3 June 2008
Backpackers in world heritage area embrace solar energy
In recognition of World Environmental Day Sola60 - New Zealand's solar heating specialists - and National Park
Backpackers have combined forces to keep international travellers in hot water during their stay using the sun's
renewable energy.
Mike Patchings, Commercial Operations for Sola60 said: "We were very excited to take up the challenge of integrating the
National Park Backpackers old hot water system with our state of the art solar hot water panels to meet the busy
backpacker's heating demands".
A solar hot water heating system can provide homes and businesses with 50% to 75% of their annual hot water needs. For
the National Park Backpackers this allows them to save money on their energy costs every month and also reduce their
carbon footprint, which is a popular development for the backpacking business situated in the pristine world heritage
area of Tongariro National Park.
Thomas Whitehead, Owner of the National Park Backpackers said: "The panels located on the north face of the building are
a strong eco feature that are seen by passing motorists and visitors alike. Our international visitors are very
impressed with our solar heating system and support the fact they are staying in an environmentally friendly
accommodation".
Every Sola60 hot water heating system installed reduces New Zealand's dependence on non-renewable energy sources by
using the sun's energy. It is calculated that each home system saves around 1.4 tonnes of CO² emissions annually.
Solar heating systems can be installed in new and existing homes and businesses and Sola60 welcomes the challenge.
Mr Patching said: "An existing old Marshall wood burner with a diesel burner backup installed at the National Park
Backpackers provided a real technical challenge to over come, but we got there in the end".
With the varying technology understood and integrated, a price was agreed and the job was completed within a 14 day
period by Sola60, delivering real eco friendly benefits and long term cost savings for National Park Backpackers.
ENDS