Smart Energy, a company specializing in solar panel and battery installations, is witnessing a significant increase in customer demand for batteries. As a result, the company is expanding its operations in Queensland and New South Wales to better serve its growing customer base.
The head of storage and dealerships at Smart Energy, Joel Power, reports that battery demand has risen from 30% of their product mix in December 2022 to nearly 60% a year later. This surge in interest can be attributed to various factors.
One reason for the increased demand is the desire for autonomy and independence that comes with having a battery system. Many customers who have previously installed solar panels are now inquiring about batteries, indicating a need for a reliable energy storage solution.
Another driver of this shift in consumer behavior is dissatisfaction with traditional energy retailers. With decreasing feed-in tariffs and rising nighttime rates, more people are turning to batteries as an appealing alternative. They are willing to pay a slightly higher price for a deal that offers them greater comfort and control over their energy usage.
To meet the growing demand, Smart Energy is expanding its presence to several new locations, including Brisbane, Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Tamworth, and Ipswich. This expansion allows the company to cater to underserved regional markets. While Smart Energy already operates in other states across Australia, excluding the Northern Territory, the company is now further expanding its reach.
Although Smart Energy also operates in Portsmouth, UK, and Austin, Texas, the markets in these locations are not as mature as in Australia. Power explains that the company has conducted numerous installations in both the UK and the US, and interestingly, the questions they receive from customers are similar to those encountered when they initially launched in Australia. Customers have concerns ranging from skepticism about the effectiveness of rooftop solar to suspicions of it being a scam.
In addition to solar and battery systems, Smart Energy is now venturing into offering energy retail plans and electric vehicle chargers as part of its portfolio. This expansion allows the company to better meet the evolving needs of its customers and contribute to the sustainable energy transition.
The source of the article is from the blog foodnext.nl