![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/dad557b05fb66462676f623a3045e3e1.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nRenters and people living in apartments could save hundreds of dollars on their power bills when Western Australia becomes the first state to legalise plug-in solar panels and batteries.<\/p>\n
WA is set to unlock access to the technology commonly known as “balcony solar”, used by millions of people in Europe and the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n
Overseas, the technology is usually attached to apartment balconies or installed in backyards, typically at a cost of up to $1,300, plus extra for a plug-in battery.<\/p>\n
In September, Australia’s energy ministers agreed to explore how to safely roll out plug-in solar across the nation.<\/p>\n
But WA is the first state or territory to give the technology the green light, announcing the start of consultation on a safety standard for the energy-saving devices, including how to ensure they do not overload power circuits.<\/p>\n
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Plug-in solar panels are a popular choice for people who live in apartments or those who do not own their home. (Unsplash: Yuma Solar)<\/p>\n
“For too long, the benefits of cheap solar have been out of reach for anyone who doesn’t own their roof. That isn’t fair,” Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said.<\/p>\n
As the name suggests, they plug into regular power points and do not require an electrician for installation.<\/p>\n
The power generated by the panels is fed into the home network via an inverter and a standard plug, helping offset electricity used by appliances.<\/p>\n
Households reject virtual power plants<\/a><\/p>\n Thousands of households with batteries installed under the federal government’s scheme are choosing not to sign up to be a so-called virtual power plant that sells stored energy back to the grid.<\/p>\n That means renters, who have no incentive to spend thousands putting solar panels on their rental’s roof, can now benefit from solar energy.<\/p>\n And people living in apartments with a balcony or other reliable spot in the sun can also benefit.<\/p>\n Big savings<\/p>\n The state government estimated a typical plug-in solar system could save households $240 a year on their electricity bill, and up to $500 if they have a battery as well.<\/p>\n But industry experts believe the payback period for plug-in solar systems ranges from four to 10 years<\/a>.<\/p>\n Solar Citizens, a community organisation that has been pushing for the legalisation of the technology, has previously said an average plug-in solar panel would save people $300-400 a year, and double that with a plug-in battery.<\/p>\n On top of that, renters can take the device with them when they move out.<\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/3fbef4a4c1409419574b1310dd301b9c.jpeg\")
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