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FAQs

Kiwigreen Energy FAQs
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Are the solar panels expensive?
Not necessarily. The total cost of your solar system will vary depending on several factors, including electricity usage, home location, roof size, system size. However, we remove the biggest roadblock of having high upfront costs by offering our low-interest Sunline financing program—with rates as low as 0%! Pair that with government rebate programs, and installing solar is now more affordable than you think! Need more detail? Feel free to reach us by calling +64 0800-166-899, or by sending an email to info@kiwigreenenergy.com.
Will solar panels work in overcast climates?
Yes. Even in foggy, rainy, and snowy days, the solar panels will produce electricity. Kiwigreen Energy uses monocrystalline panels with PREC technology that is famous for its higher efficiency and excellent low-light performance. We also incorporate microinverters to ensure the highest output of all panels with limited downtime due to obstructions compared to the traditional string inverter.
Why microinverters are better than traditional inverters?
Unlike traditional string inverters that have a central inverter for the entire system, microinverters convert direct current into alternating current at the module level to maximize energy conversion and to avoid fire hazards that can be caused by the high voltage on your rooftop. It is not only more efficient and safer but also much easier for maintenance. Our APSystem microinverter also works with a module-level monitoring system called EMA. You can log into the system by cell phone or computer to check the production in real-time.
What warranties and insurance protect the system?
You get a 25-year performance warranty for your solar panels and a 10-year product warranty. During installation and post-installation on equipment, we carry a minimum limit of liability of $5,000,000. For the LONGI solar modules, there is third-party insurance provided by Munich RE. Additionally, Polaron offers a 2-year labor warranty. Furthermore, the APSystems microinverter comes with a 10-year warranty that is extended to 20 years by Polaron (Polaron has pre-paid for the extended warranty). All of the mentioned warranties make Polaron's solar panel system a worry-free investment.
How does net metering work?
With Net-Metering, the electricity generated from the solar energy system is first used to offset any household electrical consumption, and any excess electricity which is not used by the household is then sent to the electrical grid; the excess electricity sent to the electrical grid is returned to you in the form of a credit.
Why should we support solar in New Zealand?
Solar photovoltaic energy is the fastest-growing source of electricity in New Zealand. There are different programs available across New Zealand that help minimize your carbon footprint and subsidize the cost of investing in your solar system. Climate change continues to be an essential topic in New Zealand, as this phenomenon affects us all. Save money and save the environment all in one shot. Request a quote today and see how much energy consumption can be offset by going solar with Kiwigreen Energy.
What differentiates Kiwigreen Energy from other solar companies?
a. Experience: We are one of the most experienced solar companies in New Zealand.

b. Top-tiered products with competitive pricing: We provide competitive workmanship warranty services, and you can be assured that we will be present for the long haul.

c. Unique programs: We offer programs that make going solar more accessible and affordable, minimizing the impact of an investment this size to ensure you reap the benefits earlier.

d. Hassle-free: We take care of the paperwork, inspection, and coordination with municipalities and other related authorities. We provide excellent services to make the process seamless. If you require more detail, please reach us by calling 0800-166-899 or emailing info@kiwigreenenergy.com.
What is Kiwigreen Energy's full turnkey solution?
Our full turnkey solution provides you with a complete package of top-tier products and professional services to ensure a hassle-free experience when installing a solar panel system for your home. We take care of everything, so all you need to do is sit back, switch the system on, and start saving money.
How does solar power work?
Solar panels convert sunlight (protons) into direct current (DC) electricity. The inverters and microinverters then convert DC energy into alternating current (AC), which is safe and usable energy. Every day, when sunlight hits your roof, your rooftop generates electricity and pays itself off with renewable energy. The solar energy powers your home directly, and the excess energy is sent back to the local utility grid as dollar credit for your next utility bill.
How much can I save by adopting solar?
Depending on how much energy you currently use at home, the savings will vary. We will design a system that maximizes savings by using highly efficient panels and incorporating a system layout that optimizes sun exposure. Contact us to get a free proposal, and let's take care of the rest for you!
What happens if I sell the house?
No worries! Our team will help you transfer your solar contract to the new homeowners. Please contact our team in advance so we can prepare the paperwork for you. We suggest informing potential buyers early to ensure a smooth process. If it happens during the leasing term, you can buy out the system at any time and include the price in the sale. According to research conducted by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, houses with rooftop solar panels sell 20% faster and for 17% more than similar homes without them.
Why should I purchase solar panels instead of solar shingles?
Solar shingles are half as efficient as solar panels because they require ventilation. Not only that, but they are also twice the price and aren't designed for New Zealand's climates or weather conditions.
