Solar PV Containers for New Zealand

Introduction: Why Solar PV Containers Are Revolutionizing New Zealand’s Energy Landscape

New Zealand is following a very ambitious goal of having 100% renewable electricity by 2030. This target has recently boosted the demand for solar power. However, New Zealand’s rugged terrain, scattered population, and unpredictable weather conditions make it difficult for traditional solar power plants to meet the demands. That is where the solar photovoltaic containers come in. It is a foldable, modulated system that has been specially designed to address these issues.

This book is written for farmers, companies, and people who live in off-grid areas and require efficient and affordable energy solutions. We will explain why solar photovoltaic containers are particularly suited to the New Zealand context with the help of technology, real cases, and practical advice.

Section 1: New Zealand’s Energy Challenges & How Solar PV Containers Solve Them

1.1 Electricity is too expensive ,and the grid is not convenient

Problem: Residential electricity in New Zealand is particularly expensive, at 0.30-0.35 New Zealand dollars per kilowatt hour, compared to Australia. And for people on remote farms and small islands, they must also use expensive and dirty diesel generators.

Solution: Solar photovoltaic containers can reduce your electricity bills by 50-70%.

Net metering: Excess electricity can be sold to the grid, e.g., a 10 kW system can earn NZD 1500 per year.

Hybrid system: By having a battery installed (e.g., Tesla Powerwall), one can provide 24-hour electricity even in off-grid areas (e.g., Island Bay).

1.2 Adverse weather and natural disasters

Problem: New Zealand is often hit by earthquakes and hurricanes, and seawater damages equipment. Traditional solar facilities are easily damaged.

Terms of settlement:

Anti-corrosion design: Made of marine-grade steel frame, it is able to withstand a severe coastal environment.

Wind resistant structure: Pre-tensioned tracking system (e.g. Trina Solar’s Agile 2P), wind resistance up to 60 meters per second.

Rapid deployment: Power restoration within 48 hours after a disaster, as was observed in Kaik ō ura after an earthquake.

1.3 Lack of agricultural land

Issue: Farmers lack land ,and it’s difficult to balance between crop planting and electricity generation.

Terms of settlement:

Agricultural photovoltaic system: Install solar panels 2-3 meters high, and continue to graze underneath. For example, in the Rangitaiki Solar Farm, a 42 megawatt solar panel can also be utilized for sheep grazing.

No land preparation required: The collapsible solar photovoltaic container requires no expensive land grading, making it very suitable for rolling grasslands like Waikato.

Section 2: Technical Excellence & Economic Benefits

2.1 Searching for cutting-edge technology for the highest efficiency
N-type i-TOPCon battery: This battery has an efficiency of up to 22.8%, significantly higher than standard solar panels (efficiency 19-21%). Especially on the South Island in winter, when there is insufficient sunlight, it can generate 15% more electricity, which is very handy.
Double sided module: The module can capture the reflected light off the ground, either grass or snow, and can increase power generation by 10-20%.

2.2 Faster ROI Than Traditional Solar

Source: Lodestone Energy case study (2023)

2.3 Safety and Local Compliance
Compliant with New Zealand standards:
AS/NZS 5033:2021 (Electric Safety)
NZS 3604:2011 (Structural Flexibility)
Security aspects:
Automatic fire suppression system, no more fear of fire.
DC isolators are easier to maintain.

Section 3: Real-World Applications in New Zealand

3.1 Case Study: Koshira Solar Power Plant (Northland)
Challenge: A dairy farm spends NZD 12000 per month on diesel, which is too expensive.
Solution: Install a solar photovoltaic container with an installed capacity of 120 kW and storage ability of 240 kWh of electricity.
Result:
The consumption of diesel has reduced by 90%, resulting in  massive savings.
Through partnering with the New Zealand government GIDI fund, the return rate on yearly investments has been 7%.
3.2 Remote Maori community power supply
Partners: Solar container vendor and Maori Development Department (Te Puni K ō kiri).
Impact: 30 families in Wh ā ng ā r ā are 100% energy independent and no longer pay NZD 0.45/kWh for diesel.

Section 4: Your Next Steps

4.1 Is your monthly electricity bill more than NZD 400?
Is your house prone to flooding or in an earthquake zone?
Do you have any unused land (even if it’s only 50 square meters)?
4.2 How to get subsidies and grants
GIDI Fund: Can cover up to 50% of the cost of decarbonization projects for companies.
EBSS: Provide low-interest loans for rural solar cell systems.

Join New Zealand’s Renewable Energy Revolution

Solar photovoltaic container is not a technology, but just a savior of farmers with sky-high bills, a guardian of families in storm-affected areas, and a good helper of environmentally conscious communities. Such a container is easily installable, test-proof, extremely durable, and has a good return on investment, which is changing the lifestyle of New Zealanders.