Tesla will work with the state of South Australia in order to further bolster energy security. The deal involves creating a network of 50,000 home solar systems which include Tesla Powerwall batteries; what’s being dubbed as the world’s largest ‘virtual power plant’ is expected to lower energy bills by 30%.
In the announcement, the South Australia government said:
“Beginning with a trial of 1100 Housing Trust properties, a 5kW solar panel system and 13.5kWh Tesla Powerwall 2 battery will be installed at no charge to the household and financed through the sale of electricity.
Following the trial, which has now commenced, systems are set to be installed at a further 24,000 Housing Trust properties, and then a similar deal offered to all South Australian households, with a plan for at least 50,000 households to participate over the next four years.”
At the moment, the government is requesting those who are interested to sign up in the trial programme, though it is limited to just over 1,000 government housing properties. The trial will be funded by a $2 million grant and a $30 million loan from the Renewable Technology Fund, covering the costs for participants who won't have to pay a penny. They will receive a 5kW solar panel system and a 13.5kWh Tesla Powerwall 2 battery.
The news comes on the back of Tesla building a huge battery farm in South Australia which can power 30,000 homes for more than one hour. Its purpose is to support the state's energy grid which gets 40% of its electricity from wind energy. The state's grid has suffered a number of blackouts and rising energy prices, so hopefully, Tesla's newly installed batteries will keep the grid stabilised in future.
Source: Our Energy Plan, Government of South Australia via Reuters
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