Solar

The aim of the study is to quantify the potential future
(until 2030) economic costs and benefits of connecting
distributed generation (DG) to New Zealand's local
distribution networks. DG is a generator that is connected
to the distribution network and is not directly connected to
the transmission network.

The decision Christchurch Men's Prison made to use solar water heating in its laundry will help save over $7,000 per year on their hot water bill, with a payback of 7.6 years. With 21 solar panels covering 97m2 the prison has one of the largest solar water heating systems in New Zealand.

This report provides high level guidance to independent renewable energy project developers who wish to investigate and progress distributed generation projects.

This report was commissioned by EECA and prepared by Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd. The report focuses on geothermal, hydro and wind projects in the range of 10 kW to 20 MW. The report makes developers aware of the range of issues that need to be addressed at the early stages of such projects, up until the point when developers typically seek tender submissions for detailed design and equipment supply.

Solar water collectors for heating swimming pools are increasingly being used in New Zealand. Typically these collectors are unglazed rubber or plastic mats / panels that work best at low temperature differentials between the ambient air temperature and the pool water temperature.