Jun 4, 2026 | Local Business
Executive Summary: Hiko Electrical (Papamoa, Tauranga) is a leading local solar panel installer and electrical services company. Founded in 2017, the company is a Master Electricians-accredited team delivering residential and commercial solar PV systems, battery storage, EV chargers, heat pumps, and general electrical work in the Bay of Plenty. Backed by the wider HIKO Group (which includes HIKO Solar and EcoAir Heat Pumps), Hiko leverages deep electrical expertise to design safe, high-quality solar installations tailored to local conditions. With over 240 five-star Google reviews and membership in the BizWin Bay of Plenty directory, Hiko is known for reliable service, honest pricing, and clean workmanship.
Company Overview
Hiko Electrical is a Tauranga-based electrical contractor founded in 2017, operating across Tauranga, Papamoa, Mount Maunganui and the wider Bay of Plenty. The close-knit, local team holds Master Electrician accreditation and has grown rapidly by word-of-mouth, now boasting 240+ five-star reviews. As a member of the HIKO Group, Hiko Electrical works alongside HIKO Solar and EcoAir Heat Pumps under one brand, providing integrated, energy-efficient solutions. In practice, this means clients can get a solar power system from design to installation through the same team that handles their house wiring and heat pump service. Hiko’s values emphasize quality, communication and respect – “doing the job properly, communicating clearly, and treating every client with respect”. The company’s portfolio covers all scales of work: from simple residential call-outs to large commercial fitouts.
According to local directories, Hiko Electrical “stands out in Papamoa, Tauranga” for professional solar and electrical work. Customers frequently praise Hiko’s quick responses, competitive pricing, tidy workmanship, and helpful communication. Over time, Hiko has expanded its team to maintain fast service and cover growing demand: its current capabilities include residential and commercial wiring, renovations, heat pump installation, and end-to-end solar PV installs. The company prides itself on trust – no hidden costs and transparent quotes – and backs every job with full insurance and master electrician expertise.
Services Offered
Hiko Electrical offers a full suite of solar and electrical services tailored to home and business customers in the Bay of Plenty:
- Residential Solar Installations: Custom rooftop PV systems for homes, including grid-tied, hybrid or off-grid designs.
- Commercial Solar Installations: Larger solar arrays for businesses, farms, schools and community buildings.
- Battery Storage: Integration of home battery systems (e.g. lithium-ion batteries like Tesla Powerwall, LG Chem, etc.) for time-shifting and backup.
- EV Charger Installation: Electric vehicle (EV) charger setup (e.g. Tesla Wall Connector, or universal EV chargers) to take advantage of daytime solar production.
- Electrical Maintenance & Repairs: Ongoing servicing of PV and battery systems, as well as general electrician services (switchboard upgrades, lighting, appliances, etc.).
- Monitoring & Support: System monitoring solutions and post-install support.
By virtue of being Master Electricians, Hiko’s team handles all necessary compliance (Certificates of Compliance, signoffs, etc.). They can also liaise with power companies for any required approvals or meter changes. In short, Hiko provides a one-stop solar solution: initial advice and design, quality equipment supply, professional installation, local council and lines-company permitting, and ongoing service.
Typical System Sizes & Pricing
When planning a solar PV system, capacity (in kW) and cost will vary by household or business needs. Below is a comparison table of typical system sizes, components, and price ranges (NZD) in today’s Bay of Plenty market. Prices are approximate; actual quotes depend on panel brand, inverter, roof complexity, and other factors.
- Panels: Quality crystalline modules (monocrystalline/PERC) are standard, with 25-year performance warranties. For example, Fronius uses 8 panels + 3kW inverter for their 3kW package. Hiko typically sources Tier-1 brands (e.g. Jinko, JA Solar, DAS, Tesla Solar) proven in NZ conditions.
- Inverters: String inverters (Fronius, GoodWe, Huawei etc.) from 3–20+ kW are common. Many manufacturers guarantee 10 years (e.g. Fronius 10-year warranty), often extendable to 15.
