Project overview
Launched in 2017, the Smart Sun Pilot was the first Virtual Power Plant in regional Australia.
We partnered with DevelopmentWA to explore how regional customers could connect their solar system into a microgrid, while keeping the grid stable for everyone. We’re aiming for increased grid stability, more regional development, easier access to renewables and lower power bills for our community.
We also wanted to investigate how these new energy technologies can dramatically reduce household electricity bills and lower the expensive cost of infrastructure on new developments.
We coordinated 15 homes in DevelopmentWA's Waranyjarri Estate in Broome North into an energy ‘fleet’. Each home had a solar and battery renewable energy system coupled with an energy management platform that coordinated the homes.
Broome
Complete
November 2017 to December 2020
The pilot
For the heavily subsidised price of $5,000, each of these 15 homes had access to a subsidised renewable energy system which included:
- Rooftop solar panels
- Solar PV inverter to convert energy from the solar panels into electricity for the household
- Battery to store excess electricity generated by the solar panels (used when the solar panels can’t produce electricity, such as cloudy periods)
- Hot water heat pump as an energy efficient way of heating water, designed for WA’s harsh conditions
- Local energy management system to control major appliances to maximise the use of electricity from the sun, keeping down the amount of power drawn from the grid
What did we learn?
The benefits of battery storage
We learned that providing incentives to encourage evening discharge from battery storage systems could provide a cost-effective option to help support our network. New development property infrastructure costs could be reduced which could help to promote regional development.
Lower development costs through ADMD
When developing new land there are connection costs involved in providing an adequate power supply – this is based on a measurement called “After Diversity Maximum Demand” (ADMD). This pilot households achieved our best-case target for ADMD, reducing development costs by 30%.
Our pilot data supports a case for a review of design ADMD in new housing estates where there are new homes built to current building codes which could incorporate energy efficient appliances and DER orchestration.
Managing solar PV was effective
We learned it was relatively simple to manage how solar PV was scheduled and dispatched to limit its impact on the network.
What does this mean for our community?
Cleaner, greener
By powering homes with more renewable energy, we reduced 72 metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
Reduced bills
Our customers were able to significantly lower their energy bills, with a $2,500 average saving per year. This meant over half the participants were able to use their air-conditioners more often.
Reduced grid reliance
The VPP reduced the load put on the grid, especially at peak times with a 26% reduction in peak demand using battery and a 27% reduction in reverse power flow from solar.
This trial was very exciting.
It has been a very good lesson in how much electricity consumption we use, especially for our kids.
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.