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 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