CPS Solar

Free energy for the next 30+ years!

Our Solar Panel energy systems capture the sun’s clean, free energy, offering you the ability to take control of your own energy supply. All our Solar Photovaltaic (PV) Panels carry a hefty 25 year warranty, but it’s not unusual for the panels to be performing for 30+ years from installation.

Find out more about our Solar Systems or read our Solar FAQs, or get a free assessment and quote.

Grid energy prices keep climbing

With grid energy prices rising faster than inflation, now is the time to consider our smart solar energy systems to generate your own energy for your home or business.

The strong NZ dollar, coupled with the downward trending of solar panel manufacturing costs means that CPS Solar has secured our lowest ever import terms.

Find out how much you can save

Self consumption

With power retailers announcing reductions in solar power buy-back rates, “self-consumption” systems are more efficient than ever. Self Consumption is the use of solar energy directly at source – either immediately or delayed through the use of battery storage systems.

Self-consumption has become possible through the use of smart technologies and intelligent energy management.

What is self-consumption?

With some power retailers announcing reductions in solar power buy-back rates, “self-consumption” systems are now much talked about.

Self-consumption is the use of solar PV energy directly at source – either immediately or delayed through the use of battery storage systems.

Self-consumption has become possible through the use of:

• An appropriate unit size – the unit should suit each individual consumption situation
• A change in consumption behaviour – consuming energy as it’s generated
• Intelligent energy management through use of smart technologies such as SolaX Hybrid Inverters.
• A battery storage system to store unused solar energy for consumption at a later date
• A solar diverter to send unused solar energy to the hot water cylinder

Appropriate unit size

When sizing your solar PV system and deciding on the type of panels needed, we take into consideration your typical usage by reviewing recent electricity bills, the number of occupants in your household and your consumption patterns.It is important not to oversize the storage system as the investment costs would begin to outweigh the economic benefits.

We are happy to provide a free assessment and quote.

What is solar technology and how does it work?

Photovoltaics (PV) is the name for the technology – more commonly referred to as “solar power” or “solar panels”.

Solar PV panels convert sunlight into electricity when sunlight passes through panels of glass onto a semiconductor material, usually silicon wafers. When sunlight hits the semiconductor, directly or indirectly, it causes electrons to be released. The free electrons create an electrical current that generates electricity.

Do solar panels work?

Solar PV is only truly effective where it has enough sunlight of sufficient intensity to work. PV is not right for every house, because the orientation of the home will also affect its ability to collect sunrays.

Why solar panels for electricity?

Solar PV panels can be used to generate all or part of a household’s electricity needs, either: directly, by connecting to the house; or indirectly, by charging a battery bank. Solar PV produces no noise or emissions, and can be mounted on a building or a separate frame. This makes them ideal for using in an urban environment.

Is solar energy economically viable?

Over the past few years solar PV panels and other solar technologies have reduced in price while increasing in performance, making them an attractive option for homeowners seeking a renewable energy source. You can also effectively sell your surplus energy back to the grid when using an import/export meter!

To maximise the economic advantages of solar energy, we recommend a self-use hybrid solar PV system, which uses smart inverter technology and battery storage. This enables you to consume up to 80% of energy generated.

What are the advantages of solar power?

Some key advantages of solar power are:

• It’s a clean, free source of renewable energy.
• It’s reliable and requires little maintenance.
• Our solar panels can last 30 years or more.
• It’s quiet and can be installed in urban areas.
• You can sell your surplus energy back to the grid.

How much energy does solar generate?

A PV array of between 8M2 and 10M2 can produce about 1 kW of power when operating effectively. Our 3.2kW system can generate up to 4,500kWh of energy.

Is it safe?

As with any technology involving electrical current, care should be taken when installing or inspecting PV panels. However, correct day-to-day use is perfectly safe. Some power companies may require you to post signage that alerts tradesmen to the presence of solar panels, so that they know to disconnect the system before performing maintenance work. All work should be carried out by a qualified electrician trained in carrying out solar installations, as this is classified as high-risk electrical work.