I am retiring or I will be retired in a few years. Am I too old to go solar?
The majority of our clients are either retired or will retire in a few years. They will have to live on a fixed income and want to protect their family against the rising cost of electricity. By investing in solar, you protect your budget, increase the value of your home (as solar is an appreciating asset), and make a positive impact on future generations.
How many steps do I need to get a solar system?
There are several steps to prep and install solar energy:
  1. Site assessment
  2. System design
  3. Structural Design
  4. Engineering Design Stamp
  5. Local Distribution Company (LDC) request to connect application
  6. Rebate applications
  7. Building Permit Application
  8. Hardware Packaging & Prep
  9. Panel Installation
  10. Electrical Installation
  11. Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) Assessment
  12. Issue ESA certificate to LDC
  13. Final inspection & commission
  14. Utility interconnection
  15. Issue ESA to confirm rebate
  16. Close Building Permit with Municipality
  17. Monitoring & maintenance
Too complex? Don't worry. Polaron provides a turnkey solution, where our expert team will assist you every step of the way. We take care of the paperwork, inspection, and working with the municipalities. We will make your solar experience as hassle-free as possible! Please feel free to reach us by calling 0800-166-899 or sending an email to sales@kiwigreenenergy.com.
How long will it take to get my solar system ready?
In most cases, it will take around 4-6 months from site assessment to the moment the system is online. However, the length of the period will vary from home to home, depending on the application process, weather conditions, etc. We will try our best to speed up the process.
Who will install the solar panels?
Our company employs local, Polaron-certified installers and technicians who will install the solar system on your rooftop to ensure a seamless process.
What kind of finance options do I have?
Kiwigreen Energy has a variety of programs to meet your current financial situation. Contact us for more details by calling +64 0800-166-899 or sending an email to sales@kiwigreenenergy.com to learn about what programs are available in your area.
What is the return on investment?
The return on investment is contingent on which program you choose and the rebate available in your province. Many of our customers experience an immediate ROI, meaning the cost each month is outpaced by the savings from day one or close to it. In short, your lifestyle does not need to change, and you can start reaping the benefits almost immediately.
Will going solar affect my property tax?
We encourage you to contact the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) to discuss how your project may affect your municipal property taxes. MPAC has created a website with information on how having solar panels installed on your property may impact your property taxes. Typically, small-size ground installations, with a generation capacity up to 10 kW, will not see an increase in assessed value or a change in classification.
Do I require special insurance to cover my solar power system?
Our company carries commercial general liability insurance to ensure the quality of work. We do recommend that you contact your home insurance company or broker to discuss your insurance policy before signing. Individual companies may have policies Polaron is not aware of. You may be able to insure the panels under your standard home insurance.
Can the roof shingles be replaced after the system is installed?
Yes. But the panels need to be taken down first and put back on after the shingles have been replaced. The customer shall bear the cost of the removal and re-installation. Typically, if the shingles are near the end of their lifespan, our company recommends that the shingles be replaced before installation. With the solar panels built on top of the shingles, they naturally provide extra protection for anything underneath.
After installation, will my roof leak?
The proper installation of a solar system will not result in your roof leaking. We offer a two-year workmanship warranty for $5 million to cover all the work done on your roof.
Will my system require maintenance?
No! Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and have no moving parts, which means there is nothing to maintain. If something does happen, your system monitoring app will alert you, and you have a 25-year performance warranty on the panels to cover any issues.
Do I need to clean the snow off my panels?
Kiwigreen Energy does not encourage any removal of snow or ice from the panels, especially for rooftop systems. The increase in production for the entire year would be approximately 5%, which is not worth the risk of cleaning snow off your panels.
Will animals live under or ruin my panels?
Kiwigreen Energy installs critter guards on your solar system to help prevent animals from entering your system. This is a mesh that is wrapped around the ends of your solar system.
What is the customer portal?
Kiwigreen Energy's customer portal is our exclusive way of making sure all the necessary information you need to know about your system and project is available 24/7, including estimated timelines, finance information, and live data. Learn more about why we started our customer portal and all the features it has to offer!
What is the difference between Polaron's customer portal and my APsystem/Hoymiles App?
We pull your live data information directly from your monitoring system. This provides you with another place to check your production, especially over a certain period of time. Beyond that, you can also view your project progress, finance information, and check how many Kiwigreen Energy Points you've collected to redeem exclusive gifts. The goal of our customer portal is to build an integrated platform so you can get the most out of your experience with Kiwigreen Energy.
Can microFIT customers have access to the customer portal?
