An electricity utility firm has become the first to install a Tesla lithium-ion home energy storage unit at its Australian facility as the country gears itself up for a long-term strategy to manage network demand.
Queensland-based Energex has installed a Powerwall and another storage system from Californian company Sunverge at its Brisbane training facility as it investigates how to integrate solar batteries into the network with financial incentives for customers.
The installation is part of a year-long trial into how consumers can cut their reliance on the grid. However, concerns about the financial benefits are ongoing, with some estimates stating the time to recoup investment in a Powerwall could range from 17 to 26 years.
The move follows lobbying of Tesla executives in the US by the Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk six months ago.
Palaszcuk said: “New technologies like solar battery storage will dominate the next phase of the solar energy industry, and with it a whole new opportunity for new jobs.
“The energy network will look very different 20 years from now. Queensland is perfectly placed to take advantage and ensure we can make the most of those future job opportunities.”
