The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing funding for a project testing a new approach to deploying solar PV and battery storage systems to households.

Sunverge Energy co-founder and CEO Ken Munson said: “Because of its abundant sun and wind, Australia – where one in five homes use solar power – is a global leader in transforming the energy industry”.

The $2.6 million project will involve a 12month trial of a “virtual power plant” model, installing 33 solar plus battery systems that will be centrally monitored and controlled across the Queensland towns of Cannonvale, Toowoomba and Townsville.

The battery units being rolled out consist of a 4.9kW SunPower photovoltaic array coupled with a 12kWh/5kW Sunverge battery storage and control system that will be installed at each trial site.

“Ergon Energy Retail will also explore how its solar PV and battery storage systems can achieve the greatest value on the grid, with a view to proceeding to a commercialisation phase and product launch”.

But going off the grid may not be as simple as it seems; energy companies are not happy with the concept of consumers leaving the national electricity network entirely, and are pushing for compulsory connection fees and penalties for disconnection.

The installation of the combined solar-battery packages should offer huge advantages for electricity network owners to improve efficiency, at the same time as giving customers more control over their own power consumption and use.

He said Ergon Energy had agreed to share learnings with the energy industry. “We’re honored to be chosen by Ergon Energy to bring the social, environmental and financial benefits of solar storage to Queensland residents”.

Rooftop solar system. Author: Centre for Alternative Technology. The system lowers costs, increases energy reliability, strengthens the grid and accelerates the integration of distributed energy and electric vehicles. Residential, business, government and utility customers rely on SunPower’s 30 years of experience and guaranteed performance to provide maximum return on investment throughout the life of the solar system.

Sunverge, which is listed on the Nasdaq and backed by Total, Siemens, Southern Cross Venture Partners, SB China Capital and Kokam will also set up an office in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley making Queensland the beachhead for further Australian expansion.