We are introducing a new way of connecting rooftop solar to a Horizon Power network, called Smart Connect Solar.
Our electricity networks were designed and built for one-way flow of electricity - from central power stations to customer homes along poles and wires or underground power cables. As more people connect solar energy to the network, and too much solar energy is being exported back into the network, it can cause voltage issues and potentially power outages.
We currently have hosting capacity constraints which mean there is a limit to the amount of solar that can be installed per town. We do this to make sure your town's network is safe and reliable. That means once the hosting capacity limit is reached in your town, no more solar can be connected until more hosting capacity is available.
Smart Connect Solar lets more people save with solar
Smart Connect Solar is our solution to address the challenges of too much solar energy on our grid.
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How does Smart Connect Solar work?
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Why do we need Smart Connect Solar?
As more and more customers access solar, its 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 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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Is it only excess energy I export back into the grid that will be energy managed?
Smart Connect Solar will turn down the total amount of solar electricity a solar energy system generates, not just the exported amount. The amount we turn down generation for Smart Connect Solar enabled systems is the same across the town so it's fair and equitable.
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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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When can I access Smart Connect Solar?
We are commencing the rollout of Smart Connect Solar From March 2024. We'll let you know once it's available in your town."
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If I already have solar, what happens?
If you already have a solar system, nothing changes. You’ll continue to save exactly the same way, and Smart Connect Solar won’t apply to you.
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.
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