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Freenergy Wins National Small Business Award For Clean Energy Leadership
Local solar company takes out a major national award at SEANZ 2025
Hawke’s Bay-based solar provider Freenergy Solar Solutions has earned national recognition at the SEANZ 2025 Aotearoa Industry Awards, winning the J.A. Russell Best Small Business Award for excellence in the solar and energy sector.
The annual awards, held during the country’s premier sustainable energy event hosted by SEANZ, the Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand, celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact across Aotearoa’s renewable energy sector.
Freenergy was recognised for its significant contribution to energy resilience across the region, with over 1 megawatt of solar power and 730 kilowatt-hours of battery storage installed over the past year alone. The judging panel described the achievement as outstanding for a small business and highlighted the company’s instrumental role in strengthening community resilience across Hawke’s Bay.
“Over 1MW of solar plus battery energy storage installed in the past year is outstanding for a small business,” the judges noted. “Freenergy has been instrumental in building resilience across Hawke’s Bay.”
The J.A. Russell Best Small Business Award celebrates businesses that have grown while making a positive contribution to society, the industry, and all stakeholders – including customers, employees, and shareholders.
Founded in 2007, Freenergy has become a trusted solar partner for residential, commercial, and off-grid clients across Wairoa, Napier, Hastings, Havelock North, Waipukurau, and rural areas of the region.
In the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, Freenergy played a key role in local recovery efforts, delivering solar and battery systems to marae, sports centres, and community hubs to restore and enhance power resilience in hard-hit areas.
Freenergy Director Aaron Duncan says the award reflects the trust the community places in their team. He says it is not just recognition of the work completed, but why the work matters. For him, it is about supporting local families, futureproofing businesses, and building a more resilient Hawke’s Bay.
The award was presented at SEANZ Gala Dinner hosted by actress and comedian Madeleine Sami and attended by industry leaders from across the country. It is not the first time Freenergy has received national recognition. The team has previously earned SEANZ awards for Best Small Business in the PV (Photovoltaic) and Battery Market, and Duncan has also been named Industry Person of the Year twice at the awards.
Duncan says bringing the Best Small Business Award home to Hawke’s Bay is a proud moment for the whole team and their community.
About Freenergy Solar Solutions
Freenergy Solar Solutions is an award-winning provider of solar and battery systems based in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. Since 2007, the company has delivered thousands of installations for homes, businesses, farms, and community organisations, with a strong focus on quality, safety, and long-term value. Freenergy designs and installs cost-effective, fit-for-purpose energy solutions tailored to the unique needs of each customer.
Learn more at: www.freenergy.co.nz
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