solarcity launches NZ’s most affordable solar power option for schools
Auckland, 25 Sept 2015 -
Sylvia Park School is the first school in New Zealand to go solar using a smart new plan which provides solar power
without paying for the panels.
Today 40 solar panels were commissioned at the Auckland primary and intermediate school by New Zealand’s leading solar
energy company, solarcity. Under its solarZeroSchools plan the company pays for the panels as well as the installation,
maintenance, monitoring and insurance for 20 years. The school simply pays a fixed monthly fee for solar for the term of
the agreement.
solarcity CEO Andrew Booth says the plan is designed to save schools money on energy and help them educate the next
generation of Kiwis on the importance of renewable energy.
“Not only does our solarZeroSchools plan deliver lower operating costs and more certainty around price, using solar
provides an opportunity to educate students about renewable energy and it empowers and inspires the school community to
take a stand for our environment.
“Each and every time, a new generation has gone to school they have risen up and done what's needed to be done to meet
the challenges our nation has faced,” he says.
For the first time there is very little that our children can do to stop the climate changes our generation have put in
train. We have to meet this challenge today to secure them a future we can be proud of,” he says.
“Solar makes sense for schools as the sun generates electricity at the same time they are consuming most of their
energy.”
The 10.4 kWp system will produce approximately 15% of the school’s annual electricity demand. Using solar energy will
also save more than 50 tonnes of CO2 emissions, the equivalent of about 1300 urban trees.
solarcity worked alongside Mighty River Power to put in place a seamless installation and execution process for the
school. Mighty River Power CEO, Fraser Whineray, says New Zealand has a long and proud heritage in renewable energy,
with 80% of the country’s electricity already coming from hydro, geothermal and wind.
“That’s among the highest in the world, and it’s great to have another renewable in solar – one that is a great fit for
the school and provides an opportunity for kids to learn more about electricity.”
Along with teaching materials, the system will supply real time data that can be used to help students learn about
climate change, clean energy and energy efficiency. Using online monitoring, the 510 students and 25 teachers will be
able to track the performance of the system, the school’s energy use and the carbon savings.
“The students have been very interested in seeing the panels go up and asking lots of questions. Being able to go online
and see how much they’re producing and how much energy it takes to the power the school is going to be a great learning
tool,” says Sylvia Park School Principal Barbara Alaalatoa.
“Powering our classrooms with the energy of the sun makes perfect sense when you look at the financial, educational and
environmental benefits.”
solarcity launched a similar solarZero plan, earlier this year, to help homeowners beat the rising cost of power. Find
out more at www.solarcity.co.nz
ENDS