SA Power Networks to conduct trial of combined solar PV and batteries

SA Power Networks (Adelaide, Australia), the operator of the South Australian electricity distribution network, will deploy about 100 Tesla Energy and Samsung batteries in Salisbury in Australia’s largest trial of combined solar and energy storage in an established suburb.

The unique trial will get underway in June 2016 and will test the benefits of combining solar and battery storage to avoid the need to build additional network infrastructure to meet growth in local electricity demand in an existing residential area.

“In the next few years we will need to act to meet localised demand growth in Salisbury,” said Paul Roberts, Manager Stakeholder Relations.

“We want to work with customers to avoid the need to invest in new poles and wires. Instead of building a new power line, we would like to see whether we can defer or avoid that by tapping into local solar PV generation and combining this with energy storage.”

Financial support in purchasing batteries, PV panels

In a once-only offer, eligible customers will receive significant financial assistance in purchasing batteries (and solar panels if required), and also are guaranteed a minimum USD 500 per annum in savings on their electricity bill.

“Combinations of solar PV, battery storage and grid connections are the future of energy provision. With the right settings and approach they will provide benefits for customers and to us as managers of the network and also help contain long–term network costs for customers.

source:http://www.solarserver.com