WA set to get solar panels on train and bus stations

WA - Solar panels - Western Australia — Image courtesy of Nathan Hurst on Unsplash

The Western Australia State Government is set to roll out solar panels across more than 50 train and bus stations in Perth.

Once installed, the solar panels will supply 1,000kW of energy, enough to power 360 homes.

The energy generated will also be used to power public infrastructure at the station such as ticket machines, signage, driver facilities, the lifts and escalators and will help reduce the electricity consumption.

A feasibility study is currently underway to help select the 50 suitable stations for the implementation.

East Perth, Rockingham and Currambine have already seen solar panels installed throughout the towns, with work to install more underway at the Murdoch and Bull Creek stations.

Other train stations set to receive solar panels as part of the first tranche include: Rockingham, Currambine, Bull Creek, Murdoch, Edgewater, East Perth, Butler, Thornlie, Clarkson and Leederville stations.

Western Australia Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the installation would help support sustainable infrastructure throughout Perth.

“From East Perth to Rockingham, Bull Creek to Edgewater, we plan to install solar panels to improve energy efficiency, while also supporting local jobs and the local economy,” Ms Saffioti said.

Eight bus stations have already had solar panels installed including: Booragoon, Kwinana, Morley, Victoria Park, James Street, Mirrabooka, Henley Brook and Optus Stadium.

More than $1.8 million is being allocated to the program through the Western Australia Recovery Plan, which aims to support the economy through COVID-19.