- Batteries: A popular choice is the Tesla Powerwall 3 (~13.5 kWh) or equivalent. (For reference, Tesla lists a dual-Powerwall system at NZ$24,600 (incl. GST).) Other battery brands (LG, Sungrow, etc.) also range in price.
Because solar installations costs (roof access, wiring run, consents) can vary, Hiko provides fixed quotes after site assessment. In general, NZ solar system prices are around NZ$3,000–$4,500 per kW installed. For example, a standard 6.6 kW residential system in Tauranga runs roughly $12,000–$15,000. A 3 kW system (small home) can start around $9,000. Commercial systems (>10 kW) benefit from economies of scale but still cost tens of thousands of dollars. Hiko can install EV chargers as part of the project – typically adding ~$2,000–$3,500 each for hardware and install.
Local Context: Climate & Usage
Tauranga and Papamoa are exceptionally sunny: about 2,350+ sunshine hours per year. This is one of the highest in NZ, making solar especially productive here. Most homeowners use on the order of 7,000–9,000 kWh/year, so a 6–8 kW system often meets much of a family’s needs. According to EECA, a 5 kW system in the Bay of Plenty can save roughly $1,368 per year on power bills. With current retail rates (~39c/kWh, or ~$0.39/kWh on average in NZ), that equates to fast payback.
Indeed, both industry data and EECA note that solar paybacks are typically 7–9 years under current prices. Rising electricity costs (the North Island average is now over 40c/kWh) make the investment even more attractive. In practice, Hiko finds many Tauranga systems achieve 50–90% reductions in bills. Key factors for ROI include home energy use patterns and orientation; north-facing or east/west-roof systems harness the abundant Bay sunshine effectively.
Regulations, Permits & Grid Connection
Solar installations in Tauranga/Papamoa must meet NZ electrical and building standards, but typically no building consent is needed for roof-mounted panels in residential zones. Solar PV is generally a permitted activity under Tauranga City Council planning rules. Hiko handles the electrical Compliance Certificate (COC) and any switchboard upgrades.
Crucially, New Zealand requires any grid-connected solar to be installed by a licensed electrician and to comply with the Electricity Industry Participation Code. Homeowners must notify their lines company before connecting a generation system. In the Bay of Plenty (Tauranga area), the lines company is Powerco, which (like others) mandates a Distributed Generation (DG) application. Powerco allows up to 10 kW export on single-phase connections and requires systems to meet the AS/NZS 4777.2 inverter standard (with secure communications). Hiko’s process matches industry best-practice: they will lodge the DG application, wait for approval, then schedule the install. After installation, a certified inspector issues the Record of Inspection (ROI) and the meter is converted (to measure exported energy). Only then does the system go live on the grid.
In summary, customers need to: (1) ensure inverter compatibility; (2) apply to the lines co. for export approval; (3) have Hiko do the electrical work and final signoff. Importantly, from May 2026 Vector (neighboring network) introduced dynamic export limits up to 10 kW, reflecting NZ’s move toward smarter grids. This is positive for Tauranga owners too, as it means more of your solar can flow back to the grid if power is needed elsewhere.
A Hiko Electrical van at a Mt Maunganui install – part of the integrated HIKO Group. Customers benefit from one local team handling both solar and electrical infrastructure.
Incentives and Rebates
New Zealand currently offers no direct subsidies for residential solar PV (unlike some countries). EECA’s main home programs focus on insulation and heat pumps, not PV. The government’s Community Renewable Energy Fund (administered by EECA) provides grants for large community projects, but not for individual households.
However, there are some indirect incentives:
- EECA Advice and Financing: The EECA Solar for Homes website and Kiwisaver finance schemes (e.g. Warmer Kiwi Homes or low-interest loans) can help. EECA explicitly notes NZ payback is often 7–12 years.
- Retailer Buy-Back Rates: Power companies in NZ typically credit excess solar at wholesale rates (currently ~7–17c/kWh). While not a subsidy, exporting surplus energy does earn savings.
- Home Battery Rebates: There is an ongoing Battery for Homes scheme (through MBIE/EECA) offering rebates for home batteries. For instance, Tesla currently offers ~$850 NZD back per Powerwall 3 installed (up to $1,700 for two) for orders by mid-2026. (Customers register via Tesla’s portal.) Other battery brands may have similar promotions.
