Solar and battery systems are the core technology behind renewable energy for remote communities. This guide explains how they work in plain language, what the components are, and why the Kimberley is one of the best places in the world for solar power.
How solar panels work
Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity. They contain cells made from silicon that generate an electrical current when photons from the sun hit their surface. There are no moving parts, no fuel, and no emissions. The panels simply sit in the sun and produce power.
The electricity generated is direct current (DC). An inverter converts this to alternating current (AC), which is the type of electricity used by household appliances, lights and power points. The inverter is a critical piece of equipment — it is the brain of the system, managing the flow of power between the panels, the battery and the household.
How batteries work
Solar panels only generate electricity while the sun is shining. A battery energy storage system (BESS) stores excess solar energy generated during the day and releases it when it is needed — at night, during cloudy weather, or during peak demand periods. Without battery storage, a solar system can only provide power during daylight hours.
Modern community-scale batteries use lithium-ion technology, similar to the batteries in mobile phones and electric cars but much larger. A typical community battery system might store enough energy to power a small community through the night and into the following morning.
How they work together in a remote community
A complete remote community energy system typically combines three components:
- Solar panels — generate electricity during the day (typically mounted on rooftops or on the ground).
- Battery storage — stores excess daytime generation for use at night and during low-sun periods.
- Backup diesel generator — activates automatically when solar generation and battery reserves are insufficient, typically during extended cloudy periods or unusually high demand.
A central control system manages the energy flow between all three components, switching between them automatically to maintain a continuous power supply. The goal is to maximise the percentage of energy that comes from solar (the "renewable fraction"), typically targeting 60–80% for remote communities, with diesel providing the safety net.
Why the Kimberley is ideal for solar
The Kimberley receives approximately 5.5 to 6.0 peak sun hours per day — among the highest solar resources in Australia and the world. This means solar panels in the Kimberley generate significantly more electricity per panel than those in southern Australia, making the economics of solar particularly compelling for the region.
The cost of generating electricity from solar in the Kimberley is approximately 7 cents per kilowatt-hour. By comparison, remote diesel generation costs 25 to 30 cents per kilowatt-hour — and that is before accounting for the cost of transporting diesel by road to remote locations, which adds further expense and supply risk.
The bottom line
Solar and battery technology is proven, reliable and dramatically cheaper than diesel generation. In the Kimberley, it is not a question of whether the technology works — it is a question of who owns it, who benefits from it, and how quickly communities can access it. A feasibility study is the first step to answering those questions for your community.