Households Earning Solar Credits from Neighbors’ Rooftop PV Systems
The rooftop solar programme in the Kimberley has proven to significantly benefit nearly three times more households than the number of homes equipped with solar panels. Horizon Power initiated the solar rollout three years ago, ultimately installing systems in 183 residences across six isolated communities as part of the original ‘solar sharer’ initiative.
According to Horizon Power, the advantages of this scheme are now being enjoyed by 495 households that receive energy savings through the Kimberley Communities Solar Saver (KCSS). This figure surpasses initial estimates, which anticipated benefits for only 433 families.
Final Installations and Impact
The recent installation in Mowanjum, situated roughly 10 kilometres south-east of Derby, has elevated the total solar generation to about 1.5 megawatts (MW) across the six towns. Over $275,000 in credits has been distributed, with households in the initial two towns, Warmun and Bidyadanga, saving approximately £30-35 monthly on their energy bills, thanks to their solar-powered neighbours.
Funding and System Specifications
Horizon Power received more than $17 million from both state and federal funds to install solar panels on rooftops in Warmun, Bidyadanga, Ardyaloon, Yungngora, Beagle Bay, and Mowanjum. The average size for these rooftop systems measures 8.2 kilowatts (kW).
Federal Assistant Energy Minister Josh Wilson commented, “The Kimberley Communities Solar Saver programme is illustrating how shared solar can slash electricity costs and bolster energy security in remote areas. By enabling additional homes to benefit from renewable energy, we are making the energy transition both practical and inclusive, ensuring tangible advantages for communities throughout regional Australia.”
Government Initiatives and Savings Over Time
In July, the federal government introduced the Solar Sharer scheme, aiming to provide three hours of free power daily, motivating consumers to increase their electricity use when there is an excess of solar energy feeding into the grid. Unlike this initiative, the KCSS focuses on distributing credits accrued from the rooftop installations.
Horizon Power notes that during the latest 61-day tracking period, households in Warmun averaged savings of £67, while those in Bidyadanga saw around £73 credited. The program has accumulated approximately £275,000 in customer savings across the six Kimberley communities since its inception.
Detailed savings per household include:
- Warmun – about £943
- Bidyadanga – around £867
- Ardyaloon – approximately £531
- Yungngora – near £377
- Beagle Bay – roughly £333
- Mowanjum – close to £132
This initiative has also led to the displacement of around 122,000 litres of diesel fuel, marking a 7 per cent reduction in consumption across the participating communities.
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