Strong Interest In Residential Solar And Batteries Continues In Australia

Energy Consumers Australia’s third national survey indicates 30% of Australian households intend installing solar panels and 36% will purchase battery storage in the next 5 years.

The survey also found households continue to feel that services such as banking, internet and even gas offer better value for money than Australia’s electricity market, with only 48% indicating a positive rating for electricity.

Just 33% of households indicated confidence the overall market  is working in their long-term interests, 41% had a neutral attitude and 26% indicated a negative outlook.

It’s not surprising then that such a large percentage of respondents said they intend installing battery storage and/or solar power systems over the next few years. It’s worth noting the survey was carried out before recent substantial electricity price hikes and feed in tariff increases were announced.

Other findings indicate while Australians appear to remain confident in their capacity to choose energy products and services, around half of households said they have never switched electricity retailers or plans. Households also appear to be less confident concerning the availability of easily understood information and tools relating to managing energy use and costs.

Energy Consumers Australia CEO Rosemary Sinclair said the feedback showed the Finkel Review Report recommendations need to implemented in a “speedy and independent way” in order to rebuild community confidence in the electricity market.

“The Energy Consumer Sentiment Survey results also underscore the importance of the ACCC Inquiry into electricity supply and pricing, and an in-depth review of the structure and performance of the market.”

The survey of 2019 households took place in late March and early April. Of those surveyed, a quarter already had rooftop solar panels installed and 14% had solar hot water system installations.

The Energy Consumer Sentiment Survey key findings for households can be viewed here (PDF). More detailed information is available in the Essential Research Report, June 2017 (PDF).

Energy Consumers Australia was created by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) as an independent organisation, promoting the long-term interests of households and businesses with respect to the price, quality, safety, reliability and security of supply of energy services.