Solar Energy

There is plenty of solar energy in New Zealand that can be harnessed in many areas. On average, New Zealand has about 2000 hours of bright sunshine each year. In energy terms, New Zealand’s solar energy resource is about 4 kWh/m2 per day.

Heating water can account for up to 40 per cent of your electricity bill. By installing a solar water heating system you can save up to 75 per cent of your water heating costs.

Solar energy collected in photovoltaic cells can be used to produce electricity for a number of uses, including:

• remote area power supply systems such as remote farms or in national parks
• electricity supply in urban areas
• electric fencing and telecommunications.

If every New Zealand home had its roof covered in photovoltaic panels, they would collectively generate enough power in a year to satisfy over a quarter of New Zealand’s annual electricity needs.

Good house design can result in significantly less heating costs in winter, through retaining solar energy. Similarly, good design can reduce the need for cooling in summer.

Solar Industries Associations

The Solar Industries Association (SIA) represents the interests of manufacturers, importers and installers of solar water heating systems, and provides a single point of contact for the industry.

EECA works with the SIA to help develop the solar water heating industry. Key activities include:

• developing technical standards and codes of practice
• training and industry accreditation
• finance assistance programmes
• providing information on solar water heating systems.

The SIA has developed a ‘Solar Water Heating Manufacturing and Installation Code of Practice for New Zealand’. This ensures that solar water heaters are manufactured and supplied to a high standard. The code is available on the SIA website.

Finance assistance programme

The EECA finance assistance programme is available through participating Solar Industries Association accredited suppliers and their approved installers.

For detailed information, please see www.energywise.govt.nz/solar

Photovoltaics

The term ‘photovoltaic’ means ‘light – electricity’. A photovoltaic system (often just called a PV or solar electric system) converts radiant energy from the sun directly into electricity.

The Sustainable Electricity Association New Zealand Incorporated (SEANZ) is a non-profit organisation that promotes and supports the increased use of photovoltaics, small wind, and small hydro as reliable, sustainable and clean sources of energy. EECA works with the Association to help develop the small-scale renewable energy industry in New Zealand.