In Australia, a home battery boom has helped cut wholesale power prices
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
Australia's home battery subsidy program cut wholesale power prices by 47%.
Australia's home battery subsidy program, launched in July 2025, provides a 30% discount on residential battery systems. Over 500,000 batteries have been installed, exceeding the US total. Energy Minister Chris Bowen says wholesale power prices fell 47% in 12 months. The program addresses surplus solar power from Australia's world-leading rooftop solar adoption, where panels are on over one-third of households. Free power is offered in early afternoon in some states to shift consumption. Batteries reduce evening peak demand, lowering costs for all ratepayers.
What commenters are saying
Commenters debated using EVs instead of home batteries for storage. One camp argued EVs are parked 95% of the time and could absorb surplus solar, while another noted EV battery chemistry is not designed for high cycle counts (typically 2,000-10,000 cycles vs. home storage). The thread questioned whether work-based charging or V2G infrastructure is practical. A responder noted most current EVs lack V2G capability. Another praised Australia's solar and storage rollout as one of the best public investments, reducing reliance on imported fuel. David Roberts' podcast on the topic was recommended.