Solar panels a real cost-cutter

BRIGHT MOVE: Whangarei SPCA manager Francine Shields said despite being in financial difficulty becoming solar powered was a smart choice. PHOTO/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

The cash-strapped Whangarei SPCA is set to save thousands of dollars a year if it manages to become fully solar powered.

Manager Francine Shields said the addition of 18 solar panels would either eliminate the $1300 a month power bill or significantly reduce it.

While such an advanced system would usually cost upwards of $20,000, the SPCA only needed to raise just over $5000 for it, Ms Shields said.

Harrisons Energy Solutions offered to fund half the cost of installing the panels while a member of the public had pledged $6000 towards the project. Despite being in financial difficulty, becoming solar powered was a smart choice, Ms Shields said.

"I think it's an excellent decision to make," she said. "I am quite positive we can turn it around by decreasing our ongoing costs."

With the centre losing about $30,000 a month, the SPCA would likely have to shut in two years if it did not become financially stable.

Since going public about its financial difficulties, the SPCA had gained some extra support but not enough to sustain it in the long term, Ms Shields said.

Ultracom had come on board by sponsoring new communications equipment worth about $2000 and the cost of all outgoing calls. Ms Shields estimated it would save the SPCA about $500 a month. The combination of Harrisons Energy Solutions and Ultracom's sponsorship would make a "substantial difference", she said.

"They thought it was a really good way to help the community."

While one-off donations and monthly donations by members of the public had also increased, Ms Shields said she was disappointed more businesses had not pledged their support.

After sending out 450 letters to local businesses only one, Bream Bay Realty, had given its support.