This solar panel expert answers their 5 most commonly asked questions
Join the Solar Revolution and Combat Climate Change
We spoke to a solar panel expert to simplify your journey into solar energy.
Are Solar Panels a Viable Investment?
We had a conversation with Angela Hayes from SolarZero, a company that offers an affordable new service model for solar panels.
Can Solar Panels Be Installed on Any House?
There are several factors to consider when installing solar panels:
- The material and condition of your roof
- The surface area of your roof
- The aspect and tilt of your roof to maximize sunlight exposure
- The electrical wiring and circuit boards in your home, which should meet current standards. This is particularly important for older homes.
Are Solar Panels Worth Installing with 80% of the Country’s Electricity Already Renewable?
By powering their homes with solar panels, Kiwis can help accelerate the transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. With New Zealand’s electricity demand expected to double by 2050, additional renewable energy sources will be crucial to meet these targets.
Each solar-powered home reduces its carbon emissions by an average of 15 tonnes over a 20-year period.
In the near future, your home could also power your electric vehicles, bikes, and scooters, making access to low-priced and reliable energy more important than ever.
How Accessible is Solar Power?
Our mission is to help Kiwis access smarter, cleaner, and cheaper energy by making solar power more accessible. Solar energy systems can be expensive to purchase, install, and maintain, so we’ve developed a unique solution: solar as a service, which eliminates upfront capital costs.
We provide solar panels, smart battery technology, and access to 100% renewable, price-protected electricity from the grid to help homeowners save money on their power bills.
Can You Save Money by Installing Solar Panels?
Typically, purchasing and installing a solar panel and battery system can cost over $20,000. We’ve eliminated these upfront costs, and there are no additional costs for maintenance or upgrades. Instead, we offer a complete system for a low, fixed monthly service fee, which doesn’t increase for the entire service agreement period. We take care of the installation and maintenance of the entire system, and you’ll receive a new battery after 10 years.
We guarantee savings from year one. On average, our customers save up to 30% on their power bills and up to $17,000 over 20 years. Solar energy will provide around 80% of your home’s energy needs, with the rest provided by the grid at a net price-protected rate. This means that even if power rates fluctuate, you’ll never pay more than this net price.
Where Are Your Solar Panels and Batteries Produced, and What Are They Made From?
Our solar panels are made predominantly from aluminum and silicon dioxide (sand), which we source from suppliers in China. At the end of their life, these materials can be broken down and reused. Our smart battery is housed alongside the inverter, isolators, and energy management computer, inside a cabinet that is attached to the home.