Solar power has emerged as the most rapidly growing renewable source of electricity across the world.
Emerging technologies such as battery storage, home energy management systems, and electric vehicles, along with solar PV cells (photovoltaic) are becoming commonplace in homes and business across the country as Kiwis transition to more resilient, renewable, and lower cost energy systems.
The Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand (SEANZ) exists to ensure that kiwi homes and businesses make the most of these emerging technologies. Initially named the Sustainable Energy Association (SEANZ) changed the ‘E’ to stand for ‘Energy’, earlier this year.
The change reflects the organisations broadening scope of interest, broadening technologies and business models offered by our members, and the broadening public support for sustainable energy solutions that place smart homes and businesses as the cornerstone of our future energy network.
Brendan Winiata, Chairman for SEANZ says New Zealand needs to be powered by 100% renewable electricity by 2030, including a third of our motorised transport.
“We’re here to provide information, technology and expertise to accelerate the transition. Homes and businesses no longer simply install just solar panels. Battery storage, energy management systems and mobile applications are now the norm and make fi nancial and environmental sense and electric vehicles are changing the landscape of our electricity network.”
Solar PV to EV (Electric Vehicle) charging, EV to grid discharging, EV integration into grid-tied home and business energy management systems – all blur the lines between electricity and energy.
Energy monitoring, IoT (the internet of things), P2P (peer to peer) services, energy efficient appliances, diverters, mini & micro-grid development, battery storage, demand management, and grid services – Brendan explains that the convergence of these technologies is where SEANZ is bringing it all together.
“SEANZ brings together research, industry, and individuals who are committed to creating a resilient renewable energy future for New Zealand.”
SEANZ was incorporated in 2007 to support the growth in demand for small-scale distributed energy generation technologies such as solar PV, mini and micro hydro and small-scale wind.
After its first few years in operation, solar PV became the dominant technology and this has continued to grow to today where it makes up around 99% of small-scale energy generation.
Many well respected firms across New Zealand, such as World Solar, support the increasing use of Solar power to generate electricity.
“The initial demand was for off-grid systems to power rural and eco-conscious homes,” says Brendan.
“While these continue to be in demand, grid-connected solar pv installations now make up around 90% of all solar installations around the country today and are the primary focus of SEANZ. There has also been strong growth in commercial installations over that time.”
An independent organisation, SEANZ represents all stakeholders from business to end-users of solar, batteries, home and building energy management systems and associated consumer-centric energy technology—tools and applications for selfgeneration and demand management.
“We advocate in the interests of consumers, and our members, who want smart energy technologies that lower costs, lower carbon, and provide a more resilient energy future.
We’re building a truly sustainable energy system that is resilient, independent, democratic, climate-safe, and protects our natural environmental resources.”
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