Million-dollar rooftop solar for Kimberley hospital

Derby Regional Hospital, in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, has gained a large-scale rooftop solar system funded by a $1.4m investment from the state government. The state-of-the-art system was installed by WA regional energy provider Horizon Power in partnership with WA Country Health Service.

“The Derby Regional Hospital solar system is a great example of the Cook government delivering on its commitment to increase renewable energy uptake throughout regional and remote Western Australia,” said Energy Minister Reece Whitby.

“This is a wonderful partnership between Horizon Power and WA Country Health Service that will reduce energy costs for Derby’s major hospital while also cutting its carbon emissions.”

The 910-panel, 364 kW rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system is equivalent to the capacity of about 60 home solar systems, and is set to save the hospital an annual $70,000 in variable energy costs. It is also predicted to reduce the hospital’s annual energy consumption by 24%, in turn cutting its carbon emissions by about 300 tonnes per year.

“I am excited with this announcement that not only exemplifies our commitment to the environment by reducing carbon emissions and saving money for essential health service delivery, but also aligns with our collective goal for net zero by 2050,” said Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna.

Image credit: iStock.com/bombermoon