Smart Connect Solar
We've introduced a new way of connecting rooftop solar to our network.This means no more solar capacity constraints stopping you from enjoying the bill saving benefits of solar.
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Smart Connect Solar is coming to your town soon.
How Smart Connect Solar works
Smart Connect Solar uses internet connected solar technology that enables us to effectively manage high levels of solar energy on the network, whilst maintaining a safe and reliable power supply for the community. The new technology resolves the technical challenges that currently exist with balancing energy flows across the network.
Watch the video to see how it works.
See if you could save with solar
What are the benefits?
Access solar, sooner
Smart Connect Solar will remove hosting capacity limits, allowing more people to access solar sooner.
Reduce energy costs
With access to solar, more of the community can enjoy the benefits of using solar generated electricity, which means lower energy bills.
Grid stability
Smart Connect Solar helps maintain the safety and stability of the electricity network, reducing the risk of power outages and other disruptions.
When is Smart Connect Solar coming to your town?
Smart Connect Solar will roll out to regional towns in phases, beginning in early 2024.
Town | Release date |
Carnarvon | 6 February 2024 |
North West Interconnected System (Pilbara) and all towns with no existing solar capacity constraints: Ardyaloon, Beagle Bay, Bidyadanga, Camballin/Looma, Coral Bay, Cue, Derby, Djarindjin/Lombadina, Halls Creek, Hopetoun, Kalumburu, Laverton, Leonora, Meekatharra, Norseman, Nullagine, Warmun, Wiluna, Wyndham, Yalgoo. |
26 March 2024 |
Broome | 30 April 2024 |
Exmouth, Sandstone, Denham, Gascoyne Junction, Mt Magnet | Quarter 3 - 2024 |
Esperance and Menzies | Quarter 3 - 2024 |
Onslow, Fitzroy Crossing, Yungngora, Marble Bar, Kununurra, Lake Argyle | Quarter 4 - 2024 |
Release dates are subject to change and will be updated closer to the date. |
We will never ask you for a deposit to ‘secure your place’ on a solar application list. Please confirm your installer is CEC accredited and there's solar capacity in your town, before paying a deposit or the total costs upfront. If you’re ever in doubt, please call us on 1800 267 926.
Ready to connect?
Login to MyAccount and get a reference number to share with your installer so they can get approval to install your system.-
What is Smart Connect Solar?
Smart Connect Solar uses internet connected solar technology that enables us to effectively manage high levels of solar energy on the network, whilst maintaining a safe and reliable power supply for the community.
With more and more rooftop solar installed, we will sometimes need to turn down the amount of electricity Smart Connect solar systems generate in each town. The new technology resolves the technical challenges that currently exist with balancing energy flows across your community.
Learn more about how solar and energy management works -
Why do we need Smart Connect Solar?
As more and more customers access solar, it's harder to maintain a stable electricity network because they are designed for one way flow of electricity. Smart Connect Solar means more solar can be connected to the network without impacts to its stability.
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Will hosting capacity limits still apply?
No, once a town is Smart Connect Solar enabled hosting capacity limits won’t apply. That means more customers can access the benefits of solar, sooner.
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Will I need a Building Permit to install solar?
Installing rooftop solar may require a Building Permit from your local Shire. Please check with your local Shire to ensure you meet all necessary regulations.
Your solar installer can often assist with Building Permit applications. -
Will my solar installation cost more?
Smart Connect Solar requires a small communication device that connects your solar inverter to Horizon Power's energy management system. This is called a Secure Gateway Device (SGD). We will supply and maintain the SGD free of charge. Any costs to install and connect the SGD will be at your installer's discretion.
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Will I still save with a Smart Connect Solar enabled solar system?
Yes, you’ll still be generating a significant amount of your own solar energy with your Smart Connect Solar enabled system, even though we may need to turn the solar generation down from time to time across the town.
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Will I need an internet connection to connect with Smart Connect Solar?
Yes, you’ll need to have a hard wired internet connection for Smart Connect Solar to work. That's because we need to communicate securely with your solar energy system to turn it down from time-to-time.
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How do I apply for Smart Connect Solar?
You will need to log in to your My Account and complete the online Solar Ready application. After this application is submitted you will receive a reference number that you will need to provide to your chosen installer.
If you require assistance with My Account registration or completing the online Solar Ready application, please call us on 1800 267 926. -
If I already have solar, what happens?
If you already have a solar system, nothing changes. Smart Connect Solar applies to new solar installations only, including applications to upgrade an existing system.
We're here to help
If you have any questions about Smart Connect Solar, please get in touch. Call us Monday to Friday (8am - 5pm) or send us a message.Is solar right for you? Explore your potential savings
Login to MyAccount to view what your personalised savings would be and get tips to maximise benefits. This is where you apply for the reference number to share with your installer so they can get approval to install your system.Login or register to view your potential savings
Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.