Renters and apartment owners could get another way to cut electricity costs as Western Australia plans to allow plug-in solar and battery systems, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Connecting the systems remains illegal, even though residents can buy them; the proposed change would remove that restriction.
Here's what to know
Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson estimates that households could save $240 annually, with savings rising to $500 when a system is paired with a battery.
Sanderson notes that Western Australia is set to become the first state to allow the systems.
The proposal focuses on households whose arrangements limit their access to renewable electricity.
The systems, also called "balcony solar," plug in to ordinary electrical outlets.
"For too long, the benefits of cheap solar have been out of reach for anyone who doesn't own their roof. That isn't fair, and the Cook Labor Government is doing something about it," Sanderson said, per the Herald.
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More background
Roughly 10% of German households have installed plug-in or balcony solar, and major retailers, including Ikea, sell the products, the outlet explained.
For renters, moving would not mean leaving the equipment behind, Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowan noted.
His comment came at a gathering of federal and state energy ministers where Sanderson discussed balcony solar.
The prospect of helping renters, apartment dwellers, and low-income households drew support for the proposal from Solar Citizens leader Heidi Lee Douglas, according to the Herald.
What's being done?
Under Western Australia's plan, the government would consult on safety standards for plug-in panels and batteries before introducing legislation.
The announcement is a policy commitment.
For homeowners weighing rooftop solar, EasyHome's free explorer tool offers a way to compare potential savings from vetted local installers. EasyHome can also help you explore backup battery storage options; pairing solar with a battery lets homeowners maximize savings and keep the lights on when the grid goes down.
"I'm proud that our state is leading the nation on this issue — millions of European households already use these systems every day, and WA families should be able to do the same," Sanderson said, per the Herald. "Western Australians are already taking up solar and batteries in record numbers and this will ensure even more families can see the savings from the energy transition."
Where can I learn more?
Several U.S. states have opened the door to plug-in solar.
• Connecticut will allow no-permit plug-in solar, though suitable 1,200-watt kits may not exist yet.
• California passed a plug-in solar bill that could save renters up to $450 annually.
• New Jersey legalized plug-in solar panels that could cut monthly bills by up to $50.
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