Off
the back of winning SolarZero’s Solar Future Competition,
St John Wānaka yesterday celebrated the successful
installation of their brand new SolarZero system and
provision of a free 20 year solar subscription which will
provide them with lower energy bills for the next two
decades.

The SolarZero Solar Future Competition was
launched in 2023 to help give back to the Upper Clutha
community, with St John Wānaka publicly voted as the winner
and receiving lower energy bills and access to a solar
subscription valued at $45,000.

To celebrate the
inauguration and blessing of SolarZero’s solar system
(panels and battery) installation, St John Wānaka hosted a
community event on Monday at their station.

Dell
Taylor, Chair of St John Wānaka, says “Adding solar
panels and a battery is a game changer for us. With a
SolarZero system, we have the assurance we’ll be able to
operate during civil emergencies when our community needs us
the most. It was a pleasure to bring the local community
together and celebrate installing our system, and how
it’ll help us continue serving our region.”

The
system’s installation will also allow St John to continue to
focus on its community care initiatives beyond just
providing ambulance services – including their youth cadet
programme, outreach therapy pet programme and first-aid
training.

Matt Ward, Chief Executive of SolarZero,
says he was inspired to see the outpouring of support for St
John and the work they do for the local
community.

“The way Wānaka rallied around St John
and our other competition nominees last year really
showcased how important local initiatives are to tight-knit
communities. We consider it a privilege to support in the
way we know best – with reliable, renewable energy that
contributes to the region’s resilience as a
whole.”

Taylor adds, “The generosity of SolarZero
is not going to be lost on our community. Whether it’s
heating our station or keeping our fridge cold, knowing that
we have a smaller bill to worry about means we can turn our
attention to strengthening the Upper Clutha
region.”

This is not the first step SolarZero has
taken to give Wānaka access to the benefits of solar
systems – connecting the region’s SolarZero systems in a
Virtual Power Plant network which creates stability in the
face of power outages, and helps reduce stress on the
national energy grid.

About SolarZero

SolarZero
is New Zealand’s largest provider of household solar
energy systems, helping more Kiwis make the switch to solar
and save on their power bill in the process. Established in
2008 by Andy Booth, SolarZero has evolved to become New
Zealand’s leading solar energy business with offices in
Christchurch, Nelson and Auckland. With SolarZero panels and
batteries, customers enjoy lower energy costs, and can
access stored power when the sun isn’t shining or in a
power cut. SolarZero is passionate about accelerating New
Zealand’s transition to be 100% renewable and lower the
cost of energy for all Kiwis.

For more information,
visit
solarzero.co.nz

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