- Energy-Efficient Homes Rating: Installing solar with other energy upgrades can improve a home’s Homestar or Greenstar rating, which may qualify for certain grants or incentives in public housing or community contexts.
Customers should always check EECA/MBIE announcements for new funds. In absence of subsidies, the business case relies on savings. For example, SunshineSolar notes NZ homes recoup solar costs in ~5–8 years. Any local council grant is rare in Tauranga; however, a solar-ready infrastructure (like adding extra roof capacity) can future-proof against any future policy changes.
Technical Topics & FAQs
Solar Panels: Modern solar panels (typically PERC monocrystalline) have >20% efficiency and 25-year performance warranties. They still produce power in overcast conditions (just reduced), as noted on Hiko’s FAQ: “Solar panels still produce energy during cloudy weather, although at lower levels. Battery storage can store excess energy for use at night”. In Bay of Plenty’s mild, sunny climate, degradation is minimal. Example warranties: Jinko or Phono brand panels often carry a 25-year output warranty (80% production at 25y) and 12–15 year product warranty.
Inverters: The inverter is the ‘brain’ of the system. String inverters (e.g. Fronius, Sungrow, Huawei) are common; microinverters (Enphase) or optimizers (SolarEdge) are alternatives. Standard inverter warranties are ~10 years, which Hiko typically meets or exceeds by using high-quality brands. Some companies offer extended warranties (15–20 years) at extra cost.
Battery Types: Most home batteries are lithium-ion (either NMC or LiFePO4 chemistry). Popular NZ options include Tesla Powerwall (NMC), Sonnen (LiFePO4), LG Chem, etc. Warranty is usually 10 years or ~6,000–8,000 cycles. For example, Tesla Powerwall 3 has a 10-year warranty and can cycle daily for ~13 years (depending on use). Hiko can advise on battery sizing: many homes start with one unit (~13.5 kWh) and add more later.
Electrical Balance & Grid-Tie: A grid-tied system sends unused solar to the grid. Hiko ensures the system integrates with your switchboard and complies with the EWR (Electrical Wiring Rules). Safety disconnects and anti-islanding features are installed so that the house is safe during a blackout. If a customer desires backup during outages, Hiko can install an AC-coupled or hybrid inverter with a battery and an automatic transfer switch. In off-grid mode (rare for city homes), the home runs solely on battery/inverter power and generation; Hiko advises this requires much larger battery capacity. As HIKO’s FAQ notes, “It is possible to go off the grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage”, but most Bay of Plenty homes remain grid-connected for reliability.
Return on Investment (ROI): As noted, typical ROI is ~7–9 years. This assumes electricity cost ~30–40c/kWh. HIKO’s consultants calculate site-specific ROI and can show projected savings. For example, Harrisons Solar reports a 3kW system could save ~$1,330 annually (based on 30c/kWh), leading to a payback in under 8 years. EECA similarly states the shortest payback periods are around 7–8 years. After payback, solar essentially provides “free” electricity (aside from minor maintenance).
Maintenance: Solar PV is low-maintenance. Panel cleaning is seldom needed in Papamoa’s climate (rain usually keeps panels clean). In Hiko’s words, “Solar systems require minimal maintenance” and the team offers affordable check-ups. Inverters should be inspected every 5–10 years, and batteries have battery management systems. Hiko offers service contracts for monitoring, firmware updates, and any troubleshooting.
HIKO Electrical technicians in Tauranga install a rooftop solar array. Hiko is a top-rated local solar installer in Papamoa and the wider Bay of Plenty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Do solar panels work in winter? Yes – although production is lower, modern panels still generate even on cloudy days. Bay of Plenty’s winter solar potential is good compared to darker regions. Batteries help maximize winter usage.
- Can I sell excess power? Yes – any surplus is exported to the grid. Many NZ retailers credit exported kWh at a “buy-back rate” (typically 7–17c/kWh). We assist in choosing the best retailer/plan for buy-back and consumption.
