Redefining solar energy in New Zealand

Zen Energy Systems offers a 25-year manufacturer-backed warranty on its products. Photo / Supplied

ZEN Energy Systems is redefining the solar energy market in New Zealand. From creating Australasia’s first fully integrated solar energy system to offering the most technically advanced energy storage systems on the market, ZEN specialises in tailored energy solutions.

ELEMENT PROMOTION: Typically solar energy systems consist of a range of components made by a variety of brands. ZEN has turned this model on its head, removing the guesswork and making it easy for those wanting to go solar. The company has worked with the world's top solar manufacturers to design the ZEN product range, enabling ZEN to provide the most efficient and reliable solar energy systems on the market, with integrated components optimised to work together.

For ZEN's customers this means a worry-free process - from initial contact and system installation, right through to the end of ZEN's 25-year manufacturer backed warranties.

With precision at the core of ZEN Energy Systems, the company believes in taking the extra steps to tailor solutions for each individual customer and has developed advanced tools to analyse and make recommendations based on the best financial outcomes. However, according to ZEN, it's not always about the financial return.

"We have created the analytical tools to balance customers' emotive, environmental and social drivers with their desire for a superior return on investment," says Jeff Albert, system design analyst for ZEN.

In fact, it has been ZEN's customers that have helped the company create their three main residential offerings.

ZEN Off-Set seeks to match solar generation with household consumption, maximising the level of solar generation used within the home. These off-set systems tend to produce the best return on investment and ZEN's analytics make it easy for customers to monitor the results specific to their home.

ZEN Net Zero is designed for customers wishing to generate as much electricity as they consume, making their home energy neutral. Under this scenario the timing of consumption and generation won't necessarily match, resulting in a greater level of solar generation being sent back to the electricity network.

Live Free is for those customers aiming to eliminate their electricity bills altogether. This involves a larger system, with solar generation used to negate the full range of charges on their bill.

Where on this spectrum a ZEN customer sits is completely up to them. "Our customers call the shots," says Stefan Teat, general manager at ZEN.

"Some are strictly financially minded, others are more environmentally or family oriented. No matter the drivers, we have developed our tools and unique approach to solar so that our customers are well educated and in a position to make fully informed decisions. The nature of our business means we have long-term customer relationships, so it's important they have a complete understanding of what their solar energy system will do for them."

"After working through the options with ZEN and getting a proper understanding of the benefits of solar energy, we opted for a 2.0kW ZEN Off-Set system," says ZEN customer Nicki Henshaw.

"It has delivered everything they said it would. In fact, generation so far is well in excess of ZEN's original estimates. As a growing family, we really appreciate the impact the system has had on our electricity bills, reducing them by up to half over the last few months. Performance of the system is so easy to understand, with the ZEN Energy Manager web-based monitoring right at our fingertips when we want it. They've covered it all really."

Energy storage solutions

To advance on ZEN's solar capability, the company is preparing to release the ZEN Urban PowerBank in the second half of 2015, which will enable home and small business owners to store and utilise their solar generation 24/7. All ZEN solar energy systems will be compatible with the Urban PowerBank, allowing customers to reap the maximum benefits of solar now, and then adopt energy storage when the time is right.

"We are excited about the release of ZEN's Urban PowerBank," says ZEN customer Nicki Henshaw.

"This will be the clincher in really making us energy self-sufficient."

For ZEN, the pending release will be a big moment in the company's evolution. "We believe we can launch the Urban PowerBank into the market for an installed cost that will be within most people's expectations," says Stefan Teat.

"This represents a remarkable price breakthrough that will activate the home market for energy storage. These are exciting times."

For more information about ZEN Energy Systems visit www.zenenergy.co.nz or call 0800 936 695.

Like what you see? For weekly Element news sign up to our newsletter. We're also on Facebook and Twitter.