SEANZ announces 2018 Energy Award Winners

Complementary technology, batteries and smart apps feature heavily as industry helps consumers access lower costs, reduce emissions and deliver a more resilient energy future

Auckland, 01 October 2018 – The best of New Zealand’s sustainable energy sector was on show Friday evening when the Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand (SEANZ) concluded its annual “Tomorrow’s energy today” conference and announced the winners in its 2018 Energy Awards, sponsored by Fronius.

It has been another strong year for the industry says SEANZ Chairman, Brendan Winitana.

“The past year has been categorised by the use of smart technologies that work together with solar installations to help customers get the most from their smart energy systems.

“Installed Generation from solar PV is up 25% this year and a third of new installations have battery storage.

“All installations have apps and energy management systems to ensure that energy can be used during the day when it is generated, providing an immediate benefit and maximising returns to customers.

“People want smart energy technologies that lower costs, reduce carbon emissions, and provide a more resilient energy future, “says Mr Winitana.

Optimising smart technologies increasingly requested by customers include:

• Connectivity provided by “internet of things” devices
• Peer-to-peer services
• Diverters that send solar-generated power to hot water cylinders, rather than using purchased grid power
• Mini and microgrid development
• Battery storage

“The convergence of these technologies is where SEANZ members operate and deliver smart energy solutions for customers.

“These trends reflect the broadening technologies and business models of SEANZ members, and increasing public support and demand for sustainable energy solutions that place smart homes and businesses at the cornerstone of our future energy network.”

The winners of SEANZ 2018 Industry Awards, sponsored by Fronius are:

1. Best Off Grid Installation

Winner - Sunergise for Kaibu (Fiji).

A remote island resort that was previously 100% reliant on diesel generators including for water desalination. The resort incurred high costs for fuel as well as generator maintenance and power interruptions from daily shutdowns that occur to transfer between generators. Seeking to reduce their operational costs and their impact on the tropical island and surrounding beautiful lagoon, the retreat went about transforming itself into a self-sufficient, ecological place for guests. Since installation, the new solar array is delivering more than 83% of the resort’s total electrical energy. With diesel generators now silent, guests and staff are able to enjoy the beauty of the island with the added benefit of reliable, clean and renewable energy.

Sunergise for Kaibu photos available here.

Runner-up- Powersmart for Whareponga Papakainga.

Four house development situated on the remote East Cape 10km away from the nearest electricity lines. This project for local Maori owners who, as kaitiaki, required a harmonious solution avoiding fossil fuels, noise and smoke.

Powersmart for Whareponga Papakainga video available here. Powersmart for Whareponga Papakainga photos available here.

2. Best grid-connected installation

Winner- Reid Technology and Genesis Energy for Kenehi on Bryce

Kenehi on Bryce is the name that Genesis gave to its new headquarters in Hamilton. A challenging installation that required significant workarounds and thinking outside the square to deliver. Reid Technology and Genesis Energy for Kenehi on Bryce photos available here.

Runner-up - Sunergise for Goodman Fielder in Suva

The Goodman Fielder installation is the largest solar-powered cold storage facility in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. The 320kWP PV Grid-connected system will enable Goodman Fielder to save on electricity costs and further reduce its carbon footprint. Sunergise for Goodman Fielder in Suva photos available here.

3. Best solar and storage grid

Winner - Reid Technology for Moroni High School

The Moroni Solar Power System is a hybrid solar/battery/generator system that provides power to the school on the island of Tarawa in Kiribati. A complex solution that combines programming for a multitude of possible scenarios that the system must operate under, online monitoring of system performance between Kiribati and New Zealand, a substantial saving in CO² emissions, and a fast payback period of just four years.

Power on Tarawa is very expensive and very unreliable – leading the client to find a better solution.  On a typical day the 125kWp solar system delivers c 500 kWh of solar power – worth cAUD$350. Moroni is just above the equator, meaning that its solar generation is very consistent and predictable all year round.

This AUD$350 per day saving leaves the school with considerably more funds available for teachers and materials, meaning that they will provide a better education to the 800 children who attend Moroni High School. Photos available here.

Runner-up - Powersmart for Glenorchy
Camp Glenorchy is a world-class demonstration of sustainability. Its design, construction and operation involves a wide range of strategies and technologies that combine to achieve high levels of performance with regard to energy, water, waste, health & comfort. 190kW of Solar PV spread across 8 locations, including a solar garden where solar panels are mounted on custom built bases to reflect the shapes of the local mountains. A Tesla Powerwall Battery Storage system has also been installed.