- What size system do I need? It depends on annual kWh usage and roof area. A typical Tauranga home (7–8 MWh/year) often needs ~6–8 kW of panels. Hiko always recommends an on-site energy audit.
- What about warranties? Panel manufacturers typically guarantee 25 years performance. Inverters ~10 years. Batteries ~10 years. All equipment is from reputable brands, and Hiko can extend warranties through maintenance contracts.
- How quickly will I recoup my investment? On average ~7–9 years, depending on system size and power prices. With rising tariffs, ROI is getting shorter.
- Does solar increase my home value? Studies suggest YES – homes with solar sell faster and at a premium. Estimates range around 3–4% increase in property value for solar-equipped homes.
- What permits do I need? No building consent is typically needed in Tauranga for roof-mounted panels. All electrical work is covered by Hiko’s licensed electrician COC. We handle lines company applications as mentioned.
- What about EV charging? If you have an EV, charging it with solar energy maximizes savings. Hiko can install Level-2 chargers and integrate them with solar/battery schedules (e.g. charging during daylight or cheaper off-peak).
Conclusion
Hiko Electrical is well-positioned as a solar installer in Papamoa and the Bay of Plenty. Combining master electrician skills with solar expertise, Hiko delivers safe, high-quality PV and battery systems matched to local conditions. By highlighting competitive pricing, long warranties, and strong local reviews, Hiko can capture searches like “Papamoa solar panels” or “Tauranga solar installer.” Implementing the above SEO strategies (location keywords, schema, internal links) will further boost Hiko’s visibility in 2026.
With electricity prices high and NZ’s sunny climate, going solar is a smart investment – and Hiko Electrical’s strong local track record and integrated services make it a top choice for Bay of Plenty residents and businesses.
Give us a call on 0800 -464 4456 (0800 GO 4 HIKO)
Feb 5, 2024 | Local Business
For many years, Hiko Electrical has been delivering exceptional residential and commercial electrical services, heat pump installations, and solar power solutions across the Bay of Plenty region. Their master electricians and certified technicians take pride in providing quality workmanship, premium service, and cost-effective solutions to every customer.
Based locally in Papamoa, this family-owned and operated business services Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, and the wider Bay of Plenty area. They are committed to radiating, illuminating, and communicating – helping homeowners and businesses power up their properties and lifestyles.
With Hiko Electrical, you can trust you are getting the best. Their team respects each client, job, and home. They answer calls and emails promptly and provide honest estimates with no hidden costs. As experienced problem solvers, they think creatively to come up with the most practical solutions for your unique needs and budget.
Home Electrical Services
Hiko Electrical delivers complete residential electrical solutions, handling everything from minor repairs to full re-wires and new builds. Their services include:
- Lighting installation and upgrades
- Power point and switch installation
- Underfloor and ceiling heating
- Home theater setup
- Security and intercom systems -Fault finding and emergency electrical repairs
- Full re-wiring of existing homes
- New build wiring
Their master electricians provide quality workmanship along with premium care and service on all jobs, big or small. With safety as a top priority, you can trust them to complete all work to the highest industry standards.
As an established local business, they understand the climate and conditions of the Bay of Plenty region. This helps them make recommendations tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle.
Commercial Electrical Services
Hiko Electrical also specializes in meeting the electrical needs of commercial clients across the Bay of Plenty region. They handle electrical installations, maintenance, and upgrades for a wide range of business types including:
- Office buildings
- Retail stores
- Restaurants
- Warehouses
- Manufacturing facilities
Their expert electricians can design, install, and maintain electrical systems optimized for your business operations. Services include:
- Complete wiring of new commercial buildings
- Lighting solutions and upgrades
- Installation of power outlets, switches, and safety devices
- PA, security, and phone systems
- Testing and tagging of electrical appliances
- 24/7 emergency electrical repairs
- Preventative maintenance programs
With experience across varied industries and business sizes, they can provide customized electrical solutions to support your specific commercial needs. Their focus is on safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
Heat Pumps
For expert heat pump installation and servicing, Hiko Electrical partners with the specialist team at Hiko Air. Not only do they handle new heat pump installations, they also service all leading heat pump brands and models.