Unfortunately, microFIT customers don't currently have access to our customer portal because we can only connect with Net Metering projects at the moment. We recommend checking your production in the following ways: 1. On your APsystems app; 2. Use the 'Find Your Neighborhood' feature on our Live Data Map to locate your installation.
Where can I find my Customer Portal account information?
When your project moves to project management, we'll send your sign-in instructions with a temporary password to your email address. You will be required to set your own password after you sign in for the first time. If you can't locate our email, you can reset your account's password or contact it@kiwigreenenergy.com to gain access to your account.
Which email address do I use to sign in, and how do I change my email address?
Please use the email address that you provided to Kiwigreen Energy when you signed up with us. If you'd like to change your email, please reach out to marketing@kiwigreenenergy.com or open a support ticket through the customer portal. Kindly allow up to 24 hours for the changes to be applied to your account.
Why can't I sign in to my customer portal?
There might be multiple reasons why you can't sign in to your portal, including password errors, email changes, and incorrect verification codes. Check out our Blog Article to view solutions for common customer portal sign-in issues.
I entered my password/verification code too many times and got locked out of my account.
To protect you against potential cyberattacks, please wait a couple of days before trying again. If you are the account owner and unable to access all 2-step verification methods, please contact it@kiwigreenenergy.com for assistance.
Why do we recommend resetting your password and how do I reset my password?
We strongly recommend customizing your password periodically for security reasons. If you know your password and can sign in, you can reset your password from the Account Security Center: 1. Click 'My Account' avatar (top-right corner) and select Account Security. 2. Under 'Your ways to sign in', select Change next to 'Password'. 3. Enter your new password and select Confirm Change. If you forgot your password: 1. Click 'I Forgot My Password' on the sign-in page. 2. Enter your email and select 'Send Email'. 3. Check your inbox for the password reset email. If you don't receive the email, check your spam folder or add noreply@kiwigreenenergy.com to your sender whitelist.
The website is asking me for a verification code, but I don't get one in my email.
We will never send verification codes to your email. If we are asking for a verification code, it is very likely that you have 2-step verification enabled. Check out our 2-Step Verification Blog for more information on setting up and using 2-step verification.
How do I set up 2-step verification and why is it important?
To protect your sensitive information, we strongly recommend turning on 2-step verification for additional security. Check out our 2-Step Verification Blog for a step-by-step guide on setting it up.
Do I need to put in a 2-step verification code every time I sign in?
If you don't want to enter a verification code every time, you can set your device as a trusted device by checking 'Do not ask me for verification again on this browser'. Once verified, you won't need to enter a code when signing in with the same device.
How do I set up a security question?
1. Click 'My Account' avatar and select Account Security. 2. Under 'More available methods', select Security Question. 3. Choose your questions and answers. 4. Select Confirm.
How do I turn off 2-step verification?
1. Click 'My Account' avatar and select Account Security. 2. Under 'Your ways to sign in', select 'Turn OFF' next to 2-Step Verification. 3. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.
I recently changed/lost my phone and cannot receive 2-step verification codes. How can I sign in?
Please try verifying yourself with another 2-step verification method you have enabled. If you didn't enable a second method or lost access, contact us at it@kiwigreenenergy.com to request a reset.
Why can't I use a password manager with your customer portal?
We have disabled password autofill due to security risks associated with browser-integrated password managers.
What are my points for?
Your points can be used to buy items from our online shop (coming soon). Every 10 kWh your solar system generates earns you 1 point.
Why is my project taking longer than the duration shown on the customer portal?
Durations for each step can vary depending on the area and weather conditions. If you'd like an update on your project, open a support ticket through the customer portal or contact our operations team at operations@kiwigreenenergy.com.
What if I see incorrect information in my customer portal?
Please reach out to marketing@kiwigreenenergy.com or open a support ticket through the customer portal. Allow up to 24 hours for updates.
Can I see financial information on my customer portal?
Yes, under the 'Finances' tab, you can view your balance, terms, and previous invoices. If you see incorrect information, contact accounting@kiwigreenenergy.com.
What is live data?
Live data provides information about your system's production. You can view production data from the last 5 minutes to the last year for a comprehensive overview.
Why don't I see any live data on my customer portal?
If no live data appears, there may be a connection issue with your monitoring system. Open a support ticket through the customer portal or contact after-service@kiwigreenenergy.com for assistance.
What should I do if I'm experiencing technical issues with my customer portal?
For technical questions, please reach out to it@kiwigreenenergy.com for assistance.
What is commercial solar energy?
