Distributed Storage

Testing from TÜV Rheinland has revealed that PV inverters and battery storage systems are vulnerable to hacking. By changing system parameters, a hacker could potentially cause a battery system to corrode, “making it like a ‘bomb’.”

While great at delivering hype around battery storage, Tesla’s inability to develop significant volumes of its residential storage units to WA is frustrating installers. With customers interested in buying a Tesla system but supply not meeting demand, it is ‘blocking’ residential storage uptake in the state.

Varta Storage will hold its official launch into the Australian marketplace at an event tonight in Melbourne. As it joins an increasingly crowded marketplace, it expects that the installer will hold the key to sales in Australian homes.

Market analysts IHS Markit believes Australia installed some 7,000 – 8,000 residential storage systems in 2017. “Really strong growth” is expected this year as the economics continue to improve.

Home builder Mirvac is partnering with the CEFC to provide rooftop PV and battery storage systems for more than 300 new family homes. The renewable energy systems will include 5.1 kW rooftop systems and 10 kWh batteries.

German energy storage producer Varta Storage has entered the Australian market. It is introducing the pulse 3 and pulse 6 models, sized at 3.3 kWh and 6.5 kWh.

German energy storage system manufacturer Tesvolt has launched a new battery storage system designed to withstand testing outdoor applications. The TS HV 70 can be equipped with up to four battery racks and inverters, allowing it to scale from 67 kWh up to 307 kWh.

Retailer Powershop Australia is partnering with Reposit Power to offer a customers with rooftop PV and battery storage a quarterly payment plan in exchange for access to customers’ batteries. The Virtual Power Plant program will be called Grid Impact and Powershop says it will help stabilise the electricity network.

Despite a lackluster Q4, GTM Research predicts that the U.S. energy storage market is going to boom in 2018, driven by both policy support and falling prices.

The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) is seeking industry input into the setting up of a new register for small-scale battery storage and solar systems. The goal of the registry is to provide the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and network operators more insight into consumer demand.