Their heat pump solutions are designed to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient all year round. In summer, heat pumps extract moisture from the air for a cooler, drier home environment. During winter, they provide reliable heating with optimal warmth and dryness.
The Hiko Electrical and Hiko Air teams recommend the ideal heat pump solutions based on your home’s size, age, layout and your family’s needs. They can install ducted or high-wall split system heat pumps to achieve even heating and cooling throughout your property.
As authorized Daikin installers, they specialize in supplying and fitting these market-leading heat pumps recognized for their efficiency, reliability and quiet performance.
For existing heat pump owners in the Bay of Plenty region, Hiko Air provides prompt maintenance and repairs to keep your system running at peak efficiency. Their expert technicians can service heat pumps from all brands including Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu, Panasonic and more.
Solar Power Systems
As a trusted solar company in the Bay of Plenty, Hiko Electrical specializes in the supply, design and installation of solar power systems for homes and businesses. Their experienced technicians deliver solar solutions for:
- Grid-tied systems to supplement mains power
- Hybrid solar systems with battery back-up
- Off-grid solar power systems
With solar power, you can reduce your electricity bills while also doing your part for the environment. Hiko Electrical makes it easy for you to harness the sun’s energy for your home.
Their solar installers will assess your property and energy needs and recommend the optimal solar system and panel capacity. They utilise high quality components for maximum efficiency and performance.
For grid-tied systems, any excess solar power generated is exported back to the main grid for credit. For those wanting to go fully off-grid, batteries store solar energy for use anytime.
Hiko Electrical handles all aspects of the solar installation process including permits and connections with your network provider. They also offer ongoing service and maintenance plans.
The Local Electricians You Can Trust
For trusted electrical solutions across Papamoa, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and the wider Bay of Plenty region, look no further than Hiko Electrical. Their experienced, fully certified electricians provide quality workmanship and premium care supported by their service guarantees.
Whether you need a whole home re-wire, heat pump installation, solar system or just a minor electrical fix, they have you covered. They are problem solvers, communicators and providers of honest advice tailored just for you.
Contact the friendly team at Hiko Electrical today to discuss your residential or commercial electrical requirements and discover why they are the top choice for locals in the Bay of Plenty area.
May 20, 2023 | Local Business
Aug 31, 2022 | Building & Construction
Electricity has always been the primary energy source and is the most consumed energy worldwide. However, to absorb and understand this energy source’s importance, all blocks connect to an electrical grid within a specific region. Speaking of which, residential electrical solutions and services are integral to a home’s health.
Irrespective of its importance, a house owner needs to ensure that electrical connections are made adequately and with finesse. For such a job, you might require the assistance of professional electricians.
Here at Hiko Electrical, our team honors every client’s expectations. Even though our integral principle is to obtain customer satisfaction, we emphasize a home’s electrical requirements more. That’s because there’s a family on the line.
So, if you’re one of the house owners who wish to hire our team for your electrical jobs in Tauranga, do not think twice. As renowned and experienced electricians in the region, we guarantee that every job completes with utmost accuracy and finesse.
Why Hiko Electrical?
When focusing on safety, respect, and reliability, our qualified Mount Maunganui electrician specializes in meter board installations and relocation, switchboard upgrades and installation, energy audits, light and power facilities, electrical maintenance, and data cabling.
Our Electrical Services
• Lite Commercial Electrical Services
• Residential Electrical Services
Mandatory Safety Checks from Electrical to Smoke Alarms
Routine checks are pivotal in every home. Even though it has become a vital law today, you should not leave everything as is. Our electrical technicians can offer a one-stop solution for your electrical safety and smoke alarm checks.
Our Residential Electrical Services
Rely on our experienced Tauranga electrician to deliver a quality job with friendly solutions and services:
• Lighting
• Split System Heating / Cooling Units
• Rewiring
• Electrical Maintenance Solutions
• Installation of Domestic Appliances
• Outdoor Lighting
• Renovations
Electrical work in residential areas does not draw a lot of attention. That’s because homeowners do not prioritize it. Much of the emphasis goes on commercial settings. In addition, when it comes to administering such services, we can offer the following:
1. Lighting
We offer the best electrical solutions and have our team assist you on-site. We can select the best suitable lighting from our suppliers, offering leading services for your residential property. Besides, we provide products and services specifically for New Zealand’s distinctive residential lighting environments from ideal, proven, and innovative LED manufacturers.
