Governments tip millions into solar for renters, regions and First Nations communities

Four hundred households spread across five remote communities in Western Australia’s Kimberley region will have rooftop solar installed, in a joint state and federal government push to slash energy bills and cut regional diesel fuel consumption.

The $19.9 million funding partnership, announced at the WA Energy Transition Summit on Friday, will install solar on homes in First Nations communities in the Kimberley region, including Beagle Bay, Djarindjin-Lombadina, Ardyaloon, Bidyadanga and Warmun.

The governments say the rollout of rooftop solar across the roughly 400 households is expected to deliver savings of around $450 a year on their power bills, while slashing the communities’ reliance on costly and polluting diesel generators.

“Of course, we know that First Nations communities are among the most energy insecure in the world,” said Bowen during a speech at the CEDA summit.

​”Investing in renewable energy in these communities helps to bolster energy security and deliver energy savings.

The funding – $12.6 million from the WA government and $7.3 million from the Commonwealth – will also help a further 1,600 regional WA households to access cleaner energy from centralised solar farms.

​Renters and low-income families will be able to subscribe to Horizon Power’s initiative, access the benefits of renewables and realise yearly savings of about $250.

“It’s a practical announcement to ensure that no one is locked out on the benefits of cheap, clean solar energy,” Bowen said.

WA premier Roger Cook said the support from the federal government, including for the state’s Kimberley Communities Solar Saver program, would help make the clean energy transition fair for all.

“This partnership will allow regional and remote residents to access the benefits of solar, leading to a more equitable renewable energy future for all Australians,” Cook said on Friday.