How much will it cost?

The cost of a solar energy system is affected by the number or size of the array (number of panels) required, as well as the type of system chosen (eg, grid-tied vs hybrid). See more information on pricing here. We are happy to provide you with a free assessment and quote. Please contact us.

Tailor-made commercial solar power systems

In addition to the energy and cost savings, a solar PV system installed on your facility is a highly visible statement to clients, staff and the general public, of your company’s sustainability credentials.

CPS Solar has been involved in many commercial solar installations, large and small, including these substantial solar school installations:

Cashmere High School, Christchurch

Bluestone School, Timaru

Lyttelton Primary School, Lyttelton

Maungaraki School and Naenae Primary School, Lower Hutt

Why commercial solar?

CPS Solar will provide a custom solar energy system designed to generate the power your business requires. The benefits are many, including:

• Reduce your reliance on an expensive grid supply
• Reduce your carbon footprint
• Sell surplus energy back to the grid
• Get a massive 25 year warranty on highest performing solar PV panels, with an expected lifetime of 30+ years!
• Access to finance for solar
• Flexible commercial solar leasing options.

Commercial solar products

We use only the highest quality products for our commercial installations, including:

• REC and Trina solar panels
• Fronius Symo inverters

There are many factors involved in assessing your business for solar. If you’re interested to find out more contact us online or phone 0800 277 548. We’re happy to provide a free consultation and quote.

The best solar energy systems for your needs

Whether you want a simple grid-tied system for your home, or the freedom of a hybrid or off-grid system with battery storage, or a large commercial installation for your school, farm or business, we have the best solar panel systems to suit your needs and budget.

Our solar systems start at $5900. Keen to know more? Check out the different solar system options below, or use our free quote or savings calculator.

Grid-tied solar
What is grid-tied solar?

As the name suggests, grid-tied solar means your solar PV system is connected to the grid. When your solar panels are not producing energy and you need back up power, you can draw energy from the grid. When you have excess energy, you can sell it back to your energy provider.

Benefits and limitations of grid-tied solar

With a grid-tied solar system, you enjoy these benefits:

• You can send your excess power back to the grid for a credit on your utility bill
• No battery is needed with a grid-tied system, so they are cheaper and easier to set up than off-grid or hybrid systems
• The system will pay for itself within as little as 7 years

But keep in mind that:

• Utility buy-back rates vary and you have no control over the buy-back rates
• Without battery storage, you can only consume energy as it is generated
• Your solar energy system will not work during power outages

You may like to compare this system to a Hybrid Solar System with battery storage.

Off-grid Solar
What is off-grid solar?

An off-grid solar PV system is a ‘stand-alone’ system, independent of any grid power source. Off-grid systems are used when there is either no grid connection available or you simply choose not to be connected to a grid!

Our off-grid solar energy systems combine the latest technologies in high output solar panels, generator sets, smart inverters and battery storage.

We use only the most reliable products from domestic and internationally renowned brands such as REC, Trina Solar, Schneider Electric, Victron and Shoto.

Benefits off-grid solar

• For remote locations, off-grid solar makes economic sense, as connecting to the grid can cost up to $80,000/km!
• Be truly self-sufficient with protection from ever-increasing electricity prices and independence from power providers
• Off-grid systems give home and business owners the power to choose their electricity source and the impact they have on their environment. Evidence of climate change is mounting and the true cost to our environment of conventional energy generation is becoming increasingly clear.

Hybrid SolarStore energy for later. You’re in control.
What is Hybrid Solar?

Hybrid solar systems combine the best of grid-tied and off-grid solar systems. It is basically grid-tied solar with extra battery storage used to store excess power to offset peak load or night time use. This type of system is not usually intended to take a household ‘off-grid,’ although it has the potential to do so.

Benefits of Hybrid Solar vs Grid-tied Solar

A hybrid system means less reliance on the grid, a solar battery is used as a back up when solar power or grid power is not available.

