Households pin hopes on solar power batteries
A NEW poll has found most Australians expect batteries that store renewable electricity to be a key foundation for affordable, reliable energy.
The national ReachTel survey of 1928 Australians found that 74% of them thought such batteries would become commonplace in homes in the next decade.
When asked what was the key motivation for adding a battery to rooftop solar power systems, more than half said to “reduce power bills”.
“Australians love rooftop solar, and most now expect home battery storage to be as commonplace as dishwashers in our homes in a decade,” said Climate Council chief executive Amanda McKenzie.
“Rising energy prices and a lack of a federal energy plan are driving many people to take back control of energy. We’re getting smart to the fact that our energy system is changing.”
More than a third (38%) of the respondents said they already owned rooftop solar and 68% would consider adding a battery to their solar power set-up.
Dr Matt Stocks, a Research Fellow at the Australian National University, said there was an increasing understanding that storage would play a key role in modernising the nation’s energy system.
“This is in line with our modelling that shows that wind and solar photovoltaics, along with pumped hydro storage and improved transmission, can deliver emissions-free electricity 24/7, at costs lower than what the National Energy Market delivers today,” Dr Stocks said.