Tesla gained a reputation for getting things done in South Australia (launching 100 MW/129 MWh ESS on time) and now is expected to deliver at least 50,000 home solar and Powerwalls.

Tesla Model X & Powerwall

Tesla Model X & Powerwall

The latest project is kind of a Virtual Power Plant that combines local electricity generation with energy storage.

The first stage will be a trial with public housing properties:

  • 1,100 places
  • 5 kW solar (5.5 MW total)
  • 13.5 kWh Powerwall (nearly 15 MWh total)
According to the state government, hardware will be installed free of charge and financed through electricity sales savings from generation.

The project will be then expanded to another 24,000 public housing properties and then after by introducing the offer to all South Australian households. 50,000 properties will be included within four years.

Using 5 kW solar and 13.5 kWh ESS as a base, it would work out like this:

  • 250 MW of power
  • 675 MWh of energy
Not bad compared to the 100 MW/129 MWh single unit project.

State Premier Jay Weatherill said:

“What we’re doing is effectively putting an extra power plant into the South Australian energy market, and the extra competition drives down prices for everyone. So we’re teaming up with one of the world’s great technology companies, Tesla. We have demonstrated that we lead the world in renewable energy: the world’s largest battery, the world’s largest solar thermal plant, now the world’s largest virtual power plant.”

This year it is expected that up to 600 solar/Powerwall installations will be completed under the plan.

https://twitter.com/JayWeatherill/status/959956042841862145

Source: SBS, Bloomberg