Why are there solar constraints?
The microgrid that powers your town needs to be carefully managed to ensure an increase in rooftop solar doesn't impact the stability of the network.
That's why we've set a limit on how much solar is connected to the electricity network in each town - this is called hosting capacity. Hosting capacity is currently constrained in a few regional towns, which means some businesses have been unable to install and enjoy the benefits of solar energy.
The good news is - we're working on it. We're transforming the grids across regional WA into renewable ready energy systems, so no one misses out on the opportunity to install solar.
Energy managed solar coming soon...
We're introducing a new way of connecting rooftop solar to a Horizon Power network. This means no more solar capacity constraints stopping you from enjoying the bill saving benefits of solar. We call this Smart Connect Solar.
This new technology means we'll sometimes need to turn down the amount of energy solar systems generate in each town to maintain a stable power supply. More rooftop solar will be able to connect without impacting network stability.
Watch the video to learn more...
Buyback for business
If you don't use all of the energy you generate, you could be eligible to sell your excess power back to us. The rate differs for each town and is determined by our cost of electricity generation and distribution.
Buyback rates are reviewed annually and subject to change. Not all customers will be eligible for the buyback, so it’s important to check if you are eligible before you apply.
Choose a reputable solar installer
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) solar retailer program is designed to lift the minimum requirements and bring about a better standard of service within the solar industry. That's why it's important to choose a CEC accredited installer. Visit their website to locate an accredited installer in your area.
While we’re not allowed to recommend specific systems or installers, we can help point you in the right direction so you can make an informed decision.
Upcoming releases
19 September 2023 - 9am AWST
| Residential hosting capacity | Business hosting capacity | |
|
Esperance |
250 kW | 250 kw |
Previous releases
5 September 2023 - 9am AWST
| Residential hosting capacity | Business hosting capacity | |
|
Exmouth |
362.5 kW | 362.5 kw |
16 May 2023 - 9am AWST
| Residential hosting capacity | Business hosting capacity | |
|
Marble Bar |
50kW | 50kw |
Get notified of upcoming solar capacity releases
The good news is we're planning to remove hosting capacity restraints across most of our networks starting at the end of this year.
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Solar hosting capacity releases - July 2022
Release one
Residential hosting capacity Business hosting capacity Yalgoo
30kW 30kw -
Solar hosting capacity releases - June 2022
Release one
2 June 2022 - 9am AWST
Residential hosting capacity Business hosting capacity Nullagine
10kW 10kw Release two
16 June 2022 - 9am AWST
Residential hosting capacity Business hosting capacity Kununurra, Lake Argyle
500kW 500kw Wyndham
125kW 125kW Release three
30 June 2022 - 9am AWST
Residential hosting capacity Business hosting capacity Meekatharra
32.5kW 32.5kw Cue
70kW 70kW Wiluna
40.5kW 40.5kW Norseman
42.5kW 42.5kW Laverton
38kW 38kW Esperance
24.5kW 24.5kW -
Broome solar hosting capacity release - March 2022
Our new Community Battery arrived in March, enabling the release of more hosting capacity to Broome residents and businesses.
Hosting capacity has since been exhausted in Broome and applications are now closed.
Business customers
This release focused on Broome businesses - with an allocation of 1100 kW of capacity.Residential customers
Following on from the 900 kW allocated last July for households, an additional 300 kW of solar hosting capacity was allocated for residential customers after the Broome Community Battery is operational.The Community Battery has enabled us to allocate double the capacity to residential customers than originally planned for. Adhering to our 'first come, first served' principal - this capacity will be fully allocated to customers who submitted an application last July and were unsuccessful at that time. This means we were unable to accept new residential solar applications for this release.
We're working on expanding our fleet of Community Batteries in Broome as quickly as possible. This will enable us to offer a lot more solar hosting capacity for Broome businesses and households at the end of the year.
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When can I access solar in my town?
Stay tuned!
We are committed to increasing cleaner, greener renewable energy solutions to provide more choice and flexibility for households and businesses. As we get closer to opening up more hosting capacity in each town, we'll release more information.
You can also sign up using our online form to be notified when solar becomes available.
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How will you make access to solar more equitable?
We offering a 50/50 allocation of available solar hosting between residential and commercial customers.
This will ensure distribution is more equitable and accessible to more of our customers.
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Is there a waitlist?
No. Due to the high demand of rooftop solar we process applications on a first come, first serve basis. However, you can sign up using our online form to be notified of any changes to solar capacity, products and trials in your area.
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Carnarvon, Denham & Exmouth
Residential customers
Applications opened to Carnarvon, Denham and Exmouth residential customers on 15 November 2021, at 9 am. In this phase we released a total 900kW of solar capacity:
- Carnarvon households - 400kW
- Denham households - 100kW
- Exmouth households - 400kW
Hosting capacity has since been exhausted in Denham and Exmouth applications are now closed.
Some capacity remains in Carnarvon for residential customers - find out more here.
Business customers
Applications opened to Denham businesses on 22 November 2021, at 9 am. In this phase we released 100kW of capacity.
Hosting capacity has since been exhausted in Denham and applications are now closed.
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Esperance & Hopetoun
Residential customers
Applications opened to Esperance and Hoptiun residential customers on 18 October 2021, at 9 am. In this phase we released a total 850kW of solar capacity:
- Esperance households - 700kW
- Hopetoun households - 150kW
Business customers
Applications opened to Esperance and Hopetoun businesses on 25 October 2021, at 9 am. In this phase we released 350kW of capacity.
Hosting capacity has since been exhausted in Esperance and applications are now closed.
Some capacity remains in Hopetoun for residential and business customers - find out more here.
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Broome
Residential customers
Applications opened to Broome residential customers on 12 July 2021, at 9 am. In this phase we released a total 900kW of solar capacity:
Hosting capacity has since been exhausted in Broome and applications are now closed.
More solar is coming
We continue to work on new technical solutions that will unlock solar access for Broome customers. The first of which includes the installation of a Broome community battery energy storage solution which will allow more solar capacity to become available in early 2022.
More information about this release will be available soon.
To ensure this is distributed in the most equitable way possible, capacity will be allocated on a ‘first in – first served’ basis.
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.