Experts shine light on latest in evolving solar power field

Nearly 100 Illawarra residents learned more about their solar energy goals at a Dapto forum which aimed to air further knowledge about the new technologies.

In partnership with Wollongong City Council, ShineHub offered residents and small businesses a look at solar panels, inverters and batteries, with exclusive bulk-buy discounts as part of the Community Renewables Program.

"The goal of our program is first and foremost to make solar accessible and transparent and all that jazz,” says ShineHub representative Costa Deligiannis at the Ribbonwood Centre event. 

"This is the second year of the program ... for the first round we had over 300 local households join the program across the region," he said. "Last time, basically everyone who got a battery joined the virtual power plant – it was about 95% of people.”

Attendees were invited to speak to ShineHub experts after viewing a presentation on what was available. Residents asked questions about how much could be saved, the Federal Battery Rebate and NSW BESS 2 VPP rebate, and the benefits of joining a virtual power plant (VPP).

"The ShineHub VPP is retail independent... a lot of other VPPs sort of lock you into their energy contracts whereas with ShineHub, you can stay with your energy provider and join the ShineHub virtual power plant,” Costa says. 

"They get very good credit when they export their battery power... $1 per kilowatt hour, which is one of the highest in the country,

"The VPP is a really good community-driven thing – I’m sharing my power with my neighbours. It’s a feel-good thing, and even with people who don’t have batteries, your power stops blackouts, so it’s even good to exist without solar panels and still reap the benefits."

Attendees shared their thoughts with the Illawarra Flame.

James and Michelle from Dapto

• Household size: 3
• Current bill: $500–800 per quarter

“We saw the event on Facebook through the council and came along to find out how the program works. We don’t have solar panels at the moment, but we used to in a previous place, so we’re hoping to find a solution for this house shortly.”

Megan and Adam from Figtree

• Household size: 2
• Current bill: $485 per quarter

“The bulk-buy benefits and the VPP are what brought us out tonight… it helps that it’s endorsed by several councils. We have a lot of trees, so our output drops to about 10kW in the dead of winter. Technology has improved, though – things like micro-inverters mean panels can work independently even with shade. We’ve been on this journey a long time, so seeing the products physically helps.”

Alicia and Attila from Warrawong

• Household size: 4
• Current bill: $975 per quarter

“What brought us here? A $975 power bill! The concept is great, but it’s hard to know if 14 grand is a good price when every system is so different. But an event like tonight does make me feel more confident – it feels a lot more honest than getting a random door knock.”