Alice Springs public housing solar trial kicks off

4 May 2023

Fifteen Alice Springs households are taking part in a new public housing solar and battery trial.

As part of the Public Housing Renewables Program Trial, solar panels and battery systems are being installed on the homes, with residents set to benefit from a reduction in their power bills, while also generating clean, renewable energy.

The trial will produce data and lessons on how various metering types, such as prepayment and post payment metres, interact with the Alice Springs Virtual Power Plant (VPP). Using smart technology, the VPP is a collection of solar and battery storage technologies that govern energy flow to and from power networks.

The houses for the trial were selected based on the type of prepayment meters used and considerations around existing network constraints. Roof and switchboard conditions, and the degree of shading were also criteria for the suitability of the houses.

Installation of the solar PV and battery systems will be completed on 14 May 2023.

The trial is one of several simulations, investigations and trials that make up the Alice Springs Future Grid, a multi-stakeholder systems initiative considering how Alice Springs can achieve 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030. Desert Knowledge Australia is managing the delivery of the Future Grid project in collaboration with a number of business organisations, including Ekistica, Jacana Energy, Power and Water Corporation and the Arid Lands Environment Centre.

More information can be found online at www.alicespringsfuturegrid.com.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Renewables and Energy Selena Uibo:

“The Territory Labor Government is focused on a future powered by renewable energy.

“We know lessons learnt through this public housing solar and battery trial will help inform planning around future public housing builds and management of solar power on the current stock.

“By investing in rooftop solar systems, we can make a material difference to the lives of public housing tenants who will benefit from a reduction in their power bills, while also generating clean energy.” 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Desert Knowledge Australia, Chansey Paech:

“It is encouraging to see Alice Springs locals contributing to this bank of knowledge through their participation in this trial.

“This project is crucial to the development and commitment of the Territory Labor Government's renewable energy targets. It’s great to see Desert Knowledge leading the delivery of the Future Grid project in collaboration with a number of businesses and organisations."

Quotes attributable to Future Grid Project Director Lyndon Frearson, from Alice Springs engineering firm Ekistica:

“It is so exciting to see tenants be able share in the benefits of renewable energy.

“Integrating renewables into public housing and rental properties has proven to have many barriers, both in the NT and around Australia. Alice Springs Future Grid has provided a platform to work collaboratively with tenants, Territory Housing, Power and Water Corporation, Jacana Energy and local contractors to find solutions for those barriers.”

Quotes attributable to Jacana CEO Louisa Kinnear

“Trials such as these play an important role in investigating how we can provide clean and affordable energy to Territorians.

“Jacana Energy is committed to exploring new solutions that enable our customers to access affordable and renewable energy, regardless of location and whether or not they own the home they live in.”

Media Contact – Leah McLennan - 0499 948 798

Northern Territory Government