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Grid-Connected Solar

So, what is grid-connected solar?

Grid-connected or a grid-tier solar system is a great option! Your home can draw electricity from the grid if there isn’t enough power being generated by the solar panels or stored in the solar batteries (if applicable).

Produce your own energy

A grid-connected or grid-tied solar system is connected to the electrical power grid (mains power). Any electricity produced by a grid-connected system but not needed by your house (or solar batteries) is simply exported back to the grid, and purchased by your electricity retailer by the kWh (kilowatt-hour) at a set price (buyback rate). The buyback rate differs across retailers but is generally between 7c and 12.5c per kWh. Check with your retailer to confirm your rate.

Reduce Your Power Bill

We pay some of the highest power rates in Te Tai Tokerau. More and more customers simply want to be less independent of the grid, while protecting themselves against rising electricity prices from the power companies. Ask us about our German-designed battery technology.

Grid Connected Solar Assessment

Be More Independent

Looking to be more independent of the grid and looking for a backup battery supply in case of a powercut? Backup power for the home is important and is a must-have as more and more of us rely on connected devices, mobile phones, the internet and laptops. Call us today to get a free assessment and to see how much you could save on your power bill.

Grid Connected Solar Assessment

Smart Battery Technology

More and more homeowners are going solar to reduce their electricity bills and protect the environment for future generations. A battery system allows you to go even further by storing surplus solar generation for use at any time, increasing your savings and providing additional backup power in case of a blackout.

Find out more

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When the power goes out, I still have full power from my solar right?

    It all depends if you have solar batteries and how much solar you have stored in your batteries at the time of the power outage.

     

    Many solar customers assume that if the sun is shining they will still have electricity when there is a power outage. Unfortunately, this only applies if you have some way of storing the electricity (with a battery).

    In the event of a power cut/blackout, a typical grid-tied system has a special automatic shut-off in order to prevent that extra energy from being sent over possibly-damaged power lines. It’s a safety feature intended to protect the line workers who go out to fix things when they break. And yes, this means solar panels alone will not work during a power outage.

     

    When you add a battery backup to your solar PV system, your lights stay on even when your neighbors are out. There are many benefits of a back up battery but one major benefit is that you will still have back up power for your ‘essential loads’ like fridge, some lights and some charging for mobile phone and laptop.  The amount of solar power you have available for your essential loads, depends on how much battery storage you have at the time of the power outage.

  • How much will I save on my power bill?

    Every household is different.  We aim to save you the maximum amount possible – this depends on a few factors:

     

    – your current & future power consumption needs (kWh),

    – when you mainly use your power (day time or evenings),

    – how many solar panels we can fit on your roof,

    – if your budget allows for battery storage.

     

    For a customised quote and advice on how much you could save on your power bill, get in touch with our team.

  • Is feeding solar back to the grid worth it?

    In our opinion, the short answer is no.  Your solar is worth more being stored and used from a battery then it is sending it back to the power grid.

    Let us explain: Solar buy-back rates across New Zealand typically ranges from 8c – 18c per kWh, compared to electricity rates of around 30c per kWh.

    With those numbers, we always recommend our customers consider battery storage to maximise on their investment. That way you’re using your own stored solar energy instead of exporting it and buying power back in when you need it.