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Posted: 2023-06-27 21:26:29

At a warehouse in Perth's eastern suburbs, Chris Dodd has been watching the energy transition unfold on a daily basis. 

The 58-year-old sells solar panels and batteries for electricity wholesaler Lawrence & Hanson.

Despite the usual dip in winter, he says demand has been as strong as ever.

"Solar is basically one of the things that's going to be growing and growing into the future," Mr Dodd says.

"I can see the evolution of batteries into everyone's household and business being within five or six years.

"Around the corner, we're all going to be in that position."

Mr Dodd says consumers are worried about the increasing volatility in energy markets, which have fluctuated wildly in recent years amid fuel shortages, international strife and various other shocks.

But he reckons price increases are fuelling much of the demand for his products.

Up to two thirds of Australia's coal-fired capacity could be gone within a decade.()

"The biggest driver of solar is really financial, to actually save money on your power bills," he says.

"It was really like that from day one, and even more so now."

Good long-term, short-term costly

From the beginning of the new financial year on Saturday, benchmark electricity prices will rise more than 20 per cent in south-east Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

Offers available in the broader market are expected to rise even further.

While these increases are unavoidable for thousands, there are some small changes you can make around your house to soften the impact.

Peter Kerr, an energy expert who runs Perth-based advisory ATA Consulting, says the price pain is driving ever-growing numbers of households and businesses to seek relief in green tech such as solar panels.

Long the mainstay of Australia's power supply, coal is in rapid decline.()

He says it is a similar story across the entire electricity system, as the country attempts to go green and cut the link to volatile coal and gas markets.

But Mr Kerr warns achieving this task will not be nearly so simple.

"The analogy I use is it's a little bit like taking out a mortgage to build a very energy-efficient house," he says.

"You've got to borrow a lot of money up front and you pay that off over time.

"It's a little bit like the electricity system.

"We're spending a lot of money up front to get a lot more efficient energy.

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