• Batteries allow you to consume almost all the energy you generate. Rather than sending power back to the grid for minimal return, you can store the power and have it available to use whenever you need. More about self-consumption.
• Smart inverters let you take advantage of changes in the utility electricity rates throughout the day so you can temporarily store whatever excess electricity your solar panels in batteries, and put it on the utility grid when you are paid the most for every kWh.
• A grid-tied system does not function during power outages but a hybrid system can keep operating.

Plus, the existing grid-tied system can be upgraded to a hybrid system using inverter technology such as the SolaX SU Series Intelligent Hybrid Inverter systems.

Solar Products
Best quality solar panels, inverters & batteries.

The best solar energy products available

CPS Solar has successfully installed hundreds of solar panel, or solar PV, systems around the South Island – from small grid-tied household systems to hybrid and off-grid systems, to large commercial installations.

Whether you are requiring a full solar PV system design and installation, or whether you are looking for stand-alone solar products, we have an extensive range of quality Solar Panels, String Inverters, Hybrid Inverters, Micro-Inverters, Solar Batteries, Solar Diverters and accessories. We only select the best solar products available on the market and we directly import – meaning you receive the cost-benefit of CPS’s buying power!

Solar Panels
Our solar PV panels can be used to generate all or part of your electricity needs, either directly, by connecting to the house; or indirectly, by charging a battery bank. We supply and install the highest quality solar panels from REC Solar and Trina Solar.

As a REC certified installer, solar panels that are installed by CPS Solar, come with a 25-year warranty on materials and workmanship, ensuring the panels maintain their superior quality for a very long time. In addition, a 25-year linear power output warranty ensures that your REC solar panels will perform exactly as they are expected to – every year for 25 years.

Other features:

• High module conversion efficiency of up to 18%
• More power per square metre – advanced technology means at least 20 Wp more of power per panel compared to standard 60-cell panels on a polycrystalline platform.
• By delivering more power per square meter, you need fewer REC TwinPeak panels to generate the same power. This means quicker installation times and the need for fewer components such as clamps and racks. All of which reduces your overall costs, shortening the payback time.
• Unique Twin Peak technology- “twin” design enables panels to generate electricity even when they are partially shaded. Over time, you get a higher yield from your installation.
• Certified to withstand high wind loads and snow loads
• High salt mist and ammonia resistance
• Operating temperature of -40°C – +85°C
• Panels come in a choice of silver or black frame so you can select your preferred look.
• Can be used for residential and commercial/industrial rooftops, solar panel plants and off-grid systems.

Micro Inverters
A micro inverter is a small box located on an individual solar panel. As with central, or string inverters, their job is to convert the direct current (DC) produced by the panel to alternating current (AC) for use in your home or business. The current from several micro-inverters is combined and fed into a single supply. This is in contrast to a single string inverter device that is connected to multiple solar panels.

Micro-inverters have several advantages:

• In the event of even the smallest amount of shading through tree cover, leaf debris, snow cover or a panel failure – the output of the entire solar system remains more balanced and stable.
• Systems using micro-inverters enable each panel to be independently controlled and monitored.
• You can expand your system using different panel sizes and outputs.
• As micro-inverters carry lower voltage than string inverters, they are safer and easier to install.

String Inverter
A String Inverter is the most commonly used inverter in home and commercial solar power systems. It converts electricity from multiple panels or a string of panels. String Inverters can be used for grid-tied, hybrid and off-grid applications.

Hybrid Inverter
A Hybrid Inverter works in conjunction with your solar battery to convert and direct energy to where it is needed (either to appliances; or to/from your battery; or to/from the grid). The Hybrid Inverter enables you to optimise the amount of power you generate and consume, and minimise the transfer of energy to/from the grid or generator power. You can increase the proportion of self-use energy generated by your solar system, from 20% to more than 80%!

Our hybrid (or back-up power) inverters are reliable, quick to install, adaptable and scale-able – providing the right solution for powering remote or city residences, farms, rural workshops or off-grid communities.

