Solar access boosted in Carnarvon with Smart Connect Solar

• Smart solar technology to expand renewable energy throughout regional Western Australia
• Builds on 2019 deployment of smart solar technology in Onslow
• Horizon Power to make Smart Connect Solar available in all its service areas by the end of 2024

Solar access will be expanded throughout regional Western Australia with Horizon Power's Smart Connect Solar technology now available in Carnarvon.

The technology uses a Distributed Energy Resource Management System that enables the coordination of high levels of solar energy on the network which will enable thousands of additional customers in Carnarvon to install rooftop solar while maintaining network safety and stability.

This will eliminate solar installation capacity constraints in Carnarvon and other towns and enable more customers throughout regional WA to access rooftop solar.

In 2019, Horizon Power became the first Australian utility to deploy the technology in a regional microgrid, using it to coordinate customer solar with utility-owned renewables to help power the town of Onslow.

It was also able to use the system to power the town with 100 per cent renewables for approximately 80 minutes.

Smart Connect Solar will be deployed to all of Horizon Power's service areas, including the Pilbara, Kimberley, Gascoyne, Mid West and Goldfields regions, by the end of 2024.

Comments attributed to Energy Minister Reece Whitby:

"The State Government is committed to delivering clean energy solutions for our regions.

"We are proud to increase renewable energy access for regional Western Australians while maintaining the safety and stability of the electricity network.

"Making renewable energy more accessible is critical for our environment and will assist WA in its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050."

Comments attributed to Mining and Pastoral region MLC Peter Foster:

"I'm extremely happy to see Smart Connect Solar rolled out to Carnarvon following its successful trial in Onslow.

"This will help satisfy the growing demand for renewable power throughout regional Western Australia."