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faq

Afternoon view at a house
What is the lifespan of a solar panel?

Generally the lifespan of a panel (in non-extreme weather conditions) is 25 years. Research carried out in the Netherlands, states that after production, transportation and installation of a solar panel is compared with the energy it generates, each panel is Co2 neutral after 3 years. This means that the positive benefit to the environment should last for decades.

Are major banks in New Zealand banks offering low interest finance deals at the moment for renewable energy schemes?

Yes they are. Most lenders are offering loan rates as low as 1%.

ANZ

BNZ

Westpac

ASB

How might solar panels impact my property values?

Homes with solar energy systems are likely to sell for more than homes without them, in the future homes harnessing clean energy are likely to be seen as an asset. In sunnier parts of the country such as Hawkes Bay, this is likely to be even more attractive to potential buyers.

How do I calculate a possible payback?

You can calculate your solar panel payback period by starting with the total cost of installing the solar panels. Then divide that total cost by your monthly electric bill, and factor in things such as electric vehicles (EV’s) which will rapidly reduce the likely payback period.

Will my solar system operate in a power cut?

By installing panels plus an inverter and a battery means that the panels can continue to generate electricity during a power cut. We can pre set solar electricity to power the most important circuits to you in your home, and the  surplus solar energy will continue to charge your battery.

Are all EV car chargers the same?

Similar to phone charging cables, car charging cables tend to have two connectors, one that plugs into the vehicle socket and the other into the charge point itself. Electric vehicles either have a Type 1 or Type 2 socket for slow or fast charging and CHAdeMO or CCS for DC rapid charging.

What is an inverter?

An inverter is one of the most important pieces of equipment in a solar energy system. It's a device that converts direct current (DC) electricity, which is what a solar panel generates, to alternating current (AC) electricity, which the electrical grid uses.