Maldon Community Battery

  • Project type
    Community
  • Current stage
    Planning
  • Project duration
    2023 - 2025

Powercor is installing a ground-mounted 100kW/290kWh battery in Adair Street, Maldon as part of the Federal Government’s grant under the Community Batteries for Household Solar Program.

This project is being delivered in collaboration with the Commonwealth Government and DJAARA, formally the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, along with support from Mount Alexander Shire Council and our community stakeholders.

Dja Dja Wurrung artist Daikota Nelson has created two artwork concepts for the Maldon community battery, reflecting the area’s strong cultural and environmental connections. Powercor has worked closely with Mount Alexander Shire Council to ensure the final design meets Maldon’s heritage guidelines.

Residents are encouraged to vote for their preferred design online, or visit the Powercor stall at the Maldon Market on Sunday 12 October to vote in person. Voting closes Sunday 26 October and the final design will be announced in November.

The battery is expected to be installed by the end of the year.

Project Outcomes

Once completed the Maldon Community Battery will soak up excess solar from nearby rooftops and share the benefits of cheap, clean, and local renewable energy with nearby customers. It will service to up to 50 homes with high quality power, regardless of whether they own their own solar system or not.

An improved design

The Maldon Community Battery will be similar to the Tarneit Community Battery (pictured), but with the latest upgrades designed to improve its energy efficiency.

The ground-mounted battery is about the size of a small car and will consist of four cubicles (three for the battery bank and one for the controls) on a concrete base. It measures approximately 3.6 metre long, 1.3 metre deep, and 2.5 metre high, and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it operates safely and complies with all required Australian standards. A new overhead cable connecting the battery to the nearest substation will also be installed.

The battery is expected to have a lifespan of approximately 10 years. After that, Powercor will either replace, repurpose, or recycle the unit in line with the manufacturer’s end-of-life plan.

Frequently asked questions

What is a community (neighbourhood) battery?

A community battery acts like a large battery for your neighbourhood and connects directly to local powerlines.

During sunny days, solar panels on roofs often produce more electricity than homes can use immediately. This excess solar energy gets stored in the community battery instead of being wasted.

When the sun sets and customers need more power, the battery supplies this stored solar energy back to local homes.

People with solar panels and those without can benefit from the clean energy collected throughout the day.

Location of project

The battery will be installed in Adair St, opposite the Maldon Hospital, with the site selected following months of engagement with homes and businesses.

Have a question?

If you have any questions or feedback email us at majorprojects@powercor.com.au.

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