1. Understand How Solar & Battery Systems Work

Before you dive into the solar journey, it’s crucial to understand how solar panels and batteries work together to power your home. Here’s the breakdown:

Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, while batteries store that energy for use when the sun isn’t shining—like at night or on cloudy days. By connecting your solar panels and batteries to the grid, you can significantly reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources, lower your electricity bills, and boost your home’s energy independence.

Key Terms to Know:

• kW (kilowatt): This is the measure of the capacity of your solar system. A larger system (with more panels) can generate more electricity.
• kWh (kilowatt-hour): This measures the amount of electricity your system generates or consumes over time. It’s important because it’s how your savings are calculated.

In Broome, your energy provider, Horizon Power, uses Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) to optimize how energy flows from your solar system and batteries into the grid. DERMS helps ensure that your solar power works efficiently and that the grid remains stable, especially during peak sunlight hours when there’s more solar power being generated.

Why Energy Management Matters:

Sometimes, your system may need to be managed to prevent too much energy from being sent into the grid, which can cause imbalances. This is especially relevant if you’ve got a large system with many panels. But don’t worry, this won’t affect your savings—it’s just part of the process to maintain grid stability.

Our Advice: Understand your system’s capacity and keep track of how much energy you’re generating and storing. With proper energy management, you’ll ensure your solar system performs at its best, saving you more in the long run.

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2. Know Which Questions to Ask Your Installer

Choosing the right installer is a big step, and it’s important to ask the right questions to make sure you’re getting the best system for your home. Here’s a quick checklist to help guide your decision:

• What’s included in the quote? Make sure the quote covers everything—panels, inverter, battery (if you’re including one), and installation costs.
• What’s the warranty? Solar systems are a long-term investment, so ask about warranties for both panels and batteries. Make sure they meet industry standards and provide peace of mind for the life of your system.
• Is the installer accredited? Ensure your installer is a licensed professional with experience working in Broome and understands local regulations.
• What are the ongoing costs? Be clear about any maintenance costs, monitoring fees, and whether future upgrades might be necessary.

Our Advice: Shop local! Use Broome locals. Getting the right solar system and installer is crucial for maximising your investment. Don’t rush through the quote process—take the time to ask questions and make sure you fully understand what you’re paying for and how your system will perform.

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3. Apply for a Building Permit

In Broome, as with other areas in Western Australia, you need a building permit to install solar panels—unless your installation qualifies for an exemption. This step is essential for ensuring your system is up to code and meets local building standards.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Check with your local Shire: Find out the specific requirements for your property. Your installer can guide you here as well.
• Submit your installation plan: This includes details about the type of solar panels, battery storage (if applicable), and where the system will be installed on your roof.

Our Advice: While this step might seem like a bit of extra paperwork, it’s there to protect both your investment and your home. Your installer should help you with the process, but always double-check with your local Shire to make sure you’re meeting all requirements.

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4. Final Step: Get Your Smart Connect Solar Reference Number

The last administrative step before your solar system can be connected to the grid is obtaining a Smart Connect Solar reference number. This number is essential for Horizon Power to approve your system for grid connection.

Your installer will apply for this reference number on your behalf, submitting the necessary details about your system to Horizon Power for review. The reference number ensures that your installation meets all technical and safety requirements before it can be integrated into the local grid.

Why is this important? Once Horizon Power receives the application, they’ll assess your system to confirm it’s ready for connection. This helps maintain grid stability and ensures that your solar system operates seamlessly with the network.

Our Advice: Once Horizon Power has accepted your application and issued the reference number, we’ll be able to move forward with the final installation steps. At this point, we can schedule the connection and begin the final works to get your solar system fully up and running.

Ready to Start Your Solar Journey?

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to getting your solar system and batteries connected in Broome. Thanks to the innovative integration of solar in the Broome microgrid and support from Horizon Power, you’re joining a community that’s at the forefront of renewable energy adoption. Not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint, but you’ll also be cutting down on energy costs and building a more sustainable future for Broome.

Our Advice: If you’re unsure about any part of the process, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team at Solar Microgrids Australia is here to help you every step of the way, from understanding your system to making sure it’s properly connected and running smoothly. Ready to go solar? Let’s get started!