00:03Switching the kettle on is becoming increasingly expensive for Maya Irving McKinnon as their
00:10energy bills rise.
00:12They've gone up around 15% which is about $200 this year compared to last year.
00:19The Sydney renter has been looking for ways to reduce electricity costs.
00:24I would really like to have the option to install solar panels.
00:28It's not really something that's been available for a renter before.
00:32But that's about to change.
00:34The energy minister announcing plans to legalise plug-in solar and batteries.
00:39We have world leading rooftop solar, we now have the world leading home batteries, but
00:44we want to make sure that renters and apartment dwellers are an important part of that journey.
00:48The units can be plugged into regular power points and don't require an electrician to
00:52install them.
00:54Power generated by solar panels is fed into the home via an inverter, which helps
00:58offset electricity used by appliances.
01:01Plug-in solar will deliver cheaper energy bills to more Australians.
01:06The move comes just weeks after plug-in solar was legalised in the UK.
01:10New Zealand has flagged plans to do the same within 12 months, while Germany has been reaping
01:16the benefits of the technology for years.
01:18We have around 1 in 10 households right now, we estimate, in Germany that has plug-in solar.
01:26It's not yet clear when Australians will be able to legally buy plug-in solar, but the
01:30federal government has flagged that once they can, purchases could fall under existing rebate
01:36schemes.
01:37Authorities will also need to ensure safety standards are up to scratch and landlords are on board.
01:42details which will be ironed out by the end of the year.
01:46contractor
01:47Word
01:47Bill
01:47And
01:47Jose
01:47Will
01:47Julie
01:48Michelle
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