Western Australia to legalise plug-in solar panels and batteries
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The Western Australia government started consultations to create safety standards for plug-in solar panels and batteries. This move makes the state the first in Australia to legalise the technology, which allows residents to connect solar devices directly into standard power outlets.
The state government aims to ensure these devices do not overload power circuits. The move allows renters and apartment residents to access solar energy without needing to install permanent panels on a roof.
These systems, often called balcony solar, work by feeding power into a home network through an inverter and a standard plug. The Western Australia government estimates that a typical plug-in system could save a household $240 a year on electricity bills, or up to $500 if a battery is included. The community organisation Solar Citizens claims the savings could be even higher, reaching up to $400 a year for a panel alone and double that for a battery.
Because the units are portable, renters can take them with them when they move. To complete the rollout, the government will need to coordinate with landlords and body corporates to permit the installation of these devices on balconies or in backyards. While Western Australia leads the way, other countries like the United Kingdom and New Zealand are also moving toward legalising similar systems.
