Power Technology, a veteran specialist and distributor in power systems, is breaking new ground in the renewable energy and solar technology space.
Energy intermittency - just how much the sun decides to shine when you need it to - is one of the biggest challenges facing our transition to a clean energy economy.
So it follows that effective energy storage is the key to unlocking the potential of renewal energy. Power Technology is bringing its 30 years' experience in the design and distribution of high-end power systems, to tackling this challenge head-on by delivering energy storage solutions.
Power Technology has always designed and imported top-of-the-line power and storage solutions with efficiency and bottom line in mind. However, with over 20 years operating in the renewables space the company has increasingly focused on the solar arena.
Managing director Ray Littin attributes the company's specialisation in solar energy solutions to the increasing upward curve in value for money solar now offers due to breakthroughs in renewables technology.
"The efficiency and the cost of micro solar photovoltaics has dropped so dramatically it is incredibly competitive."
Spotting a gap in the market for leading-edge solar storage, Power Technology recently signed a deal to be the New Zealand distributor and integrator of the new Sony Fortelion Energy Storage system - an off-the-grid solar energy storage system.
Littin says the Sony Fortelion has outstanding life capability, massive discharge output - meaning solar users get a whole lot more energy output than with other battery types.
As well as providing rapid-charge capabilities, it can be charged a huge number of times throughout its life. The product is lightweight and modular in design.
According to Littin, although capital costs are reasonably high, the device pays for itself quickly and has already received outstanding early adoption rates on the European market. "It has such a long life and is so capable in what it does that it represents exceedingly good value - particularly in remote sites or difficult sites or where there is a high critical load required."
The company is also about to be the sole New Zealand distributor to sell the EDS Solar PV Hot Water System, a brand new patented solar low-cost hot water heating technology.
The compact system heats hot water at a fraction of the cost and its installation doesn't require plumbing, hazardous fluids or heavy collectors on the roof. The system's installation is incredibly simple: Two wires connecting solar PVs to a processor feed directly to a conventional Kiwi hot water cylinder and, voila, you've got hot water!
"It's also incredibly economical," says Littin. The system has an expected payback period of less than five years, and has already received high uptake in the US.
Littin explains that for a 250-litre hot water cylinder the initial expected capital cost is around $2000 less than conventional solar roof installations.
"Because the cost is comparatively low, and hot water is generally the highest consumer of household electricity, the system is paying for itself the minute it's on the roof. This is brand new to New Zealand. There's nothing like it here."
'Tis the CSUN
The company has also added several additional high-end technology solutions to its renewables and energy portfolio including the CSUN Energy Solar Panels - currently the most efficient solar panel available on the New Zealand market.
Performing at 22 per cent efficiency compared to 15 to 16 per cent for other manufacturers, CSUN panels are European Rating Systems Tier 1 rated for quality and efficiency.
Littin says that in spite of the cooler temperatures and low winter sun, customers as far south as Stewart Island have been impressed with the level of energy generated by CSUN panels.
Outside of Power Technology's renewable range its "Upsonic UPS" solution - an Office Power Backup system - is one the country's most efficient and economical systems that allows firms to safely backup their data systems.
Power Technology is also looking to transition the system to eco batteries in the near future believing that, wherever possible, efficient and high-performance power solutions should go hand-in-hand with sustainability and environmental gains.
This article is an Element Advertising Promotion. For more information visit powertech.co.nz.