1MW Rooftop Solar Rollout for Aboriginal Housing – Wilcannia & Broken Hill, NSW

Client: Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) / Local Aboriginal Land Councils

Location: Wilcannia and Broken Hill, NSW

System Size: 1MW (Across ~150 Homes)

Technology Used:

• Panels: Jinko Solar High-Efficiency Modules

• Inverters: Sungrow String Inverters

• Mounting: Rooftop installations on transportable housing

Project Overview

As part of an initiative to support regional Aboriginal communities with clean, affordable energy, Grid Electrics Group was selected to deliver a large-scale rooftop solar rollout across approximately 150 homes in the remote NSW towns of Wilcannia and Broken Hill.

The project involved the installation of 5kW to 6.6kW systems on each residence, totalling 1MW of distributed solar capacity. These systems were specifically designed for transportable homes, requiring tailored engineering solutions to ensure compliance, safety, and long-term performance.

Project Highlights

• Tailored Rooftop Systems for Transportable Housing
  Each home featured a unique rooftop structure, requiring customised mounting and inverter solutions. Our team delivered a safe, standardised approach across all residences to ensure consistency and reliability.

• Premium Technology Selection
  Utilising Jinko high-efficiency solar panels and Sungrow string inverters, we ensured each system delivered strong, consistent performance under the extreme heat and dust-prone conditions typical of far west NSW.

• On-Time, Community-Focused Delivery
  Grid Electrics Group coordinated closely with local communities, Aboriginal Land Councils, and housing officers to deliver all systems on time and with minimal disruption to residents. The project also included workforce participation from local Aboriginal workers.

Outcomes and Community Benefits

• Annual Energy Output: Over 1.8 GWh expected

• Estimated Energy Bill Savings: Over $500–$700 per home annually

• Carbon Offset: Approx. 1,400 tonnes of CO₂ per year

• Community Uplift: Reduced energy poverty and strengthened trust in renewable solutions

• Employment Pathways: Provided job opportunities and solar training for local Aboriginal workers

Client Feedback

“This project has made a real difference in the lives of our community. Families are seeing real savings, and it’s empowering to see Aboriginal people involved in building the future of clean energy in our region.”
— Darren, Local Aboriginal Housing Officer

This 1MW solar rollout demonstrates how renewable energy can empower remote and historically under-served communities. By blending high-performance solar technology with culturally respectful community engagement, Grid Electrics Group proudly helped reduce energy hardship and supported the broader clean energy transition in regional NSW.