WA set to become first state to legalise plug-in solar panels, batteries

Western Australia is poised to become the first jurisdiction in Australia to legalise plug-in solar panels and batteries, a move that could make solar energy accessible to renters and apartment dwellers who previously lacked the means to harness solar power. The consultation on a safety standard for these devices, which allows them to plug into regular power points without the need for an electrician, marks a significant step forward in the state's push for renewable energy adoption.

Australia's energy ministers recently agreed to explore how to safely roll out plug-in solar systems nationwide. This initiative is set to benefit renters and apartment residents by potentially saving them hundreds of dollars annually on electricity bills. The technology, often referred to as "balcony solar" and popular in Europe and the UK, involves panels installed on balconies or in backyards, typically costing up to $1,300 plus the additional expense of a plug-in battery.

Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson emphasized that the benefits of affordable solar energy have been historically inaccessible to those without roof ownership, deeming this inequitable. Plug-in solar systems, which generate power through an inverter and standard plug, enable households to offset their electricity consumption, potentially saving $240 per year, or up to $500 with a battery included.

While industry experts suggest a payback period of four to 10 years, community groups argue that the savings could be as high as $300-400 per year with a battery.

Solar Citizens, a group advocating for the technology, projected that an average plug-in solar panel could yield savings of $300-400 yearly, a figure that could double with a plug-in battery. Importantly, renters can also benefit from these systems, as they can be moved when the occupant relocates. Western Australian households have already embraced solar and battery storage in record numbers, with over 40% of homes in the South West Interconnected System already equipped with solar panels.

The state government now faces the challenge of securing the cooperation of landlords and body corporates to facilitate the installation of plug-in solar systems on balconies and in backyards. This move aligns Western Australia with other nations embracing the technology, such as the UK, which legalized plug-in solar earlier in the year, and New Zealand, which aims to do the same within 12 months. Germany, a global leader in solar adoption, has an estimated one in ten households with a plug-in solar system installed.