At the leading edge of solar energy solutions

Providing clean and affordable electricity to homes and businesses

Design

We design solar PV and hybrid systems to meet residential, commercial and community needs.

Deliver

We deliver cutting edge innovative systems that drastically reduce our clients energy bills while also reducing their carbon emissions.

Empower

We empower local communities through innovative solutions and training to help them achieve resilience and self governance of their electricity supply.

About Us

Our Backstory

Dr Tony Bittar and Ian Shearer were founding members of the New Zealand Photovoltaic Association (NZPVA) back in the year 2000. As New Zealand’s leading solar energy scientist, Tony was appointed first chair of the Board. Ian, who was already part time manager of the NZ Wind Energy Association, was appointed as secretary of the NZPVA. In 2006 NZPVA members decided to change the name to what would eventually become fondly known by industry as the Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand (SEANZ).

As directors of Front End Solar, Tony and Ian are true pioneers of solar PV in New Zealand and were ardent supporters of the technology and its future for many years while others were saying it would never work here. Front End Solar has unrivalled expertise when it comes to the design and implementation of solar energy systems for residential, community, commercial and industrial needs. Having consulted on many renewable energy and energy efficiency projects both locally and internationally, the company has a particular interest in harnessing the power of distributed solar energy technologies to solve challenges of energy governance and energy hardship at the local and community levels in New Zealand.

South Tarawa Renewable Energy Project ground breaking ceremony; 7.5 MWp and 13.5 MWh Battery Energy Storage System

Consultancy

Front End Solar offers high level consultancy services for solar and storage systems integrated with other renewable technologies for on-grid and off-grid requirements. We also provide expertise for cutting edge innovations including microgrids and energy sharing options for communities that wish to explore their energy independence.

For any consultancy related enquiries please click the button below, fill out our contact form and our experts will promptly respond to your enquiry.

Installation

Front End Solar provides the highest quality design and installation services for solar and storage systems for both on-grid and off-grid solutions. We adhere to the highest quality and health and safety standards for all our projects. With our level of in- house expertise you can rest assured you will receive the best ongoing after- sales support and system monitoring. Your installation is only the beginning of your solar journey with us as you are in safe hands with our experts every step of the way. Click the button below to get a free quote today!

Client Portal

All our clients have access to in depth data about their energy usage, energy efficiency and healthy homes conditions through our online portal. Join us and gain valuable insights into all your energy related data.

One of our long term goals is to foster the further adoption of ‘behind the meter’ innovations where communities produce, store and trade their own energy so that the residual benefits of such activities stay within those energy sharing communities.

Knowledge Hub

Our knowledge hub is a place where you can gain access to relevant information that will help you understand what you need to know about solar energy before making the switch to your renewable energy future.

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How much money will I save with Solar?

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What our clients say about us

“Thanks for installing a great system that works well and as per initial indications. Also the added suggestion of future battery bank and easy to add-on solar panels and inverter in future if needed.

-Very prompt and straight forward sales process.
-Professional installation within the allocated time.
-There to sort out any problem solving or requests post installation.
-Very competitive pricing and the amount of panels I got supplied with the package.

5/5 highly recommended.”

Eric Bosch, off grid system. Carterton.

“We’d like to thank Front End Solar for the way they implemented our new solar electricity system. They were one of two organisations we shortlisted, based on personal recommendations.

The overall implementation has been an extended process as it had to tie in with our building works, which took time to plan and arrange.

The actual installation took place smoothly, with minimal disruption to other on-site activities. We needed them to do the installation in several stages to fit around other works and were pleased they accommodated it.

The system is now performing as expected. We look forward to the ongoing support as we adjust to being all-electric and seek to optimise the value from the solar system and our new heat pumps for space and water heating.

We’re happy to recommend Front End Solar to others interested in installing a solar system and to be a reference for other potential clients.”

Jerry and Ann Ball, Ngaio

“My wife and I were really happy with our solar installation from Front End Solar. The main reason we went with them was that we have known Tony and Ian from their many years doing pioneering work in the New Zealand energy sector.

We got quotes from most of the other solar providers and definitely preferred the lower
pressure approach from Front End Solar (and the price was the same). They were very patient with our dithering back and forth between different alternatives and when we finally decided, got the job completed without any hassles.

After installation, there was an issue with the programming of our inverter, causing it to export our storage to the grid when we didn’t want it to. Ian was diligent in figuring out the problem so it was resolved to our satisfaction.

I’m sure we made the right choice in going with Front End Solar and would highly recommend them to any others looking to install a solar system.”

Rob Bishop (former Chairman, NZ Energy Management Association).

“We tendered out seeking a solution to what was a very challenging project. The only solar company that was able to do the design work and demonstrate they could meet our requests on install was Front End Solar.

They solved the challenge and Olivier and his installation team left us with a fantastic rooftop system that looks great against our recently replaced rooftop.

They kept us updated removing a lot of stress for us. A very fussy tidy install to the tiniest detail. As in any project, tweaks are always required along the way but as this was a bespoke solution it really demonstrated Front End Solar’s commitment on the journey with us.

They are always available providing any further free advice and education we require. They still to this day monitor our system. We do not feel alone after the sale which is a rarity these days.”

Willem and Lisa, Newlands.

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