Community batteries capture excess solar energy to prevent grid overload, redistributing it when demand peaks. They differ in purpose: some stabilize the grid for utility companies, while others, like Village Power's model, allow local residents to subscribe and use stored solar energy, fostering a community-centric approach to renewable energy usage.

Local community energy group Village Power has been selected by the State Government of Victoria to deliver its innovative community battery subscription service under the Neighbourhood Battery Initiative (NBI).

Earlier this year we applied for two rounds of funding to procure a battery and implement our unique community engagement business model. In anticipation of receiving funding, we also established a Project Advisory Group.

It seems that 2022 was the year of Community (Neighbourhood) batteries. The awareness and demand for renewable energy is very topical and the call for these batteries has never been louder.

The staggering growth in rooftop solar panels over the past 10 years highlights the potential for a revolution in local renewable energy generation, distribution, and consumption. A revolution significantly led and funded by households.

You haven’t heard from us for a while, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t been busy! Over the last 12 months, we have been developing our business model and working out how we can get more people to generate and use energy from solar panels. Find out more here.

Solar, wind-powered and hydro-electricity are all carbon free sources of power, while power from coal-fired generators is very carbon intensive. At Village Power our goal is to be able to power our community from 100% carbon free electricity.

Our aim is to create a model that can be replicated by other communities so they can form their own 'energy villages’. The bottom line is that we want to support more people being able to use locally generated renewable energy’.