Perth-based company Power Ledger has announced that it will start testing a blockchain technology-based system that will allow people in Perth and south-west to buy, sell or swap excess solar electricity with anyone connected to the Western Power network without mediators.

“The owners of excess energy can sell their surplus to their neighbors for less than the uniform tariff but more than they would get from selling it to their retailer. Effectively, we’re cutting out the middle-man to save consumers, and to maximize returns for producers,” Jemma Green, Chair of Power Ledger said. “Power Ledger will enable producers and consumers to trade their energy directly –saving money, hassle and maximizing the use of clean, green, solar energy.”

According to the official release, the company uses blockchain technology to identify the ownership of energy and manage various trading agreements between those consumers who buy excess solar direct from the original owner without the inclusion of market costs. Power Ledger has signed an agreement with National Lifestyle Villages in order to trial the technology at its Busselton site where there is a mix of consumers with and without solar panels.

“National Lifestyle Villages is excited to work with Power Ledger in the trial of their energy trading software at our Busselton Lifestyle Village.  NLV is proud of our commitment to the environment and to providing affordable and sustainable lifestyles for over 45’s,” Steve McGill, sustainability manager from National Lifestyle Villages said. “The Power Ledger trial will help to demonstrate the value opportunity created through solar energy, and we look forward to better understanding how solar, battery storage, and smart energy technology can deliver positive outcomes for NLV, our clients, and the environment.”

The experiment will involve 10 families and will last for 8 weeks. The pilot project with National Lifestyle Villages will help demonstrate the potentials of the blockchain technology with plans for a second trial under development.