2. Split System Heating/Cooling Units
Providing cooling and heating systems for your house, our Bay of Plenty electrician can supply the most reliable brands available in the market and installation, design, and maintenance.
3. Rewiring
It is always essential to consider substandard electrics because they can pose a severe risk and electrocution in some cases. As a result, you would want to bring the wiring up to industry regulations and New Zealand standards. Besides, if your home is one of the older buildings on the block, we will thoroughly check the wiring and determine if it’s up to date or if you need to buy new sets.
Furthermore, our electrical services include installing safety switches and the proper circuit breakers, minimizing risk at home.
4. Electrical Maintenance
Our professional electrician in Mount Maunganui can carry out routine spot checks and troubleshoot your electrical appliances and wiring. As a part of the ongoing maintenance, we also take the utmost responsibility for every Occupational Health & Safety regulation and standard.
5. Installation of Domestic Appliances
When installing domestic appliances, we can cover all the installation work for your house. Specifically, our team of electricians installs slide-in oven ranges, refrigerators, over-the-range microwaves, large commercial ovens for homes, washing machines, dishwashers, wall-mounted range hoods, dryers, ventilation hoods, ice makers, and several other things.
6. Outdoor Lighting
With several years of experience in offering installation work, we have the industry knowledge and expertise to locate ideal lighting options and excellent aesthetics for your property or home. Moreover, we will indulge in designing your ideas into practical solutions by sourcing outstanding suppliers in the industry.
7. Renovations
Offering the right solution and advice for your wire renovation is one of our fortes. By administering us into your planning and budgeting, we provide ideal solutions at a competitive price in the market.
Hiko Electrical Solar Power Installations
We are great advocates for clean, efficient, and renewable energy and can help you generate your solar power from the sun. With extensive experience in Solar Power installs and services across the Bay of Plenty, we will be able to guide you through the solar options and develop a solution that best suits your needs.
Book A Consultation
When you are ready to start your project, it would be a pleasure to collaborate with you and work on ideas. We pride ourselves to be highly experienced, meaning we understand the needs to be taken care of in the residential electrical platform as well as commercial electrical work.
If you want us to send a quote for your project, let’s arrange a visit or get in touch on a brief call. The numbers are here on the website and located on the home page.
This article by Leo Zeldenrust was previously published at Hiko Electrical
Dec 21, 2021 | Building & Construction
While generating power from the sun is smart, it requires a lot of knowledge and the right equipment. Here’s an in-depth guide to help you understand what is solar power and how to harness it.
What is Solar Power?
Solar power is also known as solar panel systems. They commonly refer to photovoltaic (PV) solar panels that generate power for your home.
Why Install Solar?
Here are a few solid reasons to consider installing solar power:
- It’s a great investment that leads to a reduction in electricity bills.
- Significantly reduces carbon footprint by offsetting traditional power generation.
- Protects from continuously rising electricity prices.
- Is reliable and has a small maintenance fee.
- Allows you to be independent of the grid.
- Excess solar power increases savings when you sell the extra to the electricity network, divert it to EV hot water cylinders and car charging, or store it in batteries.
How Does Solar Work?
You can tap into the sun’s renewable energy to power your house and save big on your electricity bills.
But how can you convert sunlight into useful power using solar panels? Keep reading to understand the basics of how solar works.
- Solar Panels: The first step is to install solar panels. This helps you capture sunlight. The sunlight is converted into electrification by the photovoltaic cells in the panels.
- Inverter: It converts energy from the solar panels to electricity that you use in your house.
- Smart Meter: Upgrade the meter to a smart import-export meter.
- Monitoring System: It organizes information from the smart meter. It also displays this information in a useful format. It shows real-time generation along with your consumption. This helps you evaluate how much you’re saving.
