Smart Software Expands Regional Rooftop Solar Opportunities
Horizon Power, a state-owned power company in Western Australia, is set to revolutionise access to rooftop solar in regional areas with the introduction of Smart Connect Solar. This innovative internet-connected technology aims to balance energy across regional microgrids, starting with the coastal town of Carnarvon.
The collaboration between the WA government and Horizon Power marks a significant milestone in the region’s energy sector. Smart Connect Solar is described as a cutting-edge technology that will eliminate previous limitations on the installation of rooftop solar in towns, which were in place to prevent overloading local microgrids with excessive solar energy.
By leveraging a distributed energy resource management system, Smart Connect Solar can anticipate weather patterns, forecast energy generation and demand, and enable operators to manage solar generation in real time. This proactive approach allows for the seamless integration of rooftop solar into the network, enhancing grid stability and efficiency.
Expanding Reach and Impact
The initial deployment of Smart Connect Solar in Carnarvon is just the beginning. Horizon Power plans to extend this technology to all regional towns in Western Australia, with the Pilbara’s North West Interconnected System scheduled to benefit from the initiative in the second quarter of 2024.
Having previously introduced Smart Connect Solar to Onslow in the Pilbara in 201
