Well-to-do Aussies with a green streak are installing expensive batteries in their homes to soak up their solar energy, but not everyone can afford to follow suit.
Units cost upwards of $10,000, so those who can afford it don’t pay power bills and can turn a profit after a few years, while renters and social housing tenants are left in the dark.
One of the lucky few is New South Wales resident James Abbott, who has a 13.5kW Tesla Powerwall out the back of the family’s South Turramurra home in Sydney’s upper north shore.
“I’m in a fortunate position where I can purchase it myself,” Mr Abbott said of the battery that powers the four-person home and a Tesla electric vehicle.
Mr Abbott is appreciative of having the means to buy a battery and is actively involved in a community group that subsidises vehicle-replacing electric bikes.
“It actually works out to ...
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