​Self-generated solar power doesn’t just make business sense because it saves money – it’s also a great way to attract attention.

That’s the opinion of Graeme and Linda Newall, hosts of The Roost executive bed and breakfast in the picturesque outskirts of Waiuku township. They initially decided to install a solar system because it fit their business philosophy of being “self-sufficient in suburbia” – a philosophy they’d already backed up by developing orchards, bees, chickens and veggie gardens.

Harrisons Energy Solutions is standing firmly alongside Greenpeace’s call to start a solar revolution in New Zealand.

Greenpeace believes that by installing solar panels and batteries on half a million homes over the next decade, “we can really start to meet the challenge of the climate change crisis, increase the resilience of our power grid, and give affordable power back to the people”.

Because few areas of technology are moving as fast as those investigating efficient and clean methods of generating power from renewable sources, it is difficult to keep up to date with new hardware and capabilities.

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Which is why Harrisons Energy – in partnership with celebrity builder Peter Wolfkamp – has created a straightforward 10-point checklist. The checklist cuts through the confusion so you know the key areas to concentrate on.

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​LG is making giant strides to produce the perfect solar panels for the New Zealand environment and Kiwi households.
Their recent improvements include the decision to extend their solar panel product warranty to 25 years.

We spoke to Harrisons Energy technical advisor Cyril Marychurch about the variety of systems and versions on offer, and which factors are the most important when it comes to choosing domestic solar generation.

​As the number of homes installing solar generating systems continues to grow in New Zealand, the households benefitting from clean, green and renewable power are beginning to demand more from their hardware.

Electricity Authority figures show the number of residential ICPs (Installation Control Points) using installed solar generation passed 15,000 in June last year and was fast approaching 20,000 in June this year.

How a paper-thin, carbon fibre and fabric aircraft that weighs about the same as a family car, has a wingspan of a 747 jet and is covered in more than 17,000 solar cells proves the great potential of clean energy.

As the country heads into winter, one of the biggest spikes on the monthly budget is keeping your home warm and healthy. So it’s worth talking about investing in the right tools to create a comfortable and efficient home that can also help you seriously maximise the returns.