Solar for housing complexes
Solar for housing complexes is designed to deliver clean, affordable energy across multiple homes within the same development. Whether it’s an apartment block, lifestyle village, retirement community, multi-unit housing project, or papākāinga, a shared solar system can dramatically reduce electricity costs and boost energy independence for residents. Systems can be set up to supply each home individually or function as a centralised solar hub, with energy distributed through smart metering or platforms like Our Energy. This helps communities lower operating costs, support sustainability goals, and keep more value within the whānau or residents living on site, making renewable energy accessible, fair, and future-focused.
)-13.png)
What Makes Up a Solar System for Housing Complexes & Papākāinga?
Solar systems for housing complexes, multi-unit developments, and papākāinga communities are designed to provide reliable, low-cost energy across multiple homes. These systems focus on shared energy generation, fair distribution, long-term savings, and supporting community sustainability.
1. High-Efficiency Solar Panels
Commercial-grade panels installed across shared roofs, carports, or ground-mount frames generate clean electricity for the entire development. Designed for 25+ years of performance and ideal for large roof areas.
2. Central or Distributed Inverters
Depending on the layout, complexes may use:
-
Centralised 3-phase inverters powering multiple dwellings, or
-
Individual string inverters for each home
These convert the solar energy into usable AC power for residents.
3. Smart Mounting Systems
Engineered rails, brackets, and clamps secure panels on long-span roofs, mixed roof types, or custom papākāinga structures. All racking complies with NZ wind zones and AS/NZS 5033 standards.
4. Electrical Cabling & Safety Equipment
Includes all DC/AC cabling, isolators, breakers, and surge protection needed for safe operation across multiple dwellings. Extra attention is given to cable routing and shared corridors.
5. Switchboard Integration for Each Home
Depending on the design, solar is delivered either:
-
Directly to each home’s switchboard, or
-
Through a central distribution board supplying multiple units
This ensures each household receives reliable solar-generated power.
6. Smart Metering & Energy Allocation
Smart meters track exactly how much solar energy each home receives. This enables fair billing, transparent energy sharing, and the ability to split solar benefits across different households within the complex or papākāinga.
7. Optional Battery Storage
Shared or individual battery banks provide backup power, improve energy resilience, and reduce grid reliance during peak periods — especially valuable for remote communities and papākāinga wanting energy security.
8. Energy Sharing Platform
Complexes and papākāinga can use platforms like Our Energy to share excess solar generation among residents or community buildings. This keeps energy benefits local, supports whānau, and creates a community-driven micro-energy system.