Skyrocketing levels of rooftop solar for households and businesses has prompted the government of Western Australia (WA) to require future solar panels to be installed with remote shut-off capabilities. From Feb. 14, 2022, any solar installations or upgrades will need to be equipped with the ability to be turned off when electricity demand reaches critically low levels to avoid blackouts. WA will become the second state to adopt the mechanism, with South Australia’s vast solar rollout giving rise to the same requirement last year. This is because exceedingly large levels of solar and wind or battery undermine vital technical restraints of electrical grids, namely, the need to maintain grid inertia and frequency. “Rooftop solar is integral to the renewable energy future of our state, so we’re adapting our system to meet those requirements,” said Energy Minister Bill Johnston. “The Energy Transformation Strategy is planning for a long-term future where rooftop …