| 67 Right from its birth in 2013, Infinite Energy has always been passionate about renewable energy solutions, quickly taking advantage of the rapid technological advances in photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, and the energy efficiency they delivered. “We’re not tied to any specific brand or product,” says Technical Director Craig Browne. “In the eleven years that we’ve been operating we have always placed great emphasis on choosing our products precisely for quality, and the customer fit. We also place emphasis on product awareness, and regularly attend trade shows and conferences like All Energy in Melbourne, the biggest clean energy event in Australia. To be able to tailor the right solution for our clients we need to understand what new and emerging products are coming into the market, and ensure our team is current with training, so they know how to use those products.” With its main office in sunny Cromwell, the heart of Central Otago, and a satellite office in Christchurch, the Infinite Energy Team cover the lower South Island, from Kaikoura and over the Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island, looking after residential, commercial, and agricultural clients, and some industrial. “When a client approaches us for a solar system we use our software to determine the best position of roof PV panels. We also view the client’s power bill to see how much energy is being used, when, and what electricity is being used for, and tailor a system that provides the most cost-effective energy solution. That solution will include PV panels and typically a battery. We sit quite high on the national average in terms of the sale of batteries, with about 70 – 80% of systems going in also having a battery.” Craig acknowledges that the biggest industry change has been the panel cost, with significant reductions driven by better manufacturing technology and an oversupply, but he says not all of customers view the switch to solar in a financial sense. “They may also look at energy reliability, resilience to the grid and what their fixed electricity costs are.” The Infinite Energy team were recently engaged to design and deliver a solar energy solution for the redevelopment of the Roxburgh Pool. “We became involved early in the design process and that gave us the ability to adapt a Clenergy brand ezShade structure, normally designed as a carport structure, to support seventy-five dual glass sumec solar panels and provide a shaded seating area the length of the adult’s pool. The dual glass sumec panels allows some light to be filtered through, while still providing shade. On the pool building roof, we provided the balance of solar panels required to provide enough energy to power the heating of the pool and export to the grid to allow for a cumulative credit so that over a twelve-month period the swimming pool doesn’t cost the community to operate it.” Reflecting on the enduring success of the business Craig says it is about having passionate people who love what they do. “We have an incredible team within our organisation, as well as really great suppliers who support us from a technical aspect, and ensure the equipment is delivered on time and within budget.” Renewable energy solutions
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