Knowledge Hub

If  you are thinking about installing solar panels in Christchurch then you have come to the right place.

Stay updated with the latest on solar panels, batteries, solar facts and renewable news.

This is a place you can come to learn about solar panels and batteries, whether you are in Christchurch or not.

We have a good wealth of knowledge we can share with you from the Christchurch, Wanaka, Queenstown and Dunedin Branches. The solar industry is a fast moving one. By working together, we aim to help you understand and stay updated, so you can make the right choice when it comes to powering your home or business with solar.

Explore solar and battery information

It is here you can explore the benefits of solar panels, batteries, how solar systems work, electric vehicles, off-grid tips and the latest solar energy news from around the world and the Christchurch area.

Take a look around and check back regularly – we’re always trying to help spread the solar word, so there’s always something new posted here.

Want to know more about solar panels and batteries?

If you don’t find what your looking for in the articles below then send us an email with your solar question and we will get right back.

Or feel free to give us a call if you find a quick chat is much easier.

• Is solar panel efficiency important?

  

    There is lots of talk about how efficient different solar panels are. Does efficiency really matter and if so, when does efficiency matter? 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 is measured in a ... Read more
• What are the different types of solar systems?

  

    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 the grid. If the ... Read more
• How much am I paid for exporting solar power?

  

    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 this on ... Read more
• Is the Tesla Powerwall 2 worth it?

  

    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: Storage of excess solar energy. Up to 13.5kWh of backup in a power cut. Off-peak charge and peak discharge. So let’s look at the ... Read more
• Will going solar reduce my energy bills?

  

    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
• How many solar panels do i need?

  

  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:  How much electricity does your property use? When you use electricity in your ... Read more
• Get up to $10,000, interest free for solar, with Westpac.

  

    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
• Are solar panels worth installing in New Zealand?

  

    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 Zealand. By installing solar panels ... Read more
• How do solar panels work?

  

    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 doped to ... Read more
• How does solar power reduce my carbon footprint?

  

    A typical solar PV system on a house can save half a tonne of CO2 pollution every year.   What exactly is your carbon footprint? Simply put, the term ‘carbon footprint’ is used to describe the total amount of greenhouse gases that are produced and released into the atmosphere to support your ... Read more