Grand Designs: Garden City Solar Helps Make an Off-Grid Dream a Reality
February 3, 2025
Investing in solar panels is a significant decision for your home or business. With a growing number of products on the New Zealand market, it’s important to make informed choices to ensure long-term benefits. Here at Garden City Solar (GCS), we pride ourselves on guiding Kiwis through the process of selecting the right solar solution. Here are three key factors to consider before committing to any solar panel product:
Factor 1: Company Reputation & a Local Authorized Distributor
In recent years, the NZ solar market has seen an influx of new panel manufacturers. While variety can be a good thing, not all manufacturers have the same level of reliability or after-sales support. Many companies sell panels through authorised local distributors, but some don’t. At GCS, we only work with manufacturers that have a solid track record and reliable local distribution.
Why does this matter? A solar panel system is a long-term investment, with a typical lifespan of 25 years or more. If a product develops faults over time, you want to know that help is just a phone call away. Using a local, authorised distributor means you’re more likely to receive responsive, professional customer service. If you opt for panels that have been parallel imported or from an untested manufacturer, you could find yourself in a tough spot if something goes wrong and the overseas company ignores your requests for support. Don’t risk being left out of pocket—always check that the manufacturer has authorised local representation and a proven history of backing up their products.
Factor 2: Quality and Warranty
When you’re installing solar panels, quality is paramount. High-quality panels perform better, last longer, and give you greater peace of mind. Reputable brands like REC and Hyundai are well-known in the industry for their high standards of manufacturing. These companies also have a strong track record for honouring their warranties, which is essential if any faults develop down the line.
There’s another detail to pay attention to: Does the manufacturer offer a labour + product warranty, or just a product warranty? While most manufacturers will cover the cost of replacing faulty panels, some—like REC—go a step further and also cover labour costs. This can make a huge difference. Without a labour warranty, you could end up paying for the removal and replacement of faulty panels, which can add significantly to the overall cost. We recommend always checking the fine print of any warranty to ensure you understand exactly what’s covered.
Factor 3: Cell Technology and Efficiency
When choosing solar panels, it’s not just about the brand—it’s also about the technology. Solar panels vary in terms of cell technology and efficiency, both of which can have a big impact on the performance of your system.
Advanced cell technologies, such as Heterojunction (HJT) or half-cut cell designs, offer improved efficiency, meaning you get more power from the same amount of sunlight. This is particularly important in New Zealand, where the weather can vary greatly across regions. Having efficient panels ensures that you maximise the amount of energy you generate, regardless of the conditions.
Choosing the right cell technology for your needs ensures you get the most out of your investment. With higher-efficiency panels, you may also need fewer panels to achieve your desired energy output, which can be especially beneficial if you have limited roof space or want to keep your installation footprint minimal.
At Garden City Solar, we’re committed to helping Kiwis make informed, confident choices when it comes to solar. Whether you’re looking for reliability, quality, or cutting-edge technology, we work only with trusted suppliers to ensure your system is built to last. Get in touch with us today to discuss your solar energy needs!