Off-Grid Inverter
Powering locations not connected to the grid has never been easier with our proven off-grid inverter solutions. Our inverters are designed for residential and commercial, off-grid and backup power applications.

Solar Batteries
Why use Solar Battery Storage?

With a solar battery storage system, either hybrid or off-grid, you can save the energy you generate to use later when the sun isn’t shining. There are several other advantages of solar battery systems:

• With NZ feed-in grid tariffs dropping significantly and grid prices continuing to rise, there’s an incentive to use more of the power you generate. Why feed energy to and from the grid at an unfavourable rate when you can store it to use later?
• The price and efficiency of solar battery systems are better than ever. Traditional deep-cycle lead-acid batteries are being replaced with more efficient and longer-lasting lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.
• You can use battery storage to avoid power blackouts. Unlike a grid-tied solar system which automatically switches off, a battery storage system allows you to keep generating and consuming energy when the grid goes down.

Why use a Lithium-ion Battery?
CPS Solar recommends Li-ion batteries. They have a number of advantages over lead-acid batteries. They are:

• Smaller and lighter, meaning they require less space in your home
• Able to be recharged faster
• Able to be deeply discharged, up to 90% of total capacity, without compromising the life of the battery
• Less likely to degrade during charging and discharging, so have a longer life
• Pre-wired, reducing installation costs
• Able to be safely stored inside without the need for venting systems as they do not expel volatile gases.

Off-Grid Solar Batteries
Our high energy, long-life solar batteries can be custom designed to meet the needs of the most demanding off-grid situations.

Shoto Off-Grid Solar Batteries
Shoto is an industry-leading, socially responsible battery manufacturer and R&D company based in China, selling to over 80 countries worldwide.

They provide energy solutions for a range of applications including renewable energy and solar, communications, rail, aviation and civil industries. They invest heavily in research and development of energy solutions to suit almost any application.

Shoto solar batteries can be custom designed and mounted into racking, housings and containers to provide a turnkey storage solution for off-grid applications.

Solar Diverter for Hot Water
Divert excess energy from your solar panels into your hot water for under $1000

What is a solar diverter for hot water?

A solar hot water diverter is a device that sends surplus electricity from your solar power system to your hot water system. This saves you having to use expensive grid electricity to heat water.

Green CATCH is an Australian-made solar diverter that utilises your existing solar installation to heat your hot water. CATCH will divert the solar energy that is excess to your home and use it to heat your hot water.

Green CATCH works with your existing hot water tank and solar panel system. You can reduce your reliance on main-supplied power by up to 95% and increase your solar savings by hundreds of dollars per year.

Costs & Savings

Our solar photovoltaic (PV) systems start from $5,900. Our most popular systems are 3kw and 5kw solar grid-connected systems. A 3kW system will save you around $1,250 per year if all of the power generated is consumed (based on power cost of 30c/kW). Over 25 years you could save more than $31,000 measured at today’s power prices. Real savings, taking into account power price increases, would be far in excess of this.

Self-consumption

Maximum savings are realised with self-consumption. This may involve changing consumption behaviour or using smart energy management systems to optimise use of all power generated.

Saving to the Environment

Investing in solar is not just about saving money, it’s also about saving our pristine environment. By investing in solar energy you’re helping to reduce New Zealand’s carbon footprint by reducing undesirable emissions. Good for you, good for the environment!

Sustainable Energy Loans
What is a Sustainable Energy Loan?

A Sustainable Energy Loan from New Zealand Home Loans Sustainable Energy Loan (NZHL) or Kiwibank Sustainable Energy Loan makes it easier for you to install a solar power system for your home, with the added benefit of a contribution of up to $2,000 towards the cost of the system.

How a sustainable energy loan works

• To qualify for the contributions towards your sustainable energy loan, you’ll need to borrow at least $5,000 from NZHL or Kiwibank for the cost of the system.
• At the end of the first year, NZHL/Kiwibank will pay $800 off your sustainable energy loan, and contribute $400 at the end of each year for the three years after that – up to $2,000 in total.
• If you already have your home loan with NZHL/KiwiBank, they’ll waive the usual fee to top-up your home loan.
• If you’re refinancing your mortgage or building a new home that has a sustainable energy system included in the cost of the property, with NZHL/KiwiBank, they’ll agree on a portion of your home loan to classify as the Sustainable Energy Loan and add their contributions to that. Evidence of climate change is mounting and the true cost to our environment of conventional energy generation is becoming increasingly clear.

