https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/ Latest Blog from My Solar Quotes Sun, 06 Jul 2025 02:03:00 +0100 en-us https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/how-aotearoa-new-zealand-s-increased-voltage-range-impacts-solar-power/ On the 13th of June 2025, New Zealand’s Energy Minister Simon Watts and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk announced that the range of our country’s grid voltage will be expanded. Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:58:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/how-aotearoa-new-zealand-s-increased-voltage-range-impacts-solar-power/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-industry-news/thinking-about-buying-solar-gear-from-a-big-box-store-here-s-why-most-installers-will-say-no-thanks-/ There’s no shortage of solar gear available off the shelf these days in New Zealand. Big box retailers and online stores are stocked with panels, inverters, batteries, racking systems - and at Tue, 17 Jun 2025 11:48:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-industry-news/thinking-about-buying-solar-gear-from-a-big-box-store-here-s-why-most-installers-will-say-no-thanks-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/meet-the-force-h3x-pylontech-s-next-gen-home-battery-system/ If you’re after a solar battery that looks good, performs even better, has a great price (see below) and takes the complexity out of home energy storage – the Pylontech Force H3X might just be Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:33:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/meet-the-force-h3x-pylontech-s-next-gen-home-battery-system/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/battery-storage-for-solar/how-long-do-solar-batteries-last-/ Modern solar batteries last around 15 years with decent usage conditions, which is impressive when you consider that just about a decade ago, many systems had messy lead-acid batteries with a Fri, 02 May 2025 09:34:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/battery-storage-for-solar/how-long-do-solar-batteries-last-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/best-tesla-powerwall-alternatives/ If you know anything about solar batteries, you also know that the Tesla Tue, 15 Apr 2025 08:53:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/best-tesla-powerwall-alternatives/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/the-carbon-payback-period-of-solar-panels-in-nz-yay-or-nay-/ There is a considerably large group of people that likes to believe that solar panels are a scam, just as there is a group that believes the Earth is flat. A major argument that poorly supports Mon, 14 Apr 2025 11:18:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/the-carbon-payback-period-of-solar-panels-in-nz-yay-or-nay-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/How-Solar-Power-Works/should-you-go-off-grid-with-solar-/ There is a strange romanticism to the sound of the words “off-grid solar” – a feeling of freedom, of braveness, of rebelling against electrical companies who believe you are helpless without Wed, 12 Mar 2025 10:01:00 +0000 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/How-Solar-Power-Works/should-you-go-off-grid-with-solar-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-trends/the-evolution-of-solar-panels/ Solar panels are one of the most underrated inventions of humankind – silently using sunlight to light our homes and power our TVs, computers, and refrigerators – all while being just a few Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:44:00 +0000 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-trends/the-evolution-of-solar-panels/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/the-forecast-for-the-energy-market-and-solar-power-systems-in-nz-2025/ Here’s a prediction we think we can bet on – 2025 will go down as a historic year for both solar power and household electricity expenses. Why? While there is a Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:33:00 +0000 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/the-forecast-for-the-energy-market-and-solar-power-systems-in-nz-2025/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-news-in-new-zealand/the-hidden-economics-of-solar-and-battery-systems-in-new-zealand-2024-insights/ Solar energy is more than a technological shift - it's an economic decision, and every household’s journey to sustainability carries its unique story of cost, value, and return. From our annual Tue, 28 Jan 2025 12:54:00 +0000 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-news-in-new-zealand/the-hidden-economics-of-solar-and-battery-systems-in-new-zealand-2024-insights/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/battery-storage-for-solar/are-hot-water-timers-and-controllers-still-worthwhile-with-solar-batteries-/ For any Kiwi home with a solar power system, the goal is to consume maximum energy from its solar panels while minimising grid power usage, especially because Thu, 16 Jan 2025 14:18:00 +0000 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/battery-storage-for-solar/are-hot-water-timers-and-controllers-still-worthwhile-with-solar-batteries-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/franklinwh-the-cool-new-kid-on-the-battery-block/ The lithium battery market has almost exploded in size over the past decade. Suddenly, customers have umpteen options to choose from. And just when we thought there were enough solar battery brands Mon, 09 Dec 2024 11:41:00 +0000 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/franklinwh-the-cool-new-kid-on-the-battery-block/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-solar-technology/fronius-symo-inverters---do-they-solve-all-issues-for-three-phase-homes-in-nz-/ When Nikola Tesla invented three-phase power nearly 140 years ago, he wouldn’t have thought that it would create complications for homeowners with a solar power system and three-phase Tue, 19 Nov 2024 10:25:00 +0000 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-solar-technology/fronius-symo-inverters---do-they-solve-all-issues-for-three-phase-homes-in-nz-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-solar-legislation/do-you-need-council-consent-for-solar-panels-in-new-zealand-let-s-clear-the-air-/ Solar power is lighting up New Zealand homes more than ever, but a common question still lingers: Do I need council consent for my solar power (PV) system? The good news is, in most cases, the Mon, 18 Nov 2024 14:47:00 +0000 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-solar-legislation/do-you-need-council-consent-for-solar-panels-in-new-zealand-let-s-clear-the-air-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-solar-technology/fronius-gen24-pv-point---is-it-worth-it-/ In the world of solar energy, where major headlines like big product launches or new efficiency records grab centre stage, smaller developments often remain relatively unknown. One such development Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:46:00 +0000 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-solar-technology/fronius-gen24-pv-point---is-it-worth-it-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/sigenstor-the-most-interesting-solar-product-ever-/ When it comes to solar batteries and inverters, you may dare say that on a fundamental level, all innovation has already been done. When you compare solar products today, it's easy to think that Wed, 13 Nov 2024 10:45:00 +0000 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/sigenstor-the-most-interesting-solar-product-ever-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/why-the-big-fuss-about-seanz-here-s-why-it-matters-for-solar-in-new-zealand/ My Solar Quotes has been a proud member of the Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand (SEANZ) for over 12 years. So, I thought it was about time I explain why SEANZ is such a big deal in the Thu, 07 Nov 2024 13:23:00 +0000 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/why-the-big-fuss-about-seanz-here-s-why-it-matters-for-solar-in-new-zealand/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/8-things-to-know-before-buying-a-solar-battery/ About a decade ago, a solar battery was a remarkably premium item with very few customers - something like a $8 popcorn bucket that most of us just roll our eyes at. However, plunging prices and Tue, 01 Oct 2024 09:15:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/8-things-to-know-before-buying-a-solar-battery/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/international-solar/china-s-overproduction-of-solar-panels-cheap-prices-and-what-it-means-for-nz/ For many centuries now, China has been known for its gorgeous silk and the mighty, aptly called Great Wall, among other things. However, things suddenly took a sharp turn in the latest century, and Mon, 26 Aug 2024 14:07:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/international-solar/china-s-overproduction-of-solar-panels-cheap-prices-and-what-it-means-for-nz/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-industry-news/new-zealand-solar-market-stats-insights-2024/ As the world continues to shift towards sustainable energy solutions, New Zealand is making quiet, smalls steps in harnessing the power of the sun.  Unlike many other countries that have relied on Tue, 06 Aug 2024 14:27:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-industry-news/new-zealand-solar-market-stats-insights-2024/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/ecoshine-revolutionising-solar-panel-maintenance-in-new-zealand/ Eco Shine Solar is an emerging player in the New Zealand solar industry like no other. While most solar companies in New Zealand specialise in installing solar on roofs, Eco Shine are providing a Mon, 17 Jun 2024 10:46:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/ecoshine-revolutionising-solar-panel-maintenance-in-new-zealand/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-technology/types-of-solar-panel-technology-/ Humans have always used energy from the sun. From sun-drying foods to propelling spacecrafts using sunlight, we have come a long way. And yet, innovation in the solar industry has no intention of Wed, 05 Jun 2024 10:50:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-technology/types-of-solar-panel-technology-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/electric-homes-rewiring-aotearoa-overview/ In March 2024, Rewiring Aotearoa dropped a groundbreaking report, "Electric Homes: Rewiring Aotearoa," Wed, 29 May 2024 10:22:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/electric-homes-rewiring-aotearoa-overview/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-solar-legislation/cable-conduits-on-a-roof-with-solar-necessity-or-monstrosity-/ As it is, many people don't consider solar panels on a roof as particularly beauty-enhancing. So when the discussion moves to solar panels with visible conduits laid on the roof, the topic becomes Mon, 06 May 2024 13:43:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-solar-legislation/cable-conduits-on-a-roof-with-solar-necessity-or-monstrosity-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/octopus-energy-now-offering-20-cents-kwh-for-energy-from-your-battery/ If you are an Octopus Energy customer with a solar battery or plan to install one - here’s some good news for you. Octopus is now