Cheap power and free hot water at Riverton solar-powered house

JOHN HAWKINS / 129389

HE HAS THE POWER: Les Gibbs with some of his 180 watt solar panels which charge stored batteries.

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With energy prices going through the roof, an alternative lifestyle powered by solar panels was an attractive option for Riverton man Les Gibbs.

The former farmer has built a house in the seaside town of Riverton and spent thousands of dollars on solar power to capture the sun's energy.

Six weeks after moving in, the solar powered house had already fed 250KW of excess electricity back on to the main grid.

The 380sqm two-storey home has even been built to solely use solar energy. Four solar panels were erected when construction began.

A solar powered hot water cylinder, which cost about $7500, was installed to provide hot water and provide under-floor heating.

A pellet burner, imported from Poland, will run as a back up if the solar water heating system is not providing enough heat.

The wood pellets cost $10 for a 20kg bag and two kilos of wood pellet is equivalent to one litre of diesel.

"When I first got the solar heating in mid-May it heated up the water to 50 degrees in a week in that week there were at least two cold wintry days," Mr Gibbs said.

"As far as solar water goes, everyone building a new house should be installing a solar water system to reduce the electricity requirements throughout the country if every house in New Zealand had solar water it would make a considerable reduction in the amount of electricity required." The house has low-energy lighting and gas connected to the kitchen. The windows have double glazing.

Eventually up to 18 solar panels will be erected on the property to provide energy to run appliances inside the house.

In terms of cost savings, Mr Gibbs estimates it could be 20 years before the solar power system pays for itself but the solar water system would only take about five or six years.

The aim was not to save money but to be as self-sufficient as possible, he said.

"I want to be as independent as I can," he said.

All readers can save energy, and money, by ensuring their homes are well insulated and The Southland Times along with the Invercargill Licensing Trust and the Southland Warm Homes Trust is offering Southland readers a special deal - the chance to win a $3000 insulation package for just $600. Fill in the coupon and bring it in to any Times office, or take it to the Southland Warm Homes project site at the Homes Show at Stadium Southland this weekend.