Marble Bar residents will soon have access to more rooftop solar energy, with the completion of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the East Pilbara town.
The milestone was celebrated at a community event at the Marble Bar civic centre last week, hosted by regional energy provider Horizon Power.
The occasion marks a significant milestone for the McGowan Government’s WA Recovery Plan, which includes the installation of a BESS in several regional communities including Broome, Carnarvon, Exmouth, Marble Bar, Wiluna, Yalgoo and Yungngora.
The systems in Wiluna and Yalgoo were commissioned last month, while BESS solutions are currently being investigated for Menzies and Gascoyne Junction.
Marble Bar’s BESS will store excess solar energy and free up over 100 kilowatts (kW) of solar hosting capacity, which is expected to be made available to customers next year.
The nine BESS solutions will allow more than 3,000 households to connect a standard rooftop solar system (3kW), which could reduce their power bills by an average $1,275 a year.
With approximately 600 residents, Marble Bar is recognised as Australia’s hottest town; at times recording temperatures of over 37 degrees Celsius for over 100 consecutive days.
As stated by Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
“The McGowan Government commitment to install Battery Energy Storage Systems across regional Western Australia will allow more than 3,000 customers to enjoy the benefits of rooftop solar.
“More than 10 megawatts of extra rooftop solar capacity will be made available in our regions, which is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 13,000 tonnes a year.
“The project roll-out will also support economic development, providing opportunities for local installers to supply solar systems to customers.”
