May 26, 2021
Solar panel test for Maori energy needs
The first 15 initiatives totalling $2.8 million have been identified from a $14 million, four year fund for renewable energy projects for Māori housing.
Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods says the projects will provide insights and data on how to best deploy renewable energy technologies to both combat energy hardship and increase renewables generation.
The small scale projects will generate about 700 kilowatts of solar electricity and provide cheaper power to more than 200 households, with many using innovative micro-grid solutions.
A Manawatū project will install solar generation and large-scale batteries on four marae to power nearby houses, targeting vulnerable households.
Another project in the Ngāi Tahu takiwā will install solar generation on homes tenanted by kaumātua and whānau with tamariki at risk of energy hardship.
Associate Minister for Māori Housing Peeni Henare says energy hardship is a real problem for many whānau who could make significant savings on their energy bills by taking advantage of technologies like solar power.
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