Elon Musk's Tesla and SA Labor reach deal to give solar panels and batteries to 50,000 homes

At least 50,000 homes in SA will be given solar panels and batteries in a scheme by Elon Musk's Tesla and the SA Government to build the world's largest virtual power plant, slashing household power bills in the process.

Elon Musk and Jay Weatherill reach a deal to give
 batteries and solar panels to 50,000 homes.

Under the deal unveiled by Premier Jay Weatherill ahead of the March state election, solar systems and batteries will be supplied and installed free of charge.

The cost of the project will be financed through the sale of electricity, generated by the panels, in what Mr Weatherill said would be the largest project of its kind.

Read the ABC News story by Nick Hansen - “Elon Musk's Tesla and SA Labor reach deal to give solar panels and batteries to 50,000 homes.”

Tesla’s big battery a shining light for SA but storms leave neighbours in the dark

The world's biggest lithium ion battery has been launched in South Australia, with Premier Jay Weatherill declaring it an example of SA "leading the world”.

Tesla's lithium-ion battery will store power from the Hornsdale windfarm.

Mr Weatherill travelled to the site of the battery near Jamestown in the state's north with Romain Desrousseaux, the deputy chief executive officer of French renewable energy company Neoen, which will operate the 100-megawatt Tesla battery attached to its Hornsdale windfarm.

Tesla boss Elon Musk — who travelled to South Australia twice this year to mark significant milestones for the battery — did not visit for this event.

Mr Weatherill made light of the billionaire's non-attendance, pointing out Mr Musk had delivered on his promise to deliver the battery within a 100-day deadline or deliver it free.

Read the ABC News story by Nick Harmsen - “Tesla’s big battery a shining light for SA but storms leave neighbours in the dark.”