Climate Adaptation
Power Grid Trials Standalone Solar Systems for Remote Homes
- Standalone systems seen as reliable alternative in Australia
- Western Power plans to remove up to 40% of its overhead cables
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Storms or wildfires that down power lines and disrupt supply are the nightmare of grids around the world. Western Australia has found an alternative -- taking remote customers completely off the grid.
After Tropical Cyclone Seroja tore through the state last week, destroying transmission lines and cutting off thousands of homes and businesses, six standalone power systems -- basically arrays of solar panels connected to batteries -- managed to survive the storm’s wrath and continue supplying juice.