More here: https://www.evident.co.nz/camp-glenorchy/

https://www.theheadwaters.co.nz/sustainability/energy/

http://architecturenow.co.nz/articles/net-zero-accommodation/

4. Dave Keppel Innovation Award

Winner - PowerGenius Home Energy Management System

PowerGenius (cloud-based software, service subscription and the hardware) optimises the use of solar energy generated and reduces the need for mains power thereby maximising return on solar investment. It solves the issue of mismatch between the typical solar generation and home energy demand curves. Currently, the only options are to change electricity use behaviour, use appliance timers, solar hot water diverters or expensive storage systems. PowerGenius is unique in its ability to redistribute a household’s energy demand to match the solar energy generated through its cascading appliance control system. More information available from PowerGenius website.

Runner-up - solarcity - SolarZero Plus

The solarZero energy service now fully integrates batteries, grid and IoT functionality. This enables delivery a cheap, clean and resilient source of power to Kiwi homeowners.

By integrating battery storage with solar power, the solarZero energy service delivers clean energy that supplies up to two-thirds of a home’s electricity needs. Solar power is generated during the day. The battery stores surplus solar energy and grid power when rates are low which can be used to help flatten daily peak demands. Distributed energy resources, like solarZero, offer net economic benefits to society related to voltage and power quality, grid reliability and reduced energy prices.

 The solarZero platform is bi-directional and also enables Transpower and local lines companies to manage the batteries and other loads in the home as part of a distributed energy resource management platform. This approach to device control is one of the first of its kind internationally. It improves the resilience and stability of the national grid and helps avoid costly network upgrades. More information on solarcity website.

5. Best Small Business

Winner - McNae Electrical, Palmerston North

Praised as reputable, reliable and professional solar integrators that service the Manawatu's solar industry needs, McNae Electrical contribute to the New Zealand solar industry at large.

Runner-up – Freenergy Solar Solutions, Hawke’s Bay

Past winners of this award, Freenergy Solar Solutions continually maintain a high level of professionalism and support the wider development of the industry.

6. Best Sustainable Energy Innovation

Winner - Vector for the Vector lights on Auckland Harbour Bridge

Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge in New Zealand is the first installation of its kind anywhere in the world; an iconic city bridge lit entirely by solar energy, with solar and battery technology as part of the solution. A live dashboard is available online to see real-time energy generation, storage and consumption statistics: www.vector.co.nz/kiosk.

Runner-up - PowerSmart for Glenorchy

Camp Glenorchy is a world-class demonstration of sustainability. Its design, construction and operation involves a wide range of strategies and technologies that combine to achieve high levels of performance with regard to energy, water, waste, health & comfort. 190kW of Solar PV spread across 8 locations, including a solar garden where solar panels are mounted on custom built bases to reflect the shapes of the local mountains. A Tesla Powerwall Battery Storage system has also been installed.

More here: https://www.evident.co.nz/camp-glenorchy/

https://www.theheadwaters.co.nz/sustainability/energy/

http://architecturenow.co.nz/articles/net-zero-accommodation/

7. Best Community Energy Project

Winner - Infratec for the Southern Group Cook Islands Project - Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke and Mitiaro

The projects successfully delivered mini-grids on four islands within the Southern Group of the Cook Islands - Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke and Mitiaro and significantly upgraded the medium and low voltage networks on two of those islands; Mauke and Mitiaro. Before the installation, the islands’ electricity was supplied solely by diesel generators. Now the islands’ residents can boast that about 95 per cent of grid electricity supplying each island is generated by solar panels. Infratec for the Southern Group Cook Islands Project photos available here.

Runner-up- Powersmart for Whareponga Papakainga. Four house development situated on the remote East Cape 10km away from the nearest electricity lines. This project for local Maori owners who, as kaitiaki, required a harmonious solution avoiding fossil fuels, noise and smoke.

Powersmart for Whareponga Papakainga video available here. Powersmart for Whareponga Papakainga photos available here.

8. Industry person of the year

Winner – Simon Mackenzie, CEO Vector

Simon’s genuine passion to find solutions for New Zealand’s most pressing energy challenges are driving change across the industry. For Simon, smart energy solutions that can benefit all kiwis is not just a job, he voluntarily gives his time, his energy, and his knowledge for the betterment of the industry and ultimately, all New Zealanders. SEANZ recognises Simon’s outstanding contribution to the industry and SEANZ with this award.