Solar

What is solar energy?

We can use solar energy in two different ways: as a heat source, and as a power source.

At the moment, solar energy is most effectively used as direct heat, for water and space heating.

Solar energy can also be used to make electricity. The process is called photovoltaics (or PV).  Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity. When sunlight strikes a PV cell, electrons are dislodged, creating an electrical current.  If you have a solar-powered watch or calculator, you’re using photovoltaics.

Is solar power a viable energy option for New Zealand?

Solar energy has a lot of potential in New Zealand, a country with a good solar resource. It's environmentally friendly because it produces no emissions or noise while operating.  But at the moment it's very expensive to convert to usable electricity.  As this technology reduces in price, and with the benefit of bulk purchasing, it will become part our country’s generation mix.

What are the benefits
of solar power?

Solar power has several benefits.  It keeps our air clean and reduces our dependency on fossil fuels such as oil and gas.  It also uses a secure and long lasting natural resource.

Because PV panels have no moving parts there is very little maintenance to do.  A well designed system can just be left to run for many years with just a cleaning of the panels required from time to time.

In locations away from the electricity network it is financially viable right now.

Are there any disadvantages?

Apart from the high installation costs, solar is an intermittent power source.  It only works when the sun is shining and this is often at different times to when the power is most needed.   There are also variations in power output depending on time of day, season and weather.