Australia prepares to lift ban on plug-in solar and batteries for renters
Australian energy ministers have agreed to remove restrictions preventing the legal use of balcony solar systems and home batteries in apartments.
Australia is set to follow the lead of Germany, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand by ending the prohibition on plug-in solar and battery storage. During a meeting of state and territory energy ministers, officials decided to explore pathways for the safe deployment of these technologies. Currently, while the systems can technically be sold in Australia, they cannot be legally plugged in or used. This prevents millions of apartment dwellers from accessing the technology that generates electricity on balconies. Energy Minister Chris Bowen stated that a third of Australians already have solar installed on their roofs. He emphasized the goal is to allow renters and those without roof space to take advantage of abundant sunshine to lower energy bills. Solar Citizens, a community organization led by CEO Heidi Lee Douglas, supports this initiative.