Commercial solar energy involves using solar panels or photovoltaic (PV) systems to generate electricity for businesses, organizations, and institutions. These systems capture sunlight to create clean, renewable energy, helping to decrease dependence on fossil fuels.
Why should businesses consider switching to solar energy?
Businesses can gain various advantages from solar energy, such as substantial savings on electricity costs, lowering their carbon footprint, improving their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, and attaining energy independence.
What are the environmental benefits of commercial solar?
Commercial solar installations lower greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and dependence on non-renewable energy sources like coal and natural gas. By adopting solar energy, businesses play a role in creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
Is my business eligible for government incentives or rebates for solar installations?
Yes, there are many available government incentives, tax credits, grants, and financing options. Eligibility depends on your location, and Polaron can apply for all eligible programs on your behalf.
How long does it take to install a commercial solar system?
Typically 8–12 months from application to installation. Physical installation takes 5–10 days.
How does net metering work for commercial properties?
PV cells absorb sunlight → generate DC → inverter converts to AC → electrical panel distributes electricity.
How does solar energy work for commercial properties?
Solar panels generate DC electricity → inverters convert to AC → AC powers the building or goes to storage/grid.
What factors determine the feasibility of solar for a commercial property?
Roof/ground space, orientation, shading, energy usage, utility rates, regulations, and financial factors.
What type of solar panels are suitable for commercial installations?
Monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film technologies.
How do solar inverters and monitoring systems work?
Inverters convert DC to AC; monitoring systems track production, performance, and consumption in real time.
What is the lifespan of commercial solar panels and related equipment?
Panels: 25–30+ years. Inverters: 10–20 years. Maintenance extends lifespan.
What types of energy solutions do you offer?
Solar systems, battery storage systems, EV charging solutions.
Does a solar energy system operate during a power outage?
Grid-tied systems shut off during outages. Off-grid or battery-integrated systems can operate independently and provide backup power.
Will solar panels affect my building's roof?
Systems are mounted safely and sealed properly. Roof condition is inspected beforehand.
What happens on cloudy days or at night?
Production decreases; the building uses grid power when solar is insufficient.
What happens during the winter?
Snow reduces production, but summer overproduction credits offset winter usage.
How long will a commercial solar system last?
Typically 30–40 years.
What types of commercial solar systems do you offer?
Rooftop, ground-mounted, solar carports, and integrated storage systems.
Can solar systems be customized?
Yes, systems are tailored to roof space, aesthetics, and energy needs.
Do you provide integrated energy storage?
Yes, battery storage systems are available.
What warranties do you offer?
Warranties for panels, inverters, racking, and performance guarantees.
Are there aesthetic options?
Yes—panel colors, mounting systems, and design variations.
What are the financial benefits of commercial solar?
Lower electricity bills, improved cash flow, increased property value, tax credits, rebates.
What is the typical ROI timeline?
Usually 6–10 years, depending on system size, usage, incentives, and utility rates.
Do you offer financing or leasing options?
Yes—Polaron offers in-house financing (Sunline) with flexible terms and no penalty for early payoff.
How do solar savings impact a business's bottom line?
Lower operating costs, improved profitability, protection from rising utility rates.
Will installing solar increase property value?
Often yes—solar properties may sell at a premium and attract buyers due to lower operating costs.
Do solar panels require a lot of maintenance?
Very little—mainly cleaning and annual inspections. Systems are monitored 24/7.
Do you offer monitoring services?
Yes—real-time monitoring via computer or phone.
How do you handle repairs or replacements?
Certified technicians manage repairs, replacements, and warranty claims.
Do you assist with regulatory compliance?
Yes—permitting, interconnection, and reporting support are provided.
Are there zoning or permitting requirements?
Yes—local zoning, provincial codes, and federal guidelines. Polaron handles all permits.
Can I expand my system later?
Yes—systems are modular and scalable.
Do I need to shut down my business during installation?
Usually no. Brief planned power shutdowns may be required.
How much do I save each month?
If designed to offset 100% of usage, bills can be near zero except fixed charges.
Am I selling electricity back to the grid?
Yes—excess energy earns credits via net metering.
Will I still have an electricity bill?
Yes—fixed charges still apply.
Grid-tied vs Off-grid
Grid-tied: share surplus with grid; draw when needed. Off-grid: rely entirely on solar + batteries.
Battery Energy Storage Systems
Store excess energy; provide backup; optimize usage during low-rate periods.
EV Charger
Used to charge electric/hybrid cars; includes Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 fast chargers.
Microinverter vs String Inverter
Microinverters: panel-level, ideal for complex roofs. String inverters: centralized, ideal for simple installations.
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