Waiheke takes new solar step to a renewable energy future
solarcity this week launched its new solarZero service on Waiheke Island much to the delight of eco-minded residents who
have been looking for ways to reduce fossil fuel consumption. solarZero, a first-of-its-kind $0-down solar power
initiative will allow Waiheke homeowners to buy solar power to support their daytime energy needs without having to pay
for the solar panels.
“solarZero is designed to make it more affordable for Waiheke homeowners to generate their own clean energy. Homeowners
pay a monthly fee for solar power that’s fixed while solarcity pays for the panels, installation, insurance and
monitoring,” says Andrew Booth, CEO and founder of solarcity.
“We know the cost of power has gone up by a staggering 153% over the last 20 years. The solarZero plan can deliver solar
power to Waiheke families at a price cheaper than average New Zealand power rates. The savings could add up to thousands
of dollars if traditional power bills go up, as they have in the past.”
“Solar power is like normal power but off your roof. It’s good for the wallet and good for the environment. It’s also
helping NZ to become powered 100% on renewable energy.”
Waiheke Pātaka Kōrero, the Waiheke community library is the most recent building to proudly go solar with solarcity. The
new 20.8kWp solar system is made up of 80 solar panels and is expected to reduce the library’s, and the island’s, carbon
emissions by 92 tonnes, the equivalent of planting 2,840 urban trees.
“solarcity is happy to have been selected to engineer and install the library’s solar system, which powers a site so
vital to the community on Waiheke Island. With solarZero, homeowners can now easily follow this public building
example,” says Booth.
“We are the last generation that can stop climate change, and it’s great to see Waiheke leading the way towards a
renewable energy future in New Zealand.”
To celebrate the launch of solarZero on Waiheke Island, solarcity is offering all homeowners who sign up for solarZero
by the end of July 2015, two months free solar power.
solarZero is backed by Stephen Tindall’s K1W1 investment and the nation’s oldest private equity fund Pencarrow.
For further information on the Waiheke Library solar project or solarZero, visit: www.solarcity.co.nz.
ENDS