The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is making significant strides in its renewable energy journey by advancing innovative energy solutions like microgrids and community batteries. In collaboration with Evoenergy, the ACT government is rolling out the second phase of its community-scale battery storage initiative, backed by a capital investment of AUD $1.5 million. This initiative includes the deployment of three distributed energy storage units in the Casey, Dickson, and Fadden distribution zones, with commissioning scheduled for the first quarter of 2025.

Each unit will feature a 160 kW discharge capacity and 400 kWh of energy storage, integrated with grid-interactive inverter systems that enable bidirectional power flow. These microgrid and community battery systems are designed to store surplus solar energy during peak sunlight hours and redistribute it during high-demand periods, playing a critical role in peak demand reduction.

By localizing energy storage, these systems offer a multitude of benefits: reduced transmission losses, enhanced grid stability, improved voltage regulation, and an increased capacity to host distributed renewable sources. This decentralized model supports Canberra’s growing solar adoption while maintaining grid reliability.

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Polygon Energy: Engineering the Transition

Companies like Polygon Energy are at the forefront of this energy revolution, offering tailored solutions that directly support ACT’s renewable transition. Specializing in microgrid and community battery systems as well as standalone off-grid solar systems, Polygon Energy brings a wealth of experience in delivering robust and scalable energy projects.

Some of their notable projects include:

• A community-scale battery storage system with a 2500 kWh capacity designed for a resort in NSW to capture and store solar energy for peak-time use and grid support.
• Multiple standalone off-grid solar systems, including the Evoenergy Gudgenby Cottage system in ACT and Tamworth Waste Transfer Station projects in NSW.
• A 100 kW solar array and 52 kWh battery at the BAPS Temple in Taylor, ACT, supporting reliable, independent energy access.

Polygon’s end-to-end offerings span feasibility studies, system design, implementation, and maintenance—making them a trusted partner in sustainable energy solutions.

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Push for Community Energy

The ACT’s efforts align with the federal government’s strategy to install 400 community batteries nationwide, supported by $200 million in funding from the 2022–23 federal budget. The goal is to make cleaner, cheaper energy accessible to all while accelerating the shift toward renewable power sources.

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Expanding Energy Access with Standalone Off-Grid Solar Systems

While microgrid and community battery installations enhance grid-connected infrastructure, standalone off-grid solar systems are proving invaluable in remote or underserved regions. These systems—offered by Polygon Energy—combine solar panels with integrated battery storage to ensure 24/7 power availability independent of the main grid.

By decentralizing energy production and enabling self-sufficiency, standalone off-grid solar systems support peak demand reduction while also boosting energy resilience in rural and industrial settings.

Explore Polygon Energy’s portfolio of successful solar and battery installations across ACT and NSW—your project could be next. To know more, simply contact our energy experts at 02 6130 0808 or 0482 076 703!

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Looking Ahead: Smarter, Stronger Energy Storage

As solar technology evolves, next-gen batteries with enhanced efficiency, durability, and smart energy management capabilities are making microgrid and community battery and standalone off-grid solar systems more powerful and accessible. These innovations are crucial in shaping a resilient, low-emission energy network.

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Canberra’s Renewable Vision

With a goal to achieve 100% renewable electricity, Canberra is investing in solar and wind farms, EV infrastructure, and intelligent battery storage. The integration of microgrid and community battery systems alongside standalone off-grid solar systems is pivotal in addressing load balancing and ensuring long-term peak demand reduction.

Canberra’s forward-looking approach, supported by solution providers like Polygon Energy, is setting the standard for sustainable urban energy ecosystems.