We have expanded our solar array

In the July school holidays an additional 9.5kW of solar was added to our existing array.  We now have a total of 160, 370watt panels generating solar on the roof of the Ken Havill Centre for Learning.  This means our solar array is now running at maximum capacity.

We funded the new panels with the last of the remaining solar donations we received in the initial funding campaign.  As far as we know, we are the only school in New Zealand to have a community funded solar array.  Thanks so much to all the whānau, alumni and friends of the school who donated to legacy project. 

The existing solar array was also professionally cleaned, this needs to be done every two years to keep the panels running at optimum capacity.

So how is our solar performing?

Despite the winter weather we have seen an immediate up swing in solar output, with the addition of the panels. Note: the gap in the data is where the system was turned off for the install of the new panels, you then see higher levels of solar generation.

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Power savings

In 2023 we saved $7,947, and in 2024 we saved $8,715 off our power bills.  The savings will increase further with the additional panels.  This is roughly about 30% of the actual power cost of one ICP (half the school), but a much lower % of the overall power cost when you include all the monthly charges.

Further facts

• We send any solar we don’t use (in the weekends and holidays) back to the grid. We are paid a very small sum for this, that is credited on our bill.
• Our power bills are likely to go up when we come off our current contract. So solar power is a very good option.
• Solar panels are very stable technology and can last for around 50 years if maintained properly.