Tenants and apartment residents could save hundreds of dollars on power bills under a plan by Western Australia to legalise plug-in solar panels and batteries in a national first.
WA Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson is set to announce the move today, with the state government exploring safety standards before introducing legislation.
Known as balcony solar, the technology has become hugely popular overseas, particularly in Germany, where the panels are sold at places such as Ikea.
Well-suited to renters and apartment dwellers, the system plugs into a standard wall socket and, unlike traditional rooftop solar, can be taken with residents when they move house.
The panels can be mounted on balconies or set up in backyards, provided they receive sufficient sunlight.
The state government estimates an average plug-in solar system could save households $240 a year on power bills, or $500 when paired with a battery.
A basic panel system typically costs up to $1300, with plug-in batteries incurring an additional cost.
In September, Australia’s energy ministers agreed to investigate how the technology could be safely rolled out nationwide.
WA has since become the first state to take the next step, announcing consultation on safety standards, including measures to prevent circuits from overloading.
Sanderson is expected to unveil the initiative at the CEDA Energy Outlook lunch in Perth today.
“For too long, the benefits of cheap solar have been out of reach for anyone who doesn’t own their roof,” she said .
“That isn’t fair, and the Cook Labor government is doing something about it. I’m proud that our state is leading the nation on this issue – millions of European households already use these systems every day, and WA families should be able to do the same.”
Sanderson said Western Australians were taking up rooftop solar and batteries in record numbers, adding: “This will ensure even more families can see the savings from the energy transition.”
According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics census data, almost one-third of Australians rent their homes, live in apartments or are connected to private energy networks.
A University of NSW report found plug-in solar systems could save households hundreds of dollars each year, though the exact savings will vary.
“The exact benefits depend on what kind of home you have and how you use energy,” the report stated.
“Australian rental and strata laws are a major barrier to adopting plug-in systems. These laws give landlords and body-corporates – legal bodies that manage shared property such as an apartment block – more control over building upgrades than the people living in the homes.
“However, Germany has changed its rules to empower households. For example, German landlords and body-corporates can’t unreasonably block plug‑in balcony solar systems, say if they simply don’t like how the systems look.”
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