In 2022, the Australian Federal Government provided $200 million for the Community Batteries for Household Solar Program to deploy 400 community batteries across Australia. A community battery stores excess solar power for sharing back with the local community for a reduced price. It’s a win-win for Aussie energy customers.
What is a community battery?
Community battery energy storage systems are installed in a central location such as a park, substation, or power pole. They work like big rechargeable batteries for storing excess electricity generated from solar panels during the day. Energy is then shared by multiple households or small businesses within a community.
Large community battery storage capacity benefits everyone involved. Community battery electricity can be supplied to the local community during periods of peak energy demand or when renewable sources aren’t producing. Community batteries play a key role in allowing our network to transition to a clean energy future by taking full advantage of rooftop solar systems.
Why do we need community batteries?
Australia has the ideal climate for a high uptake of rooftop solar energy systems, with more than 3.5 million Australian homes having solar panels. Although encouraging, a new challenge has been created. Excess solar creates electricity network congestion, slowing down the electricity grid — comparable to a traffic jam on a freeway. The Australian government’s community batteries scheme is the solution for a smooth energy transition to renewables.
How does the system work?
The benefits of community batteries are shared with the local community, even those who don’t have solar panels installed. If you’re eligible to access a community battery at your postcode, but don’t have solar, you can still use a set amount of community battery energy daily and receive a rebate on your energy use. People with solar panels will save even more on electricity bills.
A community battery stores your excess solar energy, so you won’t need to install your own household battery. Excess solar up to a set amount is stored and available for use when you need it. Eligible community battery users receive credits every billing cycle for the exported energy. It’s estimated that homes with solar could save up to $260 per year, and those without solar could save more than $180 per year.
A quick recap — community batteries:
- Store excess rooftop generated solar energy during the day.
- Discharge energy for peak time energy demand when solar systems aren’t generating.
- Support the transition to clean and renewable energy without harmful emissions.
- Deliver maximum value from rooftop solar systems.
- Maximise residential energy generation through increased hosting capacity.
- Allow customers who can’t afford batteries (or solar) to access the benefits.
- Allow local communities to generate, store and consume solar energy.
- Let you keep the power on during electricity outages.
Comparing community battery energy plans
In the deregulated Australian energy market, energy providers and retailers are highly competitive, including retailers with community battery projects. Energy customers in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and other Australian regions can compare the best available plans in minutes using the GoSwitch energy price comparison service. Your tailored energy plan may include neighbourhood battery power and other features such as:
- Fixed price, time-of-use, controlled load, and other tariff types
- Bundle-deals for gas and electricity
- Sign-up incentives, discounts, and rebates
- No lock-in contracts; No exit fees
- Smart Meter reading for fine-tuning household energy use.
- Carbon offsets, solar feed-in tariffs, and community batteries
- Direct debit credit card and other monthly billing options
- Business tariffs for small business customers and electric vehicle owners
Fine-tune your energy price comparison
Many factors impact electricity bills in a fluid electricity market, and it can quickly get complex and confusing searching alone for the best deal. The GoSwitch search tool changes all that. You get real-time search results for the best offers and initiatives from Australia’s leading energy retailers. You can also discuss options and preferences with a GoSwitch energy expert. Best of all, the GoSwitch service is 100% free to use and the savings are yours to keep.
Switch electricity retailers with GoSwitch
Are you looking for a better energy deal, considering another provider, or relocating to a new address? If so, now is the perfect time to compare great deals from leading electricity and gas retailers. The GoSwitch energy retailer price comparison search engine gets results in seconds, and you can switch to a new electricity retailer in a few simple steps:
- Get started – Create an energy usage profile for your household using your postcode.
- Compare energy deals – Use the GoSwitch energy retailer price comparison search tool.
- Set up and save – Your GoSwitch consultant can help you make the switch, stress-free.
It’s that easy to change energy retailers for a new plan that includes community battery power. Make the switch to a better deal with GoSwitch to potentially save hundreds of dollars annually on energy bills.
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