Knowledge Hub

How much money will I save with Solar?

The savings you'll achieve with solar can vary based on a few key factors: your energy usage, the timing of that usage, and your current electricity rates. To maximize your savings, it's beneficial to consume as much of the energy produced by your solar panels as possible by aligning it with your consumption habits. By doing so, you can significantly...

How long do solar panels last for?

Glad you asked! This is probably one of the most commonly asked questions up front for those starting their journey into the world of solar energy. The industry standard length for a solar project is 25 years. So any reputable brand of panel manufacturer will offer warranties on their panels for at least 25 years. This often refers to their...

What is a kilowatt/kilowatt hour?

Great question! "Kilo" is simply the prefix for one thousand. So a kilowatt is one thousand watts. So what is a watt? In simple terms, a watt (W) is a unit of instantaneous power that an appliance needs to operate or that a power plant can generate at a given moment. For example, those 28-watt light bulbs you see at...

Do I need battery storage (BESS)?

This is another one of those "That depends" answers. It depends on what your energy usage profile is like. If you are a typical residential household with 4 people that uses the average ~8000kWh per year of energy, mum and dad work and kids go to school during the day then chances are you should really consider getting battery storage...

What does an inverter do?

Very good question! An inverter is essentially the brains of a solar system. It performs a lot of different functions, especially with the advancements in technology these days, inverters can do a lot of cool stuff! However at their core the main role of inverters in a solar system is to change the DC power produced by your solar panels...

How long is the pay back period?

It depends (Don't you just hate that?). Every switch to solar is effectively an investment decision and given the way that the cost of electricity is heading over coming years (up!), for most households and businesses its a worthwhile one. After all, in the current economic climate with cost of living challenges and uncertainty about future energy price volatility who...

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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