A Ruapuke couple found that it was cheaper to install solar electric panels for their new Rupauke home than connect to the mains. Quoted $60,500 for power by the power company for a connection, Ron and Cat Rumbal found that solar power would cost $45,000 giving them a saving of $15,500 using power from the sun rather than connect to the national power grid.
So instead of installing an 800 metre power line and eight power poles they decied on a 4.3 kw solar power system with battery backup.
The 24 panel photo-voltaic solar system has been in for a year ago now and the couple have been fine tuning the new solar system installed by Hamilton based Maverick Energy. And they’ve found their system is more reliable than the local power company lines. At least three times the neighbours’ lights have gone off while the Rumbals’ power and lights stayed on.
The couple’s solar power success story is featured in a Waikato Times article.