Attention-grabbing headline right! How can anyone save $867,000 by installing solar? 

This is a view published by Fire-kiwi on how you can achieve even greater financial benefits from installing solar. The interesting component is how it can be used and linked to your mortgage to generate additional savings - It's an interesting view and one that warrants consideration.

Some of the numbers are optimistic especially the whole of life term used. A conservative calculation would use a system life of 25 years although there are solar systems that are over 30 years old in operation and still going strong. 

Check it out and decide for yourself if it would work for you and let us know your thoughts. 

Everyone's situation is different so starting with some more accurate baseline numbers is important - check out SEANZ’s Solar Optimiser to see what the savings from solar could look like for your household or business. 

NB. This blog is not connected with SEANZ and it is not representative of SEANZ’s views.

The South Australian Government recently announced a deal with Tesla to build a 250MW virtual power plant and in doing so, have ushered in the the future of the electricity network - but what is a virtual power plant and why are they the future?

Micro-grids will play an important part in the future development of our electricity network. This is an interesting read on the "micro-grid as a service (MaaS)" concept which could open doors for new business models - Originally published on Green Tech Media

Increased confidence in the prospect of generating revenue from microgrids, beyond applications related to reliability and resilience, is contributing to the rise of third-party and mixed-ownership models.

With third party and mixed ownership, a new business model emerged: the microgrid-as-a-service (MaaS) or reliability-as-a-service. MaaS can eliminate the historical need for end users to contribute upfront costs on their own, opening up a new market for customers who previously would not have considered a microgrid due to financial barriers.

In 2017, third-party-owned microgrids accounted for 46 percent of new microgrid projects, a notable shift away from majority end-user ownership in previous years. End users still make up a majority of the U.S. microgrid market, owning 83 percent of all operational microgrid projects and 63 percent of capacity. MaaS could be a good option for customers that are more interested in low-cost reliability over potential financial gains from distributed energy resources.

The Electricity Authority are exploring the barriers for consumers to access more than one service/use multiple service providers (eg a retailer and a P2P provider or a combo of these) for electricity-related supply at the ICP level. The objective being to help consumers access more cost-effective supply and better services – from retailers, P2P suppliers, neighbours, lines cos......

Innovation and development are needed to improve services to consumers to take advantage of new tech & business models. The regulatory framework needs to accommodate this and the whole thing can only happen if everyone in the space works together.

SEANZ is formulating a submission and all SEANZ members are encouraged to do the same. 

Some of the key points we will be addressing are:

• ICP smart meters capability and limitations
• Current industry rules & processes may and can limit how a consumer can benefit from technological developments which enable business model developments that help consumers
• Allowing providers to access an ICP/consumers demand and supply data

Submissions close 27^th Feb 2017 - full consultation paper and submission details are available at https://www.ea.govt.nz/development/work-programme/evolving-tech-business/multiple-trading-relationships/

BUYER BEWARE – FOR INDUSTRY AND CONSUMERS!

There are suppliers advertising fake products with no little regard for consequences. Please be aware – ALWAYS USE A SEANZ PROFESSIONAL for the supply of technology and equipment and to install your solar PV and or battery system to know you are safe.

You can find a SEANZ Member here. 

Original article appeared on Good Money by Rafi Schwartz

You’d be forgiven if the phrase “Portland goes green with innovative water pipes” doesn’t immediately call to mind thoughts of civil engineering and hydro-electric power. And yet, that’s exactly what Oregon’s largest city has done by partnering with a company called Lucid Energy to generate clean electricity from the water already flowing under its streets and through its pipes.

SEANZ Member Mercury has chosen Tesla to install New Zealand’s first national grid-connected battery. 

Tesla has been confirmed as the battery provider for Mercury’s scalable national grid-connected battery trial,
following a competitive tender process that began in September last year.

The SEANZ Solar Optimiser is a real-world tool using real live information (newest solar technology, efficiency rates and outputs) created to help you understand solar electricity and how you can maximise your savings. Learn about the place of related technology like energy management systems, batteries and electric vehicles.

The Optimiser takes you step-by-step through important questions specific to your household or business. These will help you optimise a system for your requirements and to understand the main factors that impact the savings you can make. 

If you have a recent power bill handy then grab it now before you start - if not then don't worry, we'll add some averages based on where you live.

The Solar Optimiser can be accessed here.

The SEANZ Conference held in Hamilton and titled “Generating Connections” did exactly that. Connections and networking from right across the industry with solar & battery suppliers, installers, retailers and lines companies and those from the regulatory space.

In NZ as at 31 October there were 16,499 grid-connected solar PV installations delivering 64.14 MW in operation.

A common part of the industry that is never thought about or considered is the off-grid sector. These numbers are being analysed at the moment by SEANZ as are the installed batteries (with and without solar PV) and the grid –assisted ELV part of the industry.