An aged care provider partners with HighFlow Energy to install solar PV panels and SodiumSafe batteries across eight sites, cutting energy costs by up to 100%, reducing emissions by over 1,100 tonnes annually and ensuring power resilience – all delivered through a safe, grant-aligned, zero-upfront Energy-as-a-Service model.
Key Metrics
- Sites Covered – 8 aged care facilities across Victoria
- System Size – 700kW solar + 7.9MWh SodiumSafe battery capacity
- Energy Cost Reduction – Up to 100% with grant support
- Annual Savings – >$500k potential savings
- CO2 Offset – >1,100 tonnes/year
- Outage Resilience – Critical loads remain powered during grid failure
The Challenge
An aged care provider operating multiple residential facilities across Victoria partners with HighFlow Energy to address rising electricity costs, ensure continuity of care during grid outages, and align its operations with long-term sustainability goals.
The provider’s portfolio comprises eight aged care facilities, each with distinct energy consumption patterns and tariff structures. Collectively, these sites consume over 1.64 million kWh annually, resulting in energy expenses exceeding $500,000 per year. Peak demand charges, fluctuating energy rates and the increasing frequency of weather-related outages posed growing financial and operational risks. HighFlow Energy conducted a detailed load analysis and tariff assessment to design tailored solar and battery configurations for each site, optimising both energy self-sufficiency and cost reduction potential.
The Solution
A portfolio-wide deployment of rooftop solar and SodiumSafe battery storage systems, delivering under a zero-upfront Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) model.
The system includes 700kW of rooftop solar paired with 7.9MWh of SodiumSafe battery storage distributed across the eight locations. These modular battery enclosures are installed externally, simplifying deployment and enabling future relocation or expansion. Unlike lithium-ion chemistries, SodiumSafe batteries are inherently non-flammable, thermally stable and free from rare or toxic materials, making them particularly well suited to residential aged care environments where safety is paramount.
To enhance the economic viability of the project, HighFlow structurs the deployment through an EaaS model, allowing the provider to access the full benefits of the system with no capital expenditure. Under this model, HighFlow owns, operates and maintains the system, and the aged care provider pays a fixed monthly fee that is equal to or lower than its historical electricity costs. Two pricing pathways are offered: one assuming full ARENA co-funding of the battery systems, which would eliminate electricity costs entirely, and another without grant support, still delivering a 50% cost reduction. Regardless of the pathway, the provider gains long-term price certainty, operational resilience and significant sustainability outcomes.
The system is managed via HighFlow’s AI-powered Virtual Power Plant (VPP) platform and energy management system (EMS), which dynamically coordinates solar generation, battery storage and grid interaction. This enables advanced features such as peak shaving, load shifting and real-time optimisation across all sites. During grid outages, the system automatically prioritises and powers critical care equipment, safeguarding the wellbeing of residents.
The Outcome
Projected benefits include over $13 million in energy savings over 25 years, the avoidance of more than 1,100 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually and a replicable model for energy equity in the aged care sector. This is equivalent to taking over 240 cars off the road each year or powering more than 160 average homes. By adopting this innovative, grant-aligned solution, the provider not only protects its operational continuity but also demonstrates leadership in sustainable, community-focused energy transition.
Why It Matters
This initiative highlights how aged care organisations can lead by example – balancing safety, sustainability and financial stewardship – while reducing the burden of energy costs on services that care for society’s most vulnerable.