Sustainable Home Solar System in Richmond, NZ September 16th, 2025 In vibrant Richmond, we worked with homeowners who were passionate about embracing renewable energy. Their goal was to create a more sustainable living environment while also preparing for future energy needs. This project showcases how solar technology can be seamlessly integrated into a modern home, addressing current energy demands and anticipating future requirements. Property Details The property presented both opportunities and challenges. It boasted a 3-phase supply and well-appointed roofs, providing an excellent foundation for a solar installation. However, we also had to contend with potential shading issues and difficult cable runs, which required careful planning. Client’s Vision Our clients approached us with a clear set of objectives: Implement a sustainable, environmentally sound energy solution Reduce reliance on the grid and lower future power costs Design a system with the flexibility to add battery storage in the future Accommodate high-energy devices including an electric vehicle and multiple heat pumps These goals aligned with our mission at Current Generation, and we were excited to design a system that would meet their current needs while also planning for the future. Our Customised Solution After a thorough site assessment and consultation with the clients, we crafted a solution that would maximise energy production while addressing the specific challenges of the property: 22 high-efficiency solar panels, totalling 9.7 kWp, strategically placed on the east and north-facing roofs An 8kW Fronius Symo Gen24 inverter, chosen for its reliability and future-proofing capabilities, notably the ability to integrate a battery A Fronius Ohmpilot hot water diverter to maximise self-consumption of solar energy This carefully designed system ensures consistent energy production throughout the day. The east-facing panels capture the morning sun, while the north-facing panels maximise production during peak sunlight hours. The panel placement was optimised to minimise the impact of potential shading issues. The Fronius Symo Gen24 inverter is at the heart of this setup. It efficiently converts the DC power from the panels into usable AC power and is also battery-ready, allowing for easy integration of BYD energy storage in the future. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the system can evolve with the clients’ needs. The Fronius Ohmpilot hot water diverter is a smart feature that channels excess solar energy into heating water at a variable rate depending on the degree of excess solar power available. This increases the overall efficiency of the system by ensuring that solar energy doesn’t go to waste and the hot water is solely heated by solar if at all possible. Impressive Outcomes The system has delivered outstanding results, significantly reducing the homeowners’ reliance on grid power. It efficiently powers their everyday needs, including the energy-intensive requirements of their electric vehicle and heat pumps. The clients have reported a substantial reduction in their power bills, even during the winter months when solar production is typically lower. One of the key successes of this installation is how it has changed the homeowners’ energy consumption habits. They’ve adapted to maximise power usage during daylight hours, taking full advantage of their solar production. This shift in behaviour, combined with the efficient system design, has amplified the benefits of their solar installation. We also supported them in analysing the options when they were seeking to change power retailer post-installation to maximise the financial return from the system. Client Testimonial “Current Generation recently installed a battery-ready solar system at our house in Richmond. We are very satisfied with all aspects of the service – design, installation, commissioning and support during initial operation of the system. The system design took account of our specific requirements and constraints (e.g. partial roof shading). Installation was an efficient operation by a highly competent in-house team. The compliance inspection was rapid and straightforward. We have been adjusting to maximising power usage (including EV charging) during the day, and this has made a huge difference to our power bills over the winter months. We have also changed our electricity provider to maximise the benefits of surplus power production.” – C W, Richmond A Step Towards a Sustainable Future This project in Richmond demonstrates how modern solar technology can be tailored to meet specific household needs while also planning for the future. The battery-ready system design ensures that our clients can easily expand their energy independence when they’re ready to take that next step. At Current Generation, we’re proud to have helped another customer reduce their carbon footprint and take control of their energy usage, all while seeing a significant financial return. This installation serves as an example of how homeowners can embrace renewable energy, reduce their environmental impact, and enjoy significant cost savings in the process.
