Derby Memorial Pool receives new custom-made solar shade

Derby Memorial Pool's new custom-made solar shade - Horizon Power Hut - is one of 13 rooftop solar systems installed in Shire of Derby/West Kimberley community buildings.

The Derby Memorial Pool Horizon Power Hut was officially opened yesterday by Western Australian Energy Minister Bill Johnston and Horizon Power Chief Executive, Stephanie Unwin. The new solar shade Horizon Power Hut has a 40kW solar system that will reduce the pool's operating costs and provide plenty of cool shade to visitors throughout the year.

Derby's Aboriginal-owned solar installers Remote Solar Solutions were engaged to install 283 kilowatts (kW) of rooftop solar across the Shire's public buildings.

The installations will save the Shire an average of $170,000 per year on electricity costs and help reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 460 tonnes annually.

1,100 smart LED streetlights have also helped improve night-time visibility and safety for pedestrians and drivers; Horizon Power will also be able to monitor and respond to streetlight faults and outages in real-time.

Additionally, solar panels will be installed at the Derby Hospital later this year and a community battery should be completed in early 2022.

The $5.2 million Derby solar, battery and smart streetlights project is part of the State Government’s WA Recovery Plan.  

Image top: More than 100 Derby locals joined Horizon Chief Executive, Stephanie Unwin and Minister Johnston at the Derby Memorial Swimming Pool to celebrate some exciting Renew the Regions milestones and to unveil Horizon Power Hut, the pool’s new solar shade; image above Derby solar system :