- Sell it Back: If you’re generating more electricity than you use, you can sell it back to the grid at up to 12 c per kWh.
- Battery: You can also store all the excess electricity in a battery and use it later on.
- Back-up Generator: if you’re going off-grid, you can have a backup generator to make sure you have a regular electricity supply.
How Do Solar Photovoltaic Panels Work?
Every solar photovoltaic panel is made up of a lot of connected solar cells. When the sun shines, these solar panels absorb the light and the conductors and silicon in the panels convert it into Direct Current (DC) electricity.
This then flows into the inverter which converts direct electricity to Alternating Current (AC) electricity which you use in your home.
Solar panel systems are usually installed as ‘grid connected’. It means that if your solar panels produce more electricity than you can consume, the excess electricity is sent back to the grid. However, if you require additional power, then your house can draw electricity from the grid.
Solar panels only work during the day, when the sun is shining brightly. Therefore, you need to have a storage battery system to store electricity for emergencies.
Can I Store Solar Power to Use Later?
Image Credits
If you’re just installing a solar PV system, then you need to immediately consume the electricity generated by the solar panels. It cannot be stored.
However, you can select a battery storage option that allows you to store all the extra solar energy for future consumption. Battery storage costs are high which makes it uneconomical for a lot of people. However, it’s an emerging market that’s developing rapidly.
Does Location Matter?
Almost all of New Zealand is suited for PV solar panels as all regions have good sunshine hours around the year.
Solar power is the best choice if you reside in sunny regions such as Marlborough, Bay of Plenty, Nelson, Auckland, and Northland.
You don’t have to live in a warm region as solar panels convert light from the sun’s rays into electricity.
All you need is a suitable roof where the solar can be properly installed. It works best on a north-facing roof but is also suitable for roofs with west or east orientation. Ensure that your roof is in a good condition and free from any shading.
The Cost of Solar Power in New Zealand
Image Credits
Solar power is a favorite of environmentalists and people who prefer a self-sustainable lifestyle. However, they’re pretty expensive and generally outside the budget of an average New Zealander.
But, due to the dramatic decrease in prices during the last ten years, more and more people are able to use solar power. It’s now become a feasible solution for businesses and households. People are using solar power to generate a reasonable amount of electricity to fulfill their needs.
The Cost of Solar Power Equipment and Installation
Searching for solar power solutions for your business or home already? You might have noticed that it’s definitely not an impulse purchase.
The cost of consultation, installation, panels, inverter, battery, and maintenance are considerable and need to be weighed against your savings.
There’s no simple answer to ‘what does it cost?’. The closest answer is ‘it varies’.
Here are some of the factors that affect the prices:
- Type and size of solar panels
- Quality and type of the solar inverter
- Your business or home’s roof material, shape, space, and size
- If you will be storing power with a battery
- If building consent is needed
- The existing wire in your business/home
The best thing is to shop around and get several quotes from trusted and reputed providers.
Ensure that you get a system that not only meets your current needs but also your future needs as a good solar panel will last more than 25 years.
If you need a figure to get started, we recommend budgeting at least $10,000 for a standard solar power system.
How to Select a Solar Power Provider?
Image Credits
Setting up solar power can be daunting. However, with the help of experienced professionals, you can find the solution to your needs.
Here are a few things to take consider when selecting a solar power provider:
- Do they provide individual services, and home consultations to access the suitability of installing solar based on your household circumstances?
- How much warranty do they provide on inverters?
- What’s the performance warranty on solar panels installed by them?
- Do they have hybrid inverters with battery connectivity and consumption monitors for a future-proof system?
- Do they provide detailed data monitoring and periodic performance evaluations?
- Are there any hidden costs?
- How experienced are the installers and what’s the workmanship warranty?
- Do they use trusted and high-quality solar panels and inverter products that have a proven track record?
- Do they provide tailored solutions?
- Do they provide customized systems?
- How are their reviews?
Easy Energy-Saving Tips
Whether it’s work, home, or life, small changes often have a big impact. You can still binge-watch your favorite TV shows or cook up a storm while staying on top of your energy bill.
We bring you some easy energy-saving tips that will help you make the most of your electricity usage.
