{"id":18907,"date":"2018-02-05T05:32:23","date_gmt":"2018-02-04T19:02:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/?p=18907"},"modified":"2020-01-16T16:32:58","modified_gmt":"2020-01-16T06:02:58","slug":"solar-powerwall-sa-mb0445","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-powerwall-sa-mb0445\/","title":{"rendered":"50,000 SA Homes To Get Solar Panels + Tesla Powerwall 2"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Elon

South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill and Tesla’s Elon Musk | Image via Facebook<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

The South Australian Government has again teamed up with Tesla, this time to install 5kW solar power systems, Powerwall 2 batteries and smart meters on 50,000 homes – at no cost to households – as the next step in its Energy Plan.<\/p>\n

How Will The Virtual Power Plant Program Work?<\/h2>\n

In what’s been called the world\u2019s largest virtual power plant project, participants will have the solar + storage systems installed gratis, but will pay for the electricity produced and mains grid electricity consumed under a special plan provided by a single retailer. Who that retailer will be is yet to be determined.<\/p>\n

Surplus electricity generated by the systems will be dispatched to the grid and energy stored in the Powerwall 2 batteries will be released to the grid as required.<\/p>\n

The 50,000 centrally-controlled solar + storage systems will work together to generate, store and export electricity; acting as a 250MW\/650MWh virtual power plant.<\/p>\n

How Much Will Participants Save?<\/h2>\n

The SA Government says analysis by Frontier Economics shows the program is expected to lower energy bills for participating households by 30 per cent, based on a current electricity cost of approximately 40c\/kWh. The reduction is based on all electricity consumed, not just that generated by the solar panels. However, participants’ mileage will vary depending on their circumstances and consumption habits.<\/p>\n

Who Will Get The Systems?<\/h2>\n

Those to receive solar panels and batteries initially will be 1,100 Housing Trust properties. Assuming this phase is successful, all Housing Trust owned properties (~24,000) that are suitable for systems will have them installed, but there is scope for a tenant to object.<\/p>\n

Private properties will be eligible to begin participating in 2019 at this stage. Non-Housing Trust households will need to apply and then go through a selection process – not everyone who applies will necessarily receive a system.<\/p>\n

In the case of private properties, there may also be options to provide an up-front payment for further discounts on electricity and to also assume ownership of a system after a certain time (these aspects are still rather vague).<\/p>\n

It is expected completion of rollout of all solar + storage systems will be in 4.5 years. Prioritising of installs is yet to be finalised and there is scope for additional households beyond the estimated 50,000 to participate.<\/p>\n

What Are The Broader Benefits?<\/h2>\n

As well as benefiting the South Australian households with solar panels and battery systems installed, the Government states the virtual power plant will boost the state’s energy security and bring more competition into the state’s energy market, placing downward pressure on energy prices for all. The program will also generate work for local solar installers and offer some South Australian manufacturers opportunities for involvement.<\/p>\n

What Is Tesla’s Role Aside From Battery Supplier?<\/h2>\n

Tesla is responsible for the installation of the solar + storage systems (the installers they’ll use are yet to be named) and will liaise directly with households in most cases. Post-install, most communications will be with the yet-to-be-named plant operator.<\/p>\n

How Much Will It Cost The Government (Taxpayers)?<\/h2>\n

All things considered, not a huge amount. The virtual power plant will be privately owned and operated. The Weatherill Government is chipping in with a $2 million grant and $30 million loan from the Renewable Technology Fund. The rest of the $800 million needed for the project is to come from investors.<\/p>\n

Households wanting to learn more and register their interest in the Virtual Power Plant program can do so here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Wait For A “Freebie” Or Go Solar Now?<\/h2>\n

Saving 30% on a power bill isn’t chicken feed, assuming those savings are realised. For those in Housing Trust homes, it’s certainly better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. However, for private property participants in a position to buy through various other arrangements, they may be leaving a bunch of money on the table. A good quality, properly installed 5kW solar system<\/a> purchased outright (and without a battery) may offer a better value proposition.<\/p>\n

The Virtual Power Plant initiative is a financed program, and finance must be paid for – in this case through the cost of electricity (albeit reduced).<\/p>\n

Those who:<\/p>\n