Fiji Sun

Going Green with Residentia­l Solar Systems

- Source: Vision Energy Solutions wati.talebula@ fijisun.com.fj

For years internatio­nal expatriate­s have been flocking to Fiji to enjoy the weather, beautiful natural landscapes and laid-back lifestyle.

Just like locals they also struggle to access safe, reliable and affordable energy to power their homes. Stephen Noble, an expat in residentia­l resort developmen­t at Pacific Harbour, recently invested in a new high-tech solar system. With the help of Vision Energy Solutions (VES) the family now powers their home with the first ever installed SolarEdge HD-Wave grid-tied inverter in Fiji.

Although the location is exquisite, that doesn’t mean luxury communitie­s are free from the typical infrastruc­ture challenges of living in Fiji.

Many who settle in Fiji from overseas are accustomed to modern convenienc­es, especially abundant electricit­y 24/7 to power all of their appliances and electronic­s. A homeowner Mr Noble, shares his passion for solar and his experience partnering with VES saying: “I lived in an off-the-grid solar-powered house in Taveuni for 20 years, so I’m very familiar with solar technology.”

“When we moved to Fiji’s main island, the option for grid- connected electricit­y was a relief. Even though it wasn’t a necessity, I still wanted to explore investing in solar to save money on my monthly electric bills.

“Everyone at VES understood how particular I am about my meticulous­ly kept house and property. They were very neat and precise in their installati­on workmanshi­p, profession­al in our interactio­ns and provided excellent follow up customer service.”

VES solar technician­s provided a free comprehens­ive energy analysis and make recommenda­tions for the ideal situation for any household’s unique needs. Investing in a solar system not only reduces dependence on the utility grid, it also reduces monthly energy bills and increases home values for resale.

As a licensed real estate agent in

Fiji resale value is always on Mr Noble’s mind.

He was also delighted to discover the investment recovery period was only 5.75 years.

After the monthly energy savings equals the original investment cost, the system will continue to produce free green energy for the remaining years of the system’s lifetime, typically over 20 years in total.

VES’ Business Developmen­t Manager, Srinath Dolage says: “Mr Noble wanted to fully understand the project parameters before making a well-informed decision. He has been more engaged in the energy assessment, financial analysis and system design process than our average customer. “It has been refreshing to part

ner with a customer that fully understand­s and appreciate­s the overall long-term value and impact of a renewable energy system, instead of simply looking at the upfront cost and projected investment ROI.”

VES Engineer, Ernest Hickes, was excited to recommend this new technology for the Noble family.

Mr Hickes says: “This is the first SolarEdge HD-Wave grid-tied inverter installati­on in Fiji! This project was ideal for this advanced technology. We hope other Fijian residents, like Mr Noble, share his level of enthusiasm to go green!” Mr Noble agreed with VES’ recommenda­tion to install the best system available saying: “I am very proud to be the first owner

in Fiji of this state of the art solar system. I am eager to use the remote monitoring system that can be accessed anywhere on my cell phone, even when I’m eating lunch in Suva.”

As a residentia­l real estate broker in Fiji, Stephen assured VES that his company, Noble Realty, will be letting its existing and future customers know about this new technology recently introduced to Fiji.

VES takes safety very seriously. The advanced safety features, is another reason VES chooses to install SolarEdge components for all clients. VES Installati­on manager, Kinivuwai Koroi, explains: “Similar to our commercial projects, we adhere to all safety and engineerin­g standards very strictly for all

domestic projects. Our intention is to raise the bar in Fiji’s residentia­l solar standards for maximum safety and resilience, as it should be.”

About Vision Energy Solutions Vision Energy Solutions (VES) of Fiji delivers comprehens­ive energy solutions to residentia­l, commercial, and power plant customers. Focused on renewable energy, our systems are designed to generate electricit­y sustainabl­y for years. VES’ primary objective is to bring reliable and clean electricit­y where it is needed most, throughout the Small Island Developing States (SIDS.).

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 ??  ?? VES solar technician­s, Kino Koroi, left and Ernest Hickes, right, celebrate another successful installati­on with the Taveuni real estate specialist, Stephen Noble’s Pacific Harbour solar-powered home.
VES solar technician­s, Kino Koroi, left and Ernest Hickes, right, celebrate another successful installati­on with the Taveuni real estate specialist, Stephen Noble’s Pacific Harbour solar-powered home.

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