Horizon Power’s Smart Connect Solar technology has been expanded to Broome, enabling thousands of additional customers across the Kimberley region to access rooftop solar.
The state-of-the-art technology is increasing access to renewable energy in towns in regional Western Australia, while improving the safety and stability of the state’s electricity network. It is part of a state-wide program which was launched by Horizon Power in February.
Related article: Energy bill relief for vulnerable West Kimberley households
Horizon Power’s Smart Connect Solar project removes hosting capacity constraints in Broome, which have previously limited the number of solar installations across the town.
This will provide thousands of additional customers the opportunity to install rooftop solar and realise energy bill savings, while improving the safety and stability of the state’s electricity network.
In March 2022, Broome reached capacity for the number of rooftop solar systems it could safely have on the network without it becoming unstable from too much solar. The Smart Connect Solar technology will provide more than 6,000 homes and businesses in the Kimberley town with the option to install rooftop solar and realise energy bill savings.
Smart Connect Solar launched in February in Carnarvon. Last month, the technology was rolled out to Karratha, Port Hedland, South Hedland, Point Samson, Cossack and Roebourne, in the Pilbara.
It was also introduced to 20 towns in the Kimberley, Mid West and Gascoyne and Esperance and Goldfields regions. This included Derby, Wyndham, Halls Creek, Lombadina, Kalumburu, Warmun, Coral Bay, Cue, Meekatharra, Wiluna, Yalgoo, Hopetoun, Laverton, Leonora, Norseman, Camballin, Ardyaloon, Beagle Bay, Bidyadanga and Nullagine.
Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin said, “The demand for solar has been high in Broome and having the hosting constraints removed will mean thousands of additional customers will have the opportunity to benefit from rooftop solar.
Related article: Horizon Power’s Smart Connect Solar expands to NWIS
“Since its launch in February, Smart Connect Solar has quickly extended to towns across our footprint, including those in the NWIS and a further 20 towns. Our next step is to introduce the technology to Exmouth, Sandstone, Denham, Gascoyne Junction and Mount Magnet, which will happen in Q3 2024.
“By the end of the year, we will have deployed this cutting-edge technology to all our service areas, so that thousands of additional Western Australians can reap the benefits of rooftop solar.”
