies or installed in backyards and can be taken by renters when they move to other residences. They do not require electricians to install the appliances.
“For too long, the benefits of cheap solar have been out of reach for anyone who doesn’t own their roof. That isn’t fair,” Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said.
Experts say Western Australia’s move to allow plug-in solar could be the first step towards a national shift, opening renewable energy to renters and apartment residents traditionally locked out of rooftop solar.
However, Swinburne University of Technology energy expert Professor Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian said getting the safety and regulatory settings right would be critical.
“Western Australia’s move to allow plug-in solar panels and batteries is a positive step towards making renewable energy more accessible and affordable, particularly for renters and apartment residents who have traditionally been excluded from rooftop solar,” he says.
“While these systems are relatively small and their contribution to overall electricity generation will be limited, they can help households reduce their daytime electricity consumption from the grid and lower energy bills.
“As adoption increases, network operators will also need to understand the cumulative impacts of these systems on local voltage and power quality.
Related article: Australia backs plan to double world’s solar homes by 2030
“With appropriate national standards and regulatory frameworks, I believe this approach could be successfully adopted in other states, including Victoria.
“Ultimately, the key is to enable innovation and greater consumer participation without compromising the safety and reliability of our electricity networks.”
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