With expert knowledge in mind, we’ve created the Solar Knowledge Hub. It is here we explore the benefits of solar power, how solar systems work, renewable energy innovations such as electric vehicles, off-grid tips, the latest solar energy news from around the world and the ways in which it affects our local community.
Take a look around and check back regularly – we’re always trying to help spread the word, so there’s regularly something new posted here.
The Central Otago sun is a key ingredient in the production of Valli Vineyard’s award-winning Pinot Noir. So for winemaker Grant Taylor and his wife Nicole, tapping into this golden resource to power production beyond the vine just ... Read more
Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how much of the sun’s light hitting a certain surface area is converted into usable electricity. This ... Read more
Grid-Tied Solar
A grid-tied solar system consists of solar panels and a grid-tied solar inverter. This is the most common form of solar installed throughout the world. The solar system generates electricity, this electricity is used in the home and the excess is sent back out to ... Read more
Solar power buy-back rates are the price per unit at which energy retailers pay for excess/exported solar power.
When solar panels are installed on a property an import/export meter is installed upon completion and commissioning of the system. The meter is changed by a local independent inspector (we organise ... Read more
The Tesla Powerwall 2 is the most popular and cost-effective home storage product on the market, but is it worth the investment?
The Tesla Powerwall 2 offers a range of functionality:
So let’s look at the ... Read more
Solar panels aren’t just good for the environment – you can benefit from serious savings over the lifetime of your solar panel system. Installing solar will reduce your energy bill, how much depends on the system size and your energy usage.
Solar panels cost money upfront, but will save you money ... Read more
There are a few elements to consider when determining the size of a solar panel system. Every property is different, and the reasons people install solar varies.
Below we will consider some important elements when choosing a system size, including:
With a Westpac Warm Up loan you can now get up to $10,000 interest free for 5 years to invest in solar.
We have teamed up with Westpac as a SEANZ member to help customers make improvements to their home with solar* with an interest free loan. Helping kiwi’s invest in ... Read more
The short answer yes, but it depends on what you value. People measure the worth of solar panels against 3 main values, Saving money, environmental and self-sufficiency. We will explore these values below.
Will solar panels save me money?
Electricity prices are continuing to rise in New ... Read more
You might have heard of Solar PV Panels. PV stands for photovoltaic.
Photo = Light. Voltaic = Electricity.
Solar panels work as each solar panel is made up of smaller components called solar cells. Each of these cells is made up of two layers of silicon. Each layer has been ... Read more