Our experts know everything under the sun about solar
TALK SOLAR WITH OUR EXPERTS
Ideal if you’re thinking about solar and would love to have a chat.
OUR EXPERTS KNOW ALL ABOUT SOLAR
All our experts offer both practical and technical advice.
OUR SOLAR ADVISERS WILL ASSESS YOUR PLACE
To give you personalized solar advice.
Our experts
Derek
Solar Specialist
Derek believes that all Kiwis should have access to clean and affordable power and is leading our team to turn that vision into reality.
Skills: Visionary, Excellent interpersonal skills, Commercial awareness
FAQs
The battery will automatically continue to power some key circuits in your home. Typically those circuits will include your kitchen and lounge so that you have lighting and can use low energy use appliances like your fridge, computers, router and TV.
Consumer NZ warns that if you buy a solar system it could take years to pay for itself. That’s not an issue with our solarZero energy service as there are zero set up costs. solarZero is designed to halve your power bills and we guarantee savings from Year One.
Our dedicated transfer team takes care of everything, giving you peace of mind to focus on the sales process. With solarZero® you can transfer the service agreement to the new homeowners or you can prepay the agreement from the profits of selling your home providing the new owner with solar for no monthly fee. Alternatively, you may be able to transfer your agreement and the solar panels and battery to your new home. We will need to do a full assessment of your new property and its suitability. There will also be a cost for moving the panels which we will quote at the time.
Just that. One simple, fixed fee that will stay the same for 20 years, apart from any changes to GST. This fixed fee covers solar, battery storage and in-home energy management. It also gives you access to wholesale spot prices for grid power when solar needs topping up. Plus, you’ll have access to energy advice and great deals on energy efficient appliances from our brand partners.
At the end of 20 years, we will remove the system at no cost to you, or you can renew your agreement. Alternatively, you can upgrade to a new system with the latest technology under a new solarZero® energy service agreement.
Services and support
A specific question in mind or just want to know more about solar?
Existing customer. Need help?
Tips & Tricks
Insulation
Good quality insulation helps keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, making it easier and cheaper to heat properly. Start with the ceiling, followed by underfloor and walls. Without doing major structural renovations for thermal efficiency, installing thermal-backed curtains is possibly one of the best ways to save energy in the winter time. It also pays to use draft seal around windows and doors to stop cold air getting in and warm air escaping.
Water heating
Hot water heating accounts for around a third of your energy use and costs the average household about $650 a year. You may be using more energy than you need to heat your water. It is important that the cylinder’s thermostat is set correctly. It should be 60°C at the cylinder (to prevent the growth of legionella bacteria) and a maximum of 55°C at the tap so you don't get burnt (children are particularly vulnerable). An extra 10°C on the thermostat could be costing you another $25 per year with a modern cylinder, or twice that with an older one.
Reduce moisture
It's much harder to heat damp air, so get rid of moisture in your home, especially when you're cooking and washing. Drying your clothes outside is a good way to save money on power. Install extractor fans in your kitchen and bathroom and open windows to improve ventilation.
Replace old whiteware
Buy appliances based on their quality, features and energy rating - the more stars on the label, the more energy efficient the appliance is - and annual energy consumption (kWh per year). It also helps to read user feedback on features and quality. Modern fridges and freezers are much more energy efficient than models made 10 years ago. A modern family fridge/freezer with a 3½ star Energy Star rating label costs around $100 per year to run. A 10-year-old fridge, of the same size, could cost twice as much. Normally, it is recommended you use the cold water setting on washing machines to save energy. However, if your hot water cylinder is powered by solar, you've got the advantage of being able to use heated water for washing during the daytime without extra cost. So, look out for washing machines and dishwashers that can take a hot water input of up to 60 deg C. Inductive hobs in the kitchen may also be worth investigating.
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solarcity is the nation’s leading solar energy services company. Over the past 35+ years it has put more solar systems on Kiwi homes and businesses than any other company. It was the first solar company in the world to achieve carboNZero certification and is still the only solar energy services business in NZ with that green credential. solarcity is one of the fastest growing green companies in New Zealand and is one of the Government’s Focus 500 companies that are targeted to contribute significant benefits to the New Zealand economy.
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customercare@solarcity.co.nz
8 Railway Street
Newmarket
Auckland 1023
0800 11 66 55