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Distributed generation

Showing 1-10 of 11 matches
  • Case studies
    17 June 2009

    As with many rural or remote properties, connecting to the electricity grid was not an option for this remote island holiday home the Bay of Islands. Instead, a stand alone power system generates the electricity needed for a relaxing getaway with all the comforts of home.

     

  • Case studies
    26 August 2009

    Small wind turbines can generate electricity for use on the farm, business and home. Wind turbines can co-exist easily with other farming practices, and have been used for decades on European farms. There is a wide range of turbines suitable for use in New Zealand, ranging from micro-scale to larger commercial-scale systems. This guide to wind power schemes is aimed at a farming audience, and includes practical examples.

  • Case studies
    17 June 2009

    When this homeowner built on a remote property near Fairlie in South Canterbury, she had the choice of connecting to the nearby electricity lines or building her own stand alone power system. Being independent from the grid and never receiving another power bill was appealing - so she opted for her own ‘little power station'.

     

  • Fact sheets and brochures
    26 August 2009

    There is a lot of potential for small-scale hydro schemes on New Zealand rivers, streams and even irrigation systems. Hydro power is one of the cheapest ways of generating electricity on a small-scale. Small schemes (typically less than 10MW) also have less environmental impact than large ones. This guide to small-scale hydro schemes is aimed at a farming audience, and includes practical examples.

  • Case studies
    26 August 2009

    ‘Biogas' - gas produced during the breakdown of organic matter - can be harnessed and used to provide heat, electricity and transport fuel. Biogas schemes help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and deal more effectively with effluent disposal on farms. This guide to biogas schemes is aimed at a farming audience, and includes practical examples.

  • Fact sheets and brochures
    29 April 2009

    Photovoltaics can generate electricity for your home or business, either as part of a stand-alone power system, or for buildings already connected to the local electricity network.

    The term ‘photovoltaic' means ‘light - electricity'. A photovoltaic system (known as PV or solar electric system) converts radiant energy from the sun directly into electricity.

     

  • Fact sheets and brochures
    1 March 2009

    There are already a number of small hydro schemes on rivers and streams around New Zealand, and there are many more opportunities to use this energy resource to provide electricity to remote farms, homes and holiday retreats.

  • Fact sheets and brochures
    1 March 2009

    A ‘Stand-Alone Power System' is worth considering if your home is not connected to the electricity network.

    Stand-alone power systems let you meet your energy needs without having to meet the high costs of connecting your property to the electricity grid. They are common in rural or remote areas where electricity network connection is expensive or not possible.

  • Fact sheets and brochures
    6 April 2009

    New Zealand has one of the best wind resources in the world. Small wind turbines can be a good way to generate some of your electricity needs, particularly as part of a 'stand-alone' power system or in rural situations.

    Currently, the electricity generated by small-scale wind turbines is considerably more expensive to produce than buying electricity from the national grid.

    Generally, small wind turbines are best suited to rural settings that are exposed to strong and consistent winds, and where there is no connection to the electricity network or grid.

  • Case studies
    12 November 2009

    By reducing their electricity needs and installing two small wind turbines, owners of this Canterbury tourist lodge have eliminated their power bill - and they're getting paid for the excess electricity they generate.