Horizon Power secures lead contractor for schools solar install program

November 05 2020

• Horizon Power has engaged Mechanical Project Services as the lead contractor to install rooftop solar systems as part of the Solar Schools program.
• Around 30 regional public schools to receive solar, reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions in regional WA schools.

Horizon Power has engaged Mechanical Project Services Pty Ltd (MPS) to install rooftop solar systems on around 30 regional public schools, as part of the $5 million Solar Schools program being delivered in partnership with the WA Department of Education.

Under the program, schools from across the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne and Goldfields-Esperance regions will receive a combined 2.1MW of rooftop solar where hosting capacity is available. School system sizes will range from five to 200 kilowatts, depending on the profile and requirements of the school.

Horizon Power Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Unwin said MPS was selected as the preferred contractor for the Solar Schools program due to its technical capability, established health, safety and environment management processes, as well as proven record of delivering quality renewable energy systems in remote locations on time and within budget.

“We recently partnered with MPS to deliver solar as part of our Onslow Renewable Energy Pilot, which sought to demonstrate how high-renewable penetration can be managed for the benefit of customers and Horizon Power,” Ms Unwin said.

“We are very pleased to partner with MPS to deliver this important scope of work which is estimated to deliver combined savings to the State of $1.7 million per annum in reduced electricity costs across WA schools.”

The project will also see MPS create 12 ongoing regional jobs during the 18 month construction period, including two Aboriginal apprentices.

“The two apprentices are now on board and will receive on-the-job training in renewable energy systems delivery which is a fantastic outcome,” she said.

Over the next 18-24 months, Horizon Power will deliver 18 projects across more than 110 sites, improving energy services, access to green energy and creating local jobs and business opportunities across regional WA.

Learn more about Solar Schools and the other projects Horizon Power is delivering in support of WA’s economic recovery at https://renewtheregions.com.au

Image: (L-R) Horizon Power General Manager Customer Experience Krystal Skinner and MPS CEO Tom Purdon finalising the Distributed Energy Construction Agreement.

Media line: 1800 799 745