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
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 |
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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 | Quarter 2 - 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. | |
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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 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.
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.