A reliable electricity supply can be a tall order in remote WA, especially for a power-hungry petrol station. That was the case for BP Shinju, one of just six petrol stations in the coastal town of Broome.

Although Broome’s crystal beaches attract thousands of tourists each year, its small population (15,000) and distance from major cities mean that electricity infrastructure is limited. For BP Shinju, connectivity issues were particularly challenging. Located at the end of the grid distribution line and operating 24/7, the station suffered frequent outages – even with a rooftop solar system. These outages were costly and disruptive.

In 2021, owner Brodie Taylor decided to take control. With the help of remote solar specialists GenOffGrid, he invested in a hybrid microgrid that combined battery storage, his existing solar PV system, and a diesel generator for backup. This setup would maximise self-consumption of solar, cut grid reliance, and provide resilience against blackouts.

To overcome the upfront cost, Brodie used a $0 upfront Smart Ease Payment Plan, spreading the investment into manageable instalments. The system was installed in November 2021 and immediately delivered cheaper, more reliable power.