WA moves towards legalising plug-in solar panels and batteries
Consultation on a safety standard will examine how to prevent the devices from overloading household power circuits.
Western Australia has begun consulting on safety rules for plug-in solar equipment, putting it on course to become the first Australian state to legalise the panels and batteries.
The WA government estimates a typical system could cut a household's annual electricity costs by A$240, rising to as much as A$500 with a battery. Industry experts put the time needed to recover the purchase cost at four to 10 years.
Often called balcony solar, the panels can be placed on balconies or in backyards. They connect to ordinary power points without requiring an electrician to install them, feeding electricity through an inverter into the home's network to offset appliance use.
Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the change would extend access to solar savings to households without their own roof. Renters can also take the equipment with them when they move.
The consultation will address circuit-overloading risks. The government also needs support from landlords and body corporates for balcony and backyard installations. The WA move follows a September agreement by Australia's energy ministers to investigate a safe national rollout.
