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Solar for Papakāinga and Marae

Harness energy from the Sun

There’s no beating around the bush koutou mā – the potential for Marae to power our hui, wananga and tangihanga at little to no cost, using our natural resource of Tama Nui te Rā seems tupuna intended.

There are multiple options to consider

Grid-tied solar non-hyrid (no option of battery storage or backup power in the event of a power cut)

  • stay connected to the main power grid (power lines & electricity retailer)
  • reduce your power bills by only using power from the grid when there’s low or no sun, or when your energy needs exceed your solar generation
  • solar sharing opportunity with whānau/papakāinga/hapū/iwi
  • credits on your power bill for any excess solar exported back to the grid
  • roof mounted or ground mounted solar panels

Grid-tied solar hybrid (includes battery storage)

  • stay connected to the main power grid (power lines & electricity retailer)
  • reduce your power bills by only using power from the grid when there’s low or no sun and no stored solar power
  • back-up power if there’s a power cut, using the stored solar power in the batteries
  • solar sharing opportunity with whānau/papakāinga/hapū/iwi
  • credits on your power bill for any excess solar exported back to the grid
  • roof mounted or ground mounted solar panels

Off grid solar (includes battery storage & generator for back-up power)

  • disconnected or not connected to the main power grid
  • no monthly power bills
  • fuel costs for generator
  • roof mounted or ground mounted solar panels

No matter how you look at it, solar power for Marae just makes sense.

Korero mai, let's talk about solar

Frequently Asked Questions - Marae & Papakāinga Solar

  • How much money can you save with solar power?
    Being completely open and transparent, it’s difficult to provide a dollar figure or percentage answer to this common question.
    Solar savings will vary – just like our monthly power bills do. The pure nature of how we utilise our Marae makes it hard to compare e.g. no events in one month could mean the Marae gets a credit on their power bill for exported solar, which can be quite different the month after or even when compared to the same month the previous year.
    It all comes down to ensuring the solar power system size is fit for purpose and budget. By reviewing the last twelve months Marae power bills and understanding the space available for the solar panels, we can forecast the amount of power that should be covered by your solar power system (depending on weather conditions).
  • How much does it cost?
    It varies depending on the size of your system, if you include batteries or a generator and if any additional mounting or safety options are needed, e.g. panel tilts, scaffolding etc.
    As a guide, a basic system without batteries would cost around $35,000 installed.
  • Are there any funding options?
    Aē – there are, through the Oranga Marae fund provided by Te Puni Kōkiri and the Department of Internal Affairs. This fund can help with:
    • Marae development planning
    • Technical Feasibility support (could include feasibility studies for solar and peer to peer sharing)
    • Cultural vitalisation activities, and
    • Capital works (could include purchase of solar power equipment)
    You can check out more information about the Oranga Marae fund through this link for Te Puni Kokiri or this link for the Department of Internal Affairs.