A smart, new energy plan that allows home owners to go solar without the cost of buying the panels has been recognised for breaking new ground by the New Zealand solar industry.
The solarZero plan, launched by leading solar power company, solarcity, won the most innovative product for residential solar PV systems at the annual Sustainable Electricity Association New Zealand awards, sponsored by ABB.
solarcity chief executive Andrew Booth says solarZero was designed to let home owners generate cheaper, cleaner power by going solar.
“Kiwis love the idea of going solar but cannot afford the high upfront capital cost,” Mr Booth says.
“Our solarZero plan has got rid of that price obstacle, so home owners can go solar for little or no upfront costs, and lock in a fixed price for power.”
With the solarZero plan, solarcity pays for the panels, installation, repairs, monitoring and insurance for 20 years.
Fixed monthly fee
The customer pays a fixed monthly fee for solar which is less than the average rate for electricity from the national grid.
“As power prices have gone up 153% in the past 20 years, locking in the price for daytime energy could save home owners thousands of dollars over the long term.
“This gives them the ability to make a real difference in the fight against climate change without worrying about return on investment, or ongoing maintenance.”
solarcity provides further support through energy advice and services to help maximise in-home solar consumption and improve energy efficiency throughout the term of the agreement.
“We have introduced a new solar energy services business focused on solar and energy efficiency that is motivated to help customers reduce their energy consumption,” Mr Booth says.
“It is great for our team to be recognised for giving consumers an easy, affordable way to go solar, and reduce the impact of the seemingly ever-rising cost of power,” he says.
