VoltX Energy customers – Mick from Bangor and Bill from Punchbowl
Smart Energy Council Executive Member VoltX Energy is highlighting the barriers that may be preventing older Australian homeowners from taking up household battery technology as electricity costs continue to put pressure on household budgets.
VoltX Energy says concerns around upfront costs, payback periods and the perceived cost of battery systems may be contributing to lower uptake among some older Australians, despite high rates of home ownership within this demographic.
VoltX Energy Chief Operating Officer David Sedighi said changing battery costs and the potential for households to make greater use of the solar energy they generate mean it may be worth homeowners reassessing the economics of the technology.
“We don’t want to see over 60s excluded from the benefits of solar and battery technology, leaving themselves exposed to increasing electricity bills without any means to reduce them,” Mr Sedighi said.
VoltX Energy says perceptions of battery costs can sometimes be based on pricing from several years ago, when household battery systems were considerably more expensive.
The company believes improving consumer understanding of current battery costs, available incentives and potential household savings will be important as more Australians consider adding storage to existing rooftop solar systems.
Mr Sedighi said older homeowners in particular should have access to clear information that allows them to assess whether battery storage is appropriate for their household and circumstances.
“There is a real risk that the Australians who would benefit most are the ones least likely to access the technology to help deliver those savings,” he said.
Household battery uptake has continued to grow as more Australians look to store their rooftop solar generation and manage when they draw electricity from the grid.
The Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program is also reducing the upfront cost of eligible battery installations, creating another consideration for households assessing whether storage makes financial sense for them.
About VoltX Energy
VoltX Energy is a Smart Energy Council executive member providing on-grid and off-grid energy system solutions. The company is an extension of VoltX, which was founded in 2018 to provide portable energy solutions, and is headquartered in Sydney.
For more information, visit the VoltX Energy website.
Media Contact
Susan Walsh, email: susan.w@voltxenergy.com.au
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