Cantabrians Seeking Energy Independence Turn To Solar Power

Cantabrians Seeking Energy Independence Turn To Solar Power

The South Island is leading the charge for solar power according to a study by the Electricity Networks Association (ENA), which found the number of solar or photovoltaic (PV) systems being installed nationally has trebled, but the South Island has the highest uptake.

More people are turning to solar energy as a viable option, despite major cuts to the rates at which power companies buy back electricity produced by customers with solar units.

Managing Director of Solar Living NZ, Jason Tobin says this shows more people, but Cantabrians in particular, want independence from their electricity companies.

“In the last decade, electricity prices have risen over 80 percent and they’re likely to keep rising,” says Jason. “More people switching to solar power in areas which don’t have the highest number of sunshine hours proves people want independence from their electricity providers, and that solar power is a viable alternative.”

Christchurch partner and local solar inverter manufacturer, EnaSolar agrees, adding that local support in Canterbury is also a key factor.

EnaSolar’s General Manager Trevor Foster says, “Any worthwhile investment carries an initial cost. It is therefore crucial that consumers have confidence that they are dealing with reputable installers and manufacturers with quality products.”

While innovations for storing solar energy are in the pipeline, there are products available now, made in Christchurch which maximise the way solar power is used.

“Rather than sending electricity back to the grid, the recently launched EnaSolar immerSUN stores excess solar energy in your hot water cylinder for use later in the day. By using more of the solar electricity you generate, this new technology will provide immediate savings benefits,” says Trevor Foster.

Jason Tobin believes the rise of people installing solar PV units in Canterbury is related to the rebuild and after-effects of the earthquakes.

“As well as electricity rates, property rates have been rapidly rising in Christchurch making homes increasingly more expensive to run. Large numbers of people are still living in earthquake damaged homes which are costly to heat, and as repairs and new builds progress, solar energy is providing some welcome financial relief,” says Jason.

The ENA figures show 1,630 solar power systems were installed in the year to October 2013, but by March 2015 that number jumped 220% to 5,367. During the same time period, Canterbury had the second highest number of PV installations with 599, compared to 1207 in Auckland. But, Canterbury has 16 solar connections per 100,000 people, well above Auckland’s 10, and the national average of 12.

ENDS

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