Getting power from the sun — seems like common sense, right? You’ve likely heard about the savings on power bills, environmental friendliness, and versatility solar power provides. But getting solar installed in your home or business does come with initial costs, and there’s a few things you might want to consider first.
In this Solar Power section, you'll learn things like:
- How solar power works
- The equipment and installation involved with a typical solar power system
- The pros and cons of utilising solar power as an energy source
Here comes the Sun
Sun is a really big, renewable energy source. It’s unlikely we’ll run out anytime soon. So it’s no surprise that solar power systems are growing in popularity. In an era where scientists are increasingly concerned about climate change, any opportunity to lessen our impact on the planet deserves attention. New Zealand is a sunny place and research seems to indicate it’s only getting sunnier.
There’s a lot of reasons to investigate solar energy. Power companies like Powershop even buy back energy from the solar power you collect and put back into the power grid.
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How solar power works
Solar Power is energy from sunlight and, currently, there are two main options; Thermal Solar Systems use the thermal energy (heat) from the sun to heat water, and Photovoltaic (or PV) Systems that convert the light from the sun into electricity to give your home or business power. But what’s actually happening here? Read on to learn more.
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Solar power systems
A Solar Power System involves a number of components to collect, store, and use the energy from sunlight. We’ve broken down these common pieces of equipment, and also provided some tips on what to look out for when choosing a system and provider.
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The pros and cons of solar power
There are plenty of things to think about when you’re looking at Solar Power: Get more information on some of the considerations including the investment, the environment, what you use power for, when you use power, battery storage, your property & the climate.
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Best spots in New Zealand for solar powered living
Discover the best places to harness the power of the sun in New Zealand (NZ) for solar energy generation. Read on to explore the top areas for solar power and maximize your energy savings with our expert insights.
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Choosing the best solar panel installation company
Ready to embrace that solar powered life? Your next step is to find an installation company – which can be daunting. Here’re some key things to consider when making your choice.
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Is solar power actually worth the investment?
Thinking of investing in solar power? Before you make any decisions, it's crucial to do your research. In this article, we delve into the key considerations and due diligence needed when considering solar power.
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Solar panel buying guide – what to look out for
Because literally one size doesn’t fit all, it’s critical to do your homework before you install solar panels on your roof. In this article we’ll provide you with some food for thought as you consider a solar panel solution on your home.
What is solar power?
Put simply - the energy released by the sun that reaches Earth. The Sun is a star, generating nuclear fusion at its core which becomes energy that radiates into space (including towards earth) as heat and light. It’s no secret that the Sun is an essential part of maintaining life on the planet. Sunlight is an essential part of photosynthesis, the process by which plants get their energy. Animals need plants for oxygen and food. It also warms our planet to make it habitable, playing a key role in water cycles. There’s links to sun and its impact on mood - who doesn’t feel happier on a sunny day?
How is solar energy collected?
This solar radiation is harnessed by our planet in many natural ways. Solar Power Systems either use the sun’s warmth to heat water or they convert the light from the sun into electricity using special equipment, often centred around technology known as photovoltaics (photo = referring to light, volt = referring to electricity) or PV for short. Read more in our dedicated section on How Solar Power Works for a deeper look at the process of converting sun into electricity and check out our guide on Solar Power Systems to better understand the equipment involved.
The future of solar energy in New Zealand
Solar power, while still representing a small percentage of power sources in New Zealand, is growing in popularity. The reduction in equipment and installation costs is certainly a contributing factor. Power companies are offering buy back rates from solar power generated by customers, helping them save even more on power.
Opting for solar energy solutions in new builds is increasingly attractive, as Kiwis look to be both financially better off and more sustainable.
Is solar power right for me?
To decide if solar power is a good option for you, and which type of system, we recommend you talk with multiple solar power system providers and consider your house and its location carefully. Some maths will be required to calculate how long it’ll take before the investment of a system will be paid off (and from that point, what sort of savings you can expect to enjoy).
If you’re already generating solar power and are interested in finding out about how you can sell this back into the grid, check out our page on solar power buy back.
