Knowledge Hub

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.

• Is solar worth installing in Dunedin?

  

  Is solar worth installing in Dunedin? That’s a question we often hear. To answer this question accurately, we rely on the data from systems we’ve installed to give people a realistic picture of what they can expect.  So let’s take a look at a system installed in December 2021. It consists ... Read more
• Case Study: Solar a smart choice for Dunedin Business

  

  Naylor Love has taken a significant step in its sustainability journey by installing a 35kW solar system on its Ward Street site. The solar installation is expected to produce 35,111 kWh of clean energy each year, accounting for over 40% of the Dunedin office’s annual energy consumption.
• What is the Tesla Gateway?

  

  A standard Tesla Powerwall setup has two components, the Powerwall itself, which houses the battery cells and battery inverter, and the Backup Gateway. The Gateway is the hub of your system. Tesla has designed the system to be highly flexible, allowing for many location options for component placement. The Tesla Gateway serves ... Read more
• Micro-inverters vs string inverters

  

  When it comes to choosing the right inverter for your solar system, the question of whether micro-inverters are better often arises. Usually, our answer is no, here’s why: Difference between micro-inverters and string inverters Firstly, you need to understand the difference between a micro-inverter and a string inverter.  A string inverter is a ... Read more
• What is AC and DC Coupling?

  

  There are two main architectures for battery systems: AC and DC coupling. DC coupling refers to both the battery and solar connecting to a single inverter. Solar and the battery need to pass through the inverter in order to power electrical loads. Therefore the power you have available is limited by ... Read more
• Maximise Your Solar Power with a Powerwall: The Importance of Charge and Discharge Rates

  

  Your home battery’s charging and discharging speed will make a big difference in how much it contributes to your energy consumption, and your overall experience. Charge Rate The charge rate is how fast the battery can charge. The higher this rating, the more solar power the battery can absorb at once. The more ... Read more
• Tesla Powerwall is the only home battery with thermal management

  

  Tesla’s car batteries are renowned for their longevity, and this is in part thanks to battery thermal management. With millions of kilometres worth of data they have proved that managing the temperature of the battery cells is the way to go. Simply, when batteries get too hot, they wear out faster. ... Read more
• Why Powerwall Battery Cells are a Game-Changer for Home Energy Storage

  

  The Powerwall uses energy-dense NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) battery cells, the same kind used in Tesla’s high-performance cars such as the Model X and S. Tesla knows that your garage space is really valuable to you. The Powerwall does not take up much room compared to other bulky home batteries because ... Read more
• What do these common solar terms mean? A Solar glossary

  

  There’s no avoiding it, there is a lot of jargon used in the solar industry. Between the acronyms and new technology, you’ll likely come across terms you haven’t heard before.  That’s why we’ve put together a quick solar glossary of common terms. We want to make your solar research as easy ... Read more
• Using Solar to charge your EV

  

  EVs are becoming more and more common on New Zealand roads with 38,117 EVs in New Zealand (as of March 2022). The transition to EVs is expected to speed up with the Climate Change Commission recommending the government phase out imports of fossil-fueled cars by no later than 2035. A Solar ... Read more