Kāinga Ora brings unique solar sharing system to Northland

Allume’s unique SolShare system enables the sharing of rooftop solar on multi-tenant buildings; breaking some of the technical barriers to providing solar electricity to apartment buildings.

Kāinga Ora renewable energy lead, Jennifer Van der Merwe says the system is estimated to reduce customer power bills by around $350-$400 per year and is a real opportunity to improve customer wellbeing and tackle energy hardship.

“The SolShare unit will distribute solar electricity equally amongst customers at the 15-unit, 3 storey walk-up complex,” she said.

“It monitors when an apartment is using energy and will direct solar power to it to reduce electricity bills as much as possible. This can increase the amount of solar used in the building by up to 50% compared to individual systems.

“The beauty of the technology is that it doesn’t restrict the customers’ choice of electricity retailer, and there’s no additional billing services or platforms, so nothing changes other than their power bill.

“Renewable energy is just one of the ways we’re looking to make sustainable living part of the fabric of public housing in this country, so it’s more equitable, accessible and affordable for those who might otherwise be left behind.”

Kāinga Ora regional director Jeff Murray says having the ability to add solar to existing apartments is a big win for public housing, their customers and the environment alike.

“In one single installation, we were able deliver solar to 15 public houses and their customers – something that was previously not possible.

“Ultimately it has created the opportunity to make solar more accessible and more affordable so it can be used in public housing developments, where the financial benefits are needed most,” he says.

Allume Energy CEO and Co-Founder, Cameron Knox says, “We are delighted to be working with Kāinga Ora and supporting the Government on this landmark trial for New Zealand.”

“Allume was founded to unlock the benefits of clean, affordable solar energy for all, and Anzac Road is a milestone project in delivering this for multi-tenant housing in New Zealand.

“We’re excited to see the realisation of those benefits for residents in the coming months and are committed to working with Kāinga Ora to ensure learnings are fully leveraged for future shared solar multi-tenant buildings around New Zealand.”

Anzac Road is the third Kāinga Ora development to receive a Solshare installation, and the first installation on an existing complex. It follows installations on Christchurch’s new 20-unit Riccarton Road development and Napier’s 24-unit Seddon Crescent development completed last month.

Kāinga Ora has partnered with leading Australian company Allume Energy to bring the SolShare system to New Zealand.