offering a never-before rate of 20 cents for every kWh of energy Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:20:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/octopus-energy-now-offering-20-cents-kwh-for-energy-from-your-battery/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/buying-a-house-with-an-existing-solar-power-system-a-detailed-guide/ Among the several perks a used home may offer, a pre-installed solar power system is one of the most exciting. Home buyers can expect to save thousands of dollars in electricity bills while making Wed, 03 Apr 2024 12:27:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/buying-a-house-with-an-existing-solar-power-system-a-detailed-guide/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/tesla-powerwall-3-less-style-but-more-substance/ After plenty of speculation and some anticipation, Tesla has finally released details about the third generation of its ultra-popular Powerwall battery. And the first thing we want to do is compare Mon, 18 Mar 2024 13:41:00 +0000 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/tesla-powerwall-3-less-style-but-more-substance/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/How-Solar-Power-Works/why-your-solar-installer-will-probably-oversize-your-array/ On first thought, it may seem logical to have a solar array size similar to the inverter size, such as pairing a 6 kW array with a 6 kW inverter. After all, why generate excess power when the Tue, 20 Feb 2024 09:51:00 +0000 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/How-Solar-Power-Works/why-your-solar-installer-will-probably-oversize-your-array/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/battery-storage-for-solar/are-sodium-ion-batteries-the-next-big-thing-/ More than 200 years ago, a bright young chemist named Sir Humphry Davy discovered that sodium could be used as material for batteries. But for the next two centuries, sodium ion batteries remained Fri, 09 Feb 2024 11:28:00 +0000 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/battery-storage-for-solar/are-sodium-ion-batteries-the-next-big-thing-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/battery-storage-for-solar/tesla-powerwall-2-vs-byd-battery/ If you have heard the term ‘solar battery’, you probably know that the Tesla Tue, 09 Jan 2024 10:04:00 +0000 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/battery-storage-for-solar/tesla-powerwall-2-vs-byd-battery/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-technology/are-microinverters-really-better-than-string-inverters-/ If you go to Google and type ‘string inverters vs. microinverters’, you will get dozens of articles telling you that microinverters are superior to string inverters. In fact, we did Tue, 19 Dec 2023 13:22:00 +0000 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-technology/are-microinverters-really-better-than-string-inverters-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/installing-a-home-battery-without-solar-panels-all-you-need-to-know/ It is a fact that solar panels and batteries go together, like peanut butter and jam. And while it’s possible to have just one of the two, doing so somehow doesn’t feel right. And yet, an Mon, 04 Dec 2023 14:40:00 +0000 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/installing-a-home-battery-without-solar-panels-all-you-need-to-know/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/How-Solar-Power-Works/how-to-heat-water-with-solar-pv-heat-pump-or-element-/ Heating water using solar power is not a new concept. Nearly 2,000 years ago, the Romans built public baths with Tue, 28 Nov 2023 13:14:00 +0000 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/How-Solar-Power-Works/how-to-heat-water-with-solar-pv-heat-pump-or-element-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/the-role-of-solar-and-batteries-in-new-zealand-s-flexibility-services/ Basketball legend John Wooden once said that flexibility is the key to stability. And while he meant that in the context of personal growth, it cannot be truer in the context of electricity Fri, 03 Nov 2023 14:18:00 +0000 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/the-role-of-solar-and-batteries-in-new-zealand-s-flexibility-services/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/renewable-energy/solar-power-the-prevention-and-cure-for-climate-change/ In 1931, the legendary Thomas Edison said to his friend Henry Ford, “I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy.  What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:13:00 +0000 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/renewable-energy/solar-power-the-prevention-and-cure-for-climate-change/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/electric-vehicles/what-is-a-smart-ev-charger-and-why-you-should-buy-one/ The hype around smart EV chargers is growing rapidly. But at a time when manufacturers are slapping the word ‘smart’ on nearly everything from watches to water, the word ceases to have any Mon, 09 Oct 2023 14:42:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/electric-vehicles/what-is-a-smart-ev-charger-and-why-you-should-buy-one/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/electric-vehicles/why-solar-power-ev-s-are-a-perfect-match/ When humans approach the end of this century and look back, they will probably count solar power and electric mobility among the most groundbreaking changes of this century. Both technologies have Mon, 21 Aug 2023 14:12:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/electric-vehicles/why-solar-power-ev-s-are-a-perfect-match/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/How-Solar-Power-Works/can-you-install-solar-panels-on-east-and-west-facing-roofs-/ Ask any solar expert about solar panel orientation and they will tell you that North-facing arrays perform the best. This is true, for reasons we’ll go over shortly; but what if your house Thu, 03 Aug 2023 13:40:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/How-Solar-Power-Works/can-you-install-solar-panels-on-east-and-west-facing-roofs-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/the-lines-company-champion-solar-innovation-for-enhanced-electricity-distribution/ In a rapidly evolving energy landscape where decarbonisation is the number one goal for the energy industry in New Zealand, a few New Zealand lines companies are leading the charge in exploring Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:02:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/the-lines-company-champion-solar-innovation-for-enhanced-electricity-distribution/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/future-of-solar-power/what-is-agrisolar-and-is-it-feasible-in-new-zealand-/ For thousands of years, farmers have been the most direct users of solar energy, using sunlight to grow food that sustains the human population. From that perspective, it seems obvious that solar Wed, 19 Jul 2023 14:24:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/future-of-solar-power/what-is-agrisolar-and-is-it-feasible-in-new-zealand-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/electric-vehicles/how-good-or-bad-is-the-tesla-wall-charger-/ If you have just bought, or are about to buy an electric vehicle, congratulations! And if you are now wondering if the latest Tesla wall charger is a good choice to charge your beautiful new car Tue, 11 Jul 2023 13:54:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/electric-vehicles/how-good-or-bad-is-the-tesla-wall-charger-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-industry-news/empowering-a-low-carbon-future-nzgif-s-innovative-approach-to-green-investment-solar-financing/ In 2019, a groundbreaking entity called New Zealand Green Investment Finance (NZGIF) emerged, with a primary objective of Tue, 27 Jun 2023 14:21:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-industry-news/empowering-a-low-carbon-future-nzgif-s-innovative-approach-to-green-investment-solar-financing/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/the-evolution-of-solar-power-over-the-past-decade/ The story of solar photovoltaic technology spans nearly two centuries, but the most glorious part of this story is the last decade. It is like the good-old movies where the underdog struggles for Thu, 22 Jun 2023 13:31:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/the-evolution-of-solar-power-over-the-past-decade/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/how-much-do-power-prices-increase-in-nz-every-year-/ We have all heard our parents and grandparents tell stories about how inexpensive everything was ‘back then’. But when it comes to electricity prices, you don’t need to go back decades, or Wed, 31 May 2023 14:34:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/how-much-do-power-prices-increase-in-nz-every-year-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/how-a-solar-battery-charges-with-grid-power-/ There are three parts to a perfect solar power system - solar panels, solar battery, and grid power. Solar panels are obviously the star of the system, generating clean, free power and saving Fri, 12 May 2023 13:54:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/how-a-solar-battery-charges-with-grid-power-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/how-much-does-a-typical-solar-power-system-cost-in-2023-/ The most frequent question anyone in the solar industry gets is ‘what is the cost of a solar power system?’ In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the typical solar expert spends Tue, 25 Apr 2023 14:26:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/how-much-does-a-typical-solar-power-system-cost-in-2023-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/How-Solar-Power-Works/can-solar-panels-withstand-strong-winds-/ To place an electrical device on your roof for three decades and expect it to work flawlessly is a bit demanding. This is why a lot of people wonder if solar panels can withstand heavy winds, Tue, 18 Apr 2023 10:20:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/How-Solar-Power-Works/can-solar-panels-withstand-strong-winds-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-industry-news/first-steps-towards-100-renewable-electricity-in-new-zealand/ Aotearoa-New Zealand’s renewable electricity broke a long held record in the last quarter of 2022, climbing to nearly 95 per cent of all power generated. The new record of 94.7 per cent Fri, 31 Mar 2023 10:54:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-industry-news/first-steps-towards-100-renewable-electricity-in-new-zealand/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/are-solar-batteries-worth-the-cost-in-nz-/ Solar batteries are generally classified as a ‘solar accessory’, meaning they are an optional component of any system. And yet, in New Zealand, they nearly cross the line between ‘optional’ Thu, 30 Mar 2023 10:02:00 +0100 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/are-solar-batteries-worth-the-cost-in-nz-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/cost-of-solar-for-a-three-bedroom-house/ Homeowners thinking about going solar have a lot of questions - which they should, considering the sizeable price tags of solar power systems. One of the most common questions is ‘how much do Wed, 22 Mar 2023 13:36:00 +0000 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/cost-of-solar-for-a-three-bedroom-house/