Reduction in Payback Period

If we take into account the $2000 contribution from the Sustainable Energy Loan, the 3kw system will cost only $6,800 which equates to a payback period starting at around 7 years (not including the cost of the loan interest).

So talk to us now about the best and most affordable way for you to get your solar PV system and start saving money!

Solar Finance
Flexible payment plans are available through our partner, Finance Now. They have been trading since 2000 and are a subsidiary of the SBS Bank and are wholly New Zealand owned and operated. Finance Now offers both Consumer Finance & Business Finance.

Finance Now features

• Consumer finance terms available: 6-48 months
  Business finance terms available: 36-60 months as either Rental/Lease or Loan options
  Business finance is available to Limited Liability Companies, Schools, Government Entities, Trusts
  Fees and interest charges apply
  

Online Personal Finance Pre-approval for Finance Now
You’re only a few minutes away from having money your way. They have created easy-to-follow steps that allow them to gather the information they need to assess your application. As soon as you’ve finished you’ll know if you’ve been conditionally approved – it’s that easy!

If you have any questions about the process or the information you’re asked to provide then give their team of experts a call on 0800 299 399. They’ll be able to answer any queries you have.

If you wish to apply for Business Finance or have any other questions, please contact us.

Initial Application Criteria Checklist
Here’s what you’ll need to complete your application:

• You must be an NZ Citizen / Permanent Resident and currently living in New Zealand.
  You must be older than 18 years of age.
  Your fortnightly or monthly income (after tax)
  Your employment details
  Current proof of identity (Passport, Drivers Licence, Fire Arms Licence)
  

Commercial Solar Leasing
Flexible solar solutions for businesses

CPS Solar is now able to offer a flexible commercial solar leasing option that allows you to invest in solar for your business without the upfront capital outlay.

Introducing Flexirent by Flexigroup NZ Limited, flexible technology leasing solutions. Flexigroup has financed technology for more than 150,000 New Zealand businesses since 1997.

Why Flexirent?

• Fast and easy approvals. Quick approval means your equipment can make a difference to your business, faster.
• Conserve your cash. Invest your working capital in other value-adding assets that generate a profit.
• Low monthly payments. Affordable fixed payment plans tailored to suit your business needs.
• 100% tax-deductible. Payments for business equipment can be up to 100% tax-deductible.
• Bundle and add. Bundle your equipment, furniture, POS, warranties, fit-outs and installation all into one agreement.
• Add a cover to stay protected. Add payment and equipment protection to cover payments in the event of involuntary unemployment, or cover equipment in the event of loss, theft or accidental damage.

Lease-to-own
FlexiRent Finance Solutions offers two types of lease agreements – Operating Lease and Lease-to-Own. While either of these options is available, we recommend lease-to-own in most cases. At the end of the lease term, ownership is transferred to you with the added option to sign a new contract and upgrade.

Lease-to-own quotation example*
Equipment financed: $300,000
Lease-to-own monthly payments: $6,752.77
Lease term: 60 months
Add Flexirent Equipment Protection: $540.20 extra per month.

Benefits:

• Improved cash flow with fixed monthly payments to make budgeting easy
• Asset & liability – interest and depreciation can be claimed as a tax deduction
• Ownership transfers to you after the last payment is made

Note: All figures quoted are GST exclusive. The GST component of $45,000 is payable upfront in the first payment.

*Example only, the actual quote may vary.

Apply today!

1. Contact us to discuss the best commercial solar system for your needs.
2. Apply for approval -either call CPS Solar on 0800 277 548, or Flexirent on 0800 444 827, seven days a week.
3. Sign the paperwork and start using your new equipment!