Home Solar Batteries – What You Need to Know

batteries canberra

Home solar batteries have come a long way since they first burst onto the scene. What was once a product reserved for tech/eco-enthusiasts has become an economically rational option for many Australian households.

Single-use alkaline and rechargeable batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 6V and 9V) as well as button cells and rechargeable batteries from cameras and power tools can be recycled at Coles, Woolworths and Officeworks stores. Check with the store to see if they have in-store battery recycling units.

Cost

Big batteries store energy when there’s less demand and can distribute it when it’s needed, typically in the early evenings when the sun is no longer shining. The ACT has also commissioned neighbourhood-scale batteries to support individual sites, including the first behind-the-meter battery in the all-electric suburb of Jacka.

The ACT government’s Next Generation Energy Storage Grants scheme offers Canberra households and small businesses up to $4,125 for a battery system that can provide a minimum of five kilowatts of continuous power. This subsidy is higher than South Australia’s maximum of $6,000 but only applies to grid-connected homes.

Batteries of all sizes are a fire hazard and should never be put in garbage or recycling bins, even dead batteries can spark when they rub together in a bin and cause fires in waste trucks and recycling facilities. Instead, recycle them through the Battery 4 Planet Ark program, which has a network of workplaces across Australia where you can drop off your empty batteries for safe collection.

Energy Savings

Battery storage is an important part of a renewable energy system. It can reduce a site’s electricity bills by storing excess solar energy for use when the sun is not shining, and help to stabilise the electricity grid during peak demand periods. It can also help to plug gaps in wind and solar production.

Residential and behind-the-meter batteries store the energy produced by a home’s solar panels and can reduce the need for backup power. Grid batteries, which are larger than household units, store the energy from renewable sources and provide power to a network during peak demand times or when there is not enough wind or sunshine.

Deep-cycle VRLA batteries are used in several industries, including home and commercial energy storage, electric vehicles like golf buggies, caravans, and 4WDs. They are also used in remote sites as an emergency power source and are highly durable thanks to their high-density construction.

Environmental Benefits

Battery recycling is an important part of a sustainable energy future. It helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protects the environment by reducing the amount of mercury, lead, and cadmium that enters our landfills and waterways. Batteries can be recycled at thousands of locations across Australia. However, they should not be placed in garbage or recycling bins because they may produce sparks that can ignite garbage trucks or recycling facilities. Instead, place sticky tape around the terminals to prevent fires.

Energy storage is also a key element of the ACT government’s plan to move towards 100% renewable electricity. It will help reduce network constraints and shorten the payback period for domestic solar.

The ACT is currently home to one of the largest batteries in the country, developed by Macquarie Group’s Eku Energy and funded through an innovative revenue sharing deal. This big battery can power 3,000 homes for two hours and is an important step towards the ACT’s goal of moving to 100% renewable electricity.

Safety

All batteries generate heat when charging or in use and some may cause fires. The risk is heightened when the battery accumulates excessive dust or dirt. This is because the dust can trigger short circuits. While minor short circuits will simply self-discharge, major ones can cause fires. To reduce this risk, the installer will cover and insulate any live parts. He or she will also install the battery in a fire-resistant enclosure.

Australia has strict standards for home batteries and installers must comply with them. These include ensuring that the battery is located in an area that minimises extreme temperatures and that it is installed by a qualified electrician.

Energy storage projects such as the Big Canberra Battery will help the ACT cope with rising electricity demand when EV owners plug in their vehicles at night. They will also alleviate pressure on the grid during peak demand times and support more families to switch to renewables.



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