Weatherill said about 250 jobs will be created from the battery work and up to 260 more in the supply chain, as the government’s contract with Tesla requires local contractors be used.

The network of home solar systems, backed up by battery storage, would deliver the world’s largest “virtual power plant”, he said.

The Government revealed today that Tesla will establish a “service hub” at Tonsley, as part of its “world’s biggest battery” project in the state’s mid-north.

The service hub would employ technicians to monitor and service the Telsa batteries near Jamestown, South Australian “Supercharger” stations for Tesla electric cars, and the residential battery installations.

The Government is contributing $1.25 million to help local companies pitch for contracts in renewable energy projects, including the “virtual power plant”.

The plan is being financed by the sale of the electricity to be generated by the solar scheme, but taxpayers are contributing a $2 million grant and a $30 million loan from the government’s renewable technology fund.

Weatherill says the plan will create, essentially, a 250-megawatt power plant and participants could expect a 30 per cent cut in their electricity bills.

He said today that more than 6500 people had expressed an interest in participating in the scheme since its announcement yesterday.

He said “all South Australians will also benefit from the increased generation in the South Australian energy mix, with downward pressure on prices and increased energy stability”.

The State Liberals have already promised $180 million for residential battery storage and related initiatives.

– InDaily with AAP