When You’re in The Kitchen
Image Credits
- Use a low cooker. A cooktop requires 2,200 watts and an oven requires 1,900 watts whereas a slow cooker requires only 230 watts.
- Check your fridge. Ensure that your fridge temperature is correct. It should be between 3°C to 4°C. Your freezer, on the other hand, should be set between -15°C to -18°C.
- Use the dishwasher efficiently. Try not to run full loads and always use the ‘eco’ setting. If you hand wash dishes, tone down on hot water.
- Prep your meals. Meal prepping allows you to cook fewer meals every day. This means double the recipes but less appliance usage per day. This saves time and energy.
When You’re Heating Your Home
Image Credits
- Keep the cold air out. Block the chimney and gaps under your doors and windows. Close the curtains just before dark to retain heat.
- Use weighted blankets. Layer blankets or use weighted blankets instead of electric blankets to help you save more energy.
- Set a timer for your heat pump. This will significantly reduce your energy consumption. Automate it so that you don’t ever forget to turn it off!
- Use energy-efficient curtains. Surprisingly, homes without curtains lose up to 31% of heat through the windows! Invest in high-quality thermal curtains to retain heat.
Good Energy Saving Habits
Image Credits
- Charge efficiently. Turn off your laptop and phone chargers once they’re fully charged. Avoid charging your devices before bed to reduce the chances of leaving them plugged in all night!
- Turn off the hot water. If you’re going on holiday for over 2 weeks, it’s best to turn off the heating water.
- Turn off the appliances. The little red light generally indicates your device is on standby and not completely off. Therefore, it’s recommended that you switch it off properly to conserve more energy.
- Opt for energy-saving lightbulbs. Use LEDs and CFLs to save energy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will Solar Panels Lower My Energy Bill?
Solar panels provide energy savings if you use large portions of your solar generation. It’s a great option if you’re at home throughout the day or if you have items such as air conditioning and pool pumps that require a lot of energy. When you use solar generation, then you will only draw electricity when you really need it. So your energy bill will be reduced. Every individual’s savings varies and depends on several factors such as how much power their system generates, how much they pay for electricity, and how much electricity from their solar generation they’re using.
Why Do I Need to Understand Solar Buy-Back Rates?
Buy-back rates are also known as ‘Export Tariffs’. It’s what you are paid by the electricity retailer for all excess electricity that’s fed back into the grid. The benefit of installing solar power is that you use your own solar power and don’t draw much from the grid. Additionally, you can put all the unused power to the energy retailer by putting it back into the grid. It’s important that you consider the overall value of your energy plan when selecting your electricity retailer.
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?
We recommend taking the following factors into consideration to help you decide how many solar panels you need:
- Daytime Usage: What’s your daytime electricity usage? Solar power doesn’t work at night and therefore, it’s important to know your daytime usage.
- Roof Size: What’s the size of your roof that you can use for solar power? As a rule of thumb, the average system size of 3kW requires 24m² of your roof’s space.
- Current and Future Electricity Usage: How much electricity do you currently require and how much do you anticipate your usage pattern or requirement will change in the future? For instance, you might start working from home or your children may leave for college.
How Can I Get Solar Panels?
You should get in touch with multiple providers and invest time in research. Here are a few key things to consider before installing a solar panel system:
Get the right advice from experts like Hiko Electrical. Understand the size and type of solar panel system you need based on your needs.
There are a lot of solar panels and inverters to choose from. Therefore, it’s easy to get confused and make the wrong choice. Always understand what you’re purchasing and opt for quality components.
Choose a provider that you’re confident will be around to support you with the installation and maintenance.
The Future Of Solar
As prices for solar panels in New Zealand have become competitive and battery storage technology has advanced, solar energy has become a popular choice for most New Zealanders.
Sure, going completely off-grid is expensive (and undesirable), but solar panels are a great way to control your energy usage, produce renewable energy and become self-sustainable.
Featured Image Credits: Unsplash
Content Writer
Shristi is a content writer and owner of F and B Recipes and Snazzy Women. When not writing, she can be found reading or trying new recipes.
