Australia is a when it comes to adopting rooftop solar systems. But our solar transition is leaving renters and apartment dwellers behind.
According to the , almost one-third of Australians rent their homes, live in apartments or are connected to private energy networks. These households are largely unable to benefit from rooftop solar.
shows the reasons for this include limited roof space, relatively high costs for upgrading switchboards and wiring, and long approval wait times. Landlords may also be reluctant to install solar as any energy bill savings go directly to renters.
So renters and apartment dwellers face multiple obstacles in accessing free solar energy. That’s where plug-in solar comes in.
Plug-in solar systems – also known as balcony solar because they can be hung off balcony balustrades – are a convenient, low-cost way for households to take control of their energy use.
But there are several reasons why these systems aren’t being rolled out across Australia.
What are plug-in systems?
Plug-in solar systems are generally made of one or two solar , which turn sunlight into electricity. They also have a , which converts solar-generated electricity into the type of electricity that can power household appliances.
These “” just need a standard power plug to work. So unlike rooftop systems, they are easily installed and removed without the help of an electrician. Many also include a battery, which stores any extra electricity.
Germany is spearheading the uptake of plug-in technology, with more than systems now installed across the country. The technology has recently also been legalised in other European nations such as , as well as the and many jurisdictions in the .
Could they save you money?
Plug-in solar systems could help Australians save hundreds of dollars on their annual power bills. However, the exact benefits depend on what kind of home you have and how you .
We used the Nationwide Home Energy Rating Scheme to estimate how much households in Australia’s capital cities could save by installing a one-kilowatt plug-in solar system that is vertical, unshaded and faces true north. A household in Canberra could save A$226 each year. In Adelaide, this figure rises to $372.
This equates to about 13% in savings, based on the average amount Australians pay in . This may be even higher for low-income households, which typically than other households.
Obstacles remain
In Australia, these systems are gaining traction among and . However, it’s to install such systems in Australia.
If this is to change, we must overcome three main obstacles.
Technical challenges
Currently, no tested or certified plug-in solar systems are available in Australia. This means existing technical standards and safety rules don’t account for this new technology. More research is needed to understand how we can use plug-in systems safely, and how they may affect the wider electricity grid. This will determine if we place limits on how big these systems are and whether they can be exported. It will also tell us if we must update Australia’s household wiring standards.
Regulatory challenges
Australian rental and strata laws are a major barrier to adopting plug-in systems. These laws give landlords and body-corporates – legal bodies that manage shared property such as an apartment block – more control over building upgrades than the people living in the homes. However, Germany has to empower households. For example, German landlords and body-corporates can’t unreasonably block plug‑in balcony solar systems, say if they simply don’t like how the systems look.
Social challenges
shows many renters and vulnerable households want more climate‑friendly homes. However, they may not make any concrete changes because they lack information or mistrust new technologies. To ensure all Australians benefit from renewable energy systems, we need solutions that suit different kinds of households and are co-designed with local communities.
What can we do right now?
In Australia, we’re not yet ready to install plug‑in solar systems. But portable power stations are already available, and could help more Australians benefit from free solar power.
are indoor battery packs charged via a household powerpoint. These packs are able to store free daytime electricity for later use and have sockets to connect lights, small appliances and devices such as TVs, computers and phones. These stations in Australia without the approval of an electrician, landlord or strata body.
The new federal and Victoria’s upcoming provide free midday electricity tariffs to eligible households. determine how much you pay for the energy you consume. Free midday tariffs are most helpful for households who can use a lot of power over lunchtime.
For people who aren’t as flexible, however, portable power stations allow the storage of this free midday electricity to use at other times. This combination may also benefit people living in high-rise apartments, where it’s difficult to install rooftop solar. But some people may need support to buy and use them efficiently.
Australia is making ground in our clean energy transition. But we must develop safe and affordable ways for all households to switch to renewable electricity.
, Associate Professor in Housing, School of Property, Construction and Project Management, ; , Senior Industry Fellow, Environment and Planning, ; , Senior Research Fellow, School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering, , and , Lecturer, Communication and Media Studies,
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