Shared batteries could play a larger role in residential solar power. Melbourne-based Allume Energy is launching SolShare 2, a new version of its solar sharing technology that allows apartment buildings to combine shared rooftop solar arrays with battery storage.
How can apartments be equipped with solar batteries?
Allume launched the original SolShare in 2019, allowing electricity from a single rooftop solar system to be shared across multiple homes.
According to the company, more than 11,000 homes worldwide now use the technology, including 6,654 in Australia.
The most significant change in SolShare 2 is support for a shared battery system. Allume says this allows excess solar energy generated during the day to be stored and used later when solar production declines.
The new version also increases solar sharing capacity from 22kW to 30kW – a 36 percent increase over the original system.
“SolShare 2 has been redesigned with batteries in mind, meaning apartment dwellers can now access battery storage in ways that were not possible before,” said Allume operations manager Mio Dart.
Allume also says the updated hardware can be assembled and installed faster than the previous version.
SolShare 2. Image: Allume Energy.
Batteries increase the value of residential solar systems
In many apartment buildings, the challenge is no longer just putting solar energy on the roof. The energy these panels produce becomes even more valuable.
One option for this is a shared battery, which makes it possible to use more solar energy within the building than feeding it into the grid during the day.
According to Allume, SolShare 1 has resulted in an average annual electric bill savings of $381 per resident. The company estimates that combining shared solar with battery storage could increase average savings to about $756 per year.
These numbers are based on a number of assumptions, including building energy use, solar energy production, battery size and electricity rates, so actual savings are likely to vary from one facility to another.
Apartment Solar continues to develop
Installing solar energy in strata buildings is often more complicated than installing it in a single-family home. Limited roof space, strata permits and the challenge of distributing solar energy fairly among residents are just a few hurdles.
Nevertheless, solar energy for homes seems to be gaining in importance. Victoria recently expanded its Solar For Apartments program, while NSW continues to support installations through its Solar For Apartment Residents (SOAR) program.
According to Allume, 91 per cent of NSW SOAR grantees and 75 per cent of Victorian Solar For Apartments grantees have installed a SolShare system.
It remains to be seen whether shared batteries will become commonplace, but the launch of SolShare 2 suggests that attention is gradually shifting from simply installing more solar arrays to making better use of the energy already generated.
For property owners and strata committees exploring the options, our guide to home batteries is a good starting point, while our guide to residential solar systems is also worth a look.
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