FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wellington Home Reduces Electricity Expense by 75% with Powersmart’s Grid Connected Solar Power System
Wellington - April 24, 2008. A Wellington family have achieved an immediate reduction in their home utility expenses
after the first month of living in their new, energy efficient home. The home, designed by Energy Efficient Homes Ltd.,
will reduce the homeowner’s annual electricity expense by approximately 75% through the use of energy efficient design
and a Powersmart Grid Connected Solar Power System.
An average NZ home uses approximately 10,000 kWh of electricity per annum. This energy efficient, 364 m2, 4 bedroom home
is thermally efficient, uses a Digital Self-Heating Home package (DSHH), and solar water heating to reduce the overall
energy demand to less than 5,000 kWh per annum. A Powersmart 1.26 kW, grid connected solar power system supplies almost
half of the energy required to run the home.
Homeowner, Barry Ryan, was impressed with how easily and quickly his Powersmart solar power system was installed and
says, “The system will continuously work for my family's financial and environmental future.
Everyone building a new home should consider the installation of a PV system."
The Powersmart solar power system, installed in March 2008, generated 150 kWh of electricity in one month. Annually, the
solar system is expected to generate 1,772 kWh of electricity, providing the home with approximately 40% of its total
energy needs. Powersmart’s grid connected systems are modular and can be easily expanded at a later date to further
reduce electricity costs.
The Ryan’s will spend approximately $780 on utility costs this year, compared to $2,400 for the average NZ home. As
energy prices rise, so will the value of their savings. In 5 years, the average homeowner’s annual utility bill is
likely to be over $3,300 whereas, the Ryan’s will be only $1,000.
Grid connected solar power systems do not use batteries and allow homeowners to choose a system that suits their home
and budget. Electricity required in addition to what the solar power system is generating is imported from the national
grid. Surplus electricity generated by the solar power system is exported to the national grid. The energy retailer
provides a direct credit on the homeowner’s monthly bill.
A residential, grid connected solar power system directly offsets electricity expense and increases the appraisable
value of the home. These features create an annual, after-tax return on investment of 4-5% at current electricity
prices.
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About Powersmart NZ Ltd.
Powersmart is a renewable energy company that brings global solar skills and expertise to NZ, Australia, and the South
Pacific. Our system design, engineering, and finance skills make us a new generation solar company with the skills and
experience needed to integrate solar technology across a wide range of applications. For more information please visit
www.powersmart.co.nz.
About Energy Efficient Homes Ltd.
Energy Efficient Homes specialises in homes that are thermally efficient, as well as homes that require noise reduction,
hypoallergenic features and storm/flood proofing. For more information please visit www.eehnz.co.nz.
ENDS