Reported and Produced:
Jonica Newby
Edited: Vaughan Smith
An Australian-produced
documentary for ABC television, 'Battery Powered
Homes' takes a peek into a not-so-distant future
where clean and renewable energy can alter the way
of life for countless millions.
Not too long ago, the notion of a battery-powered
home seemed a distant hope.
But in the past few
years, advanced technology has made this dream a
reality for over one million residents in Australia;
a number that's expected to grow exponentially over
the next five years.
The film introduces us
to several of these homeowners who have embraced the
energy revolution from its earliest incarnations.
There's Josh Byrne, the congenial host of the
popular television program Gardening Australia, the
battery he's using to power his home is complimented
by an energy management system.
Josh and his family,
like most users of these technologies, expend most
of their power needs at night.
The management system
regulates itself to recharge during the day as his
solar panels take over to fulfill his power needs.
The system then
distributes the majority of its stored power during
the evening. Any excess power is then fed back into
the grid for modest compensation.
Utilizing this method,
Josh pulls only 3% of his total power from the grid.
The obstacles to full implementation of these energy
sources are quickly vanishing. For example, the
price of these systems will continue to drop as they
become more widely used.
In the last year alone,
costs have plummeted by as much as a third.
The traditional power
companies, which have long relied on the use of
fossil fuels, are now faced with a challenge.
They must find ways to
implement clean renewable energies into their
business model, or their services will become
obsolete.
Meanwhile, the South Australian government
has offered $5,000 rebates to any resident who
invests in battery power for their home.
The film also introduces us to the scientists and
researchers who stand on the front line of these
emerging technologies.
They're working to create
more efficient and durable batteries that can run
longer and create a full charge in a matter of
minutes.
'Battery Powered Homes' is an eye-opening and
inspiring look into a future that can have a
positive impact upon all of us.
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