Frequently Asked Questions
What size solar system will I need for my house?
The size of system you choose for your house will depend on a variety of factors like, available roof space to install solar panels, the amount of electricity you use and of course your budget. Residential solar installations generally range from a 2kW system which would reduce you power bill, to a 7kW system that potentially could eliminate your power bill. Our solar experts can work out the exact size system for your requirements but to get a general idea click here: Prices, Savings & ROI
What is the lifetime of a solar installation?
Solar panels come with a 25 year performance warranty so you can expect your panels to produce energy for at least 25 years (and very likely a lot longer). Inverters carry a 10 year warranty and may need to be replaced after 10-15 years.
Are there government subsidies for solar?
The New Zealand government doesn’t currently offer subsidies for solar installations.
What warranty does a solar installation carry?
Solar panels carry a 25 year performance warranty and a 10 year workmanship warranty. Inverters carry either a 5 or 10 year warranty depending on the type of inverter installed.
Will I be able to see how much energy my solar system is producing?
Yes, our inverters have a LCD display showing how much energy the system is producing and we also offer an app for your phone which allows you to see how much power your system is generating.
Can I add batteries to my solar system at a later date?
Yes, absolutely! Batteries can be retrofitted to your grid-tied solar system in the future if required.
How long does the process of installing solar take?
From the time of signing up to your system being fulling installed is a maximum of 5 weeks. Click here to see our step by step process:Step by step process. The process is often shorter than this and can take as little as 2 weeks. Installation time depends on factors like getting approval from your mains company and having an import/export meter installed.
Is solar a viable source of electricity?
The short answer is yes, in most cases. Solar panels have reduced in price over the last few years while increasing in performance. The vital factor is ensuring you use the energy your system generates but surplus energy can still be sold back to the grid. With battery technology developing quickly and power prices continuing to rise we expect solar to be continually more viable. To find out if solar is right for you click on our solar calculator: Solar calculator or contact us today to get a free quote from one of our solar experts.
Will solar add value to my house?
Solar is a worthwhile investment for any home owner so yes, solar will add value to your house. If you were to sell your home, potential buyers are more than likely to see the value in a solar system therefore it will add value to your house.
What happens to excess power my solar system produces?
Excess power your solar system produces will be sent back to the grid via a import/export meter. Most electricity retailers will purchase your excess power from you and payment for this appears on your electricity bill as a credit. The price electricity retailers pay for your surplus power does vary so it is important to research which retailers will pay the most for your power.
Does solar produce energy on cloudy days?
Yes, your solar system will still produce power on cloudy days but just not as much as sunny days.
Can I add more solar panels to my system in the future?
Yes, you can add more panels in the future if your roof space allows. You may need to purchase a larger inverter when you add more panels but you could start off with a larger inverter than you need initially with adding more panels at a later date in mind.
What type of roof is required to install solar?
We can install solar panels on most roof types. The type of mounting we use will depend on what your roof consists of. Ideally you want your solar panels facing north but solar panels will still be effective facing east or west. The optimal roof slope is 30 degrees but panels will still work fine on an angle between 20 and 60 degrees.
Do solar panels handle our weather conditions?
Our solar installations are designed to cope with New Zealand’s harsh weather conditions. Our panels will withstand a direct hit from a 35mm diameter hailstone at 97kph but as panels are mounted on an angle they are unlikely to receive a direct hit. Our solar installations are designed to withstand winds of up to 200 kilometres per hour.
What maintenance does a solar system require?
Apart from occasionally cleaning your solar panels solar requires very little, if any, maintenance.
Can I use my solar power during a grid power cut?
If you have a grid-tied system your solar power system will automatically shut down during a power cut for safety reasons. If you have a hybrid solar system (including batteries) your system can continue to operate during a power cut.
