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I installed a small solar rooftop array (3.6kW) and a small residential storage battery (8kWh) in my home in 2017. The battery charges whenever there's excess photovoltaic production during the day, and discharges whenever I consume more electricity than I produce (particularly overnight). … View moreI installed a small solar rooftop array (3.6kW) and a small residential storage battery (8kWh) in my home in 2017. The battery charges whenever there's excess photovoltaic production during the day, and discharges whenever I consume more electricity than I produce (particularly overnight). Most of the year that works well enough to keep my home's power consumption almost constant between 1 and 1.5kWh per day, rain or shine, peak or off-peak, summer or winter. However, when I get a few days in a row with overcast, cloudy or stormy weather and little solar production, the battery eventually runs flat, and I have to use power from the grid. Initially I didn't care when that happened, as I was paying the same price per kWh all day and year round.
That changed in 2020, with the introduction of time-of-use pricing by both my lines company Northpower and my electricity retailer Ecotricity. The differences were minimal at first, but since then they've been increasing every April 1st, depending on the time of day and day of the week. That opened up an opportunity to make my battery work better for me and the grid during those times of low solar production. Over the last few weeks, with more rainy and cloudy weather hitting Northland, I've been charging up the battery from the grid at night (more or less, depending on the solar production forecast for the following day), so that it discharges during the day and - together with whatever little solar power is produced - keeps the heat pump running at a cozy 21 degrees. That has three distinct advantages. First, it shifts my electricity demand to the night period when ample generation is available and also "cleanest" (i.e. with the highest percentage of renewable generation, usually well above 90%, according to Transpower's live data). It also keeps my grid demand low during peak periods (like 5:30pm to 8pm, when everybody comes home, cooks dinner, runs the heaters, plugs in the EV and so on, which causes a huge spike in electricity demand), because I'm running on stored battery power. And finally, it even saves me money, because due to the time-of-use pricing I only pay 22c/kWh for the off-peak overnight energy to charge my battery and avoid the more expensive peak (38c/kWh) and shoulder (32c/kWh) time periods.
What I'm doing here is basically what Lake Onslow would do on a grand scale - smoothening out the demand on the grid, by storing energy during periods of ample generation and releasing it during peak usage periods. I have no idea if lots of us doing it at the household level, like me, would be better than doing it at grid scale, like pumped hydro - that is a question for the engineers and scientists to answer. Certainly our increasing number of obese luxury EVs could help with doing it at home, while they're parked and plugged in. That way their oversized batteries (often chosen due to our range anxiety and a profound misunderstanding of how an EV works and drives) would at least do some good.
You can argue that I'm only able to do this because I'm retired and have the time to educate myself and look into all of this, and that nobody who's leading a "busy life" would bother with that or inconvenience themselves - and you'd be right. However, there's no reason that what I'm doing manually at the moment couldn't be done by a bit of smart tech, maybe even powered by some good AI, and help us all smoothen out our electricity demand, keep our grid healthy (and us warm and dry), avoid having to overbuild generation capacity and invest more just to satisfy high demand in short peak periods, and make electrification a bit easier and more affordable for all of us. I think this is the kind of "good green tech" that would have a place in a degrowth world.
We know the spots in summer for beaching, camping and warm nights. But which NZ town really comes into its own during winter? Whether it's based on the activities, the beauty of the town or places to wine and dine, share your thoughts and reasons below!
Type 'Not For Print' if you… View moreWe know the spots in summer for beaching, camping and warm nights. But which NZ town really comes into its own during winter? Whether it's based on the activities, the beauty of the town or places to wine and dine, share your thoughts and reasons below!
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
Some of the best hockey players in the Southern Hemisphere will face off in Whangārei this August for a place in the 2024 Paris Olympics. 🏑
Our Venues and Events team have been working with Hockey Northland and secured hosting rights for Oceania Cup matches: both the mens' and … View moreSome of the best hockey players in the Southern Hemisphere will face off in Whangārei this August for a place in the 2024 Paris Olympics. 🏑
Our Venues and Events team have been working with Hockey Northland and secured hosting rights for Oceania Cup matches: both the mens' and womens' Vantage Black Sticks vs Australia's Kookaburras Men and Hockeyroos Women.
And there's a special prize for the winning teams: they will qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympics! Can the Vantage Black Sticks Women defend their 2019 championship?
Our Venues and Events Manager Bea Mossop says:
"The Vantage Black Sticks Men and Women teams will be out and
about in the community during the week, visiting schools and offering things like Skills Sessions to young players."
These matches will be held on Thursday 10, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 August at the ITM Hockey Centre in Kensington.
Match fixtures and tickets:
www.blacksticksnz.co.nz...
Dear neighbours, every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of reader recipes using a seasonal crop. This month, we're on the hunt for spring salad recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by July 23, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the September issue of NZ Gardener.
This July we have your chance to win a share of over $5,000 in New World gift vouchers! Simply grab your local newspaper, throw on your thinking cap, and complete the daily puzzle to be in to win.
Beginning on July 3, we will be placing a puzzle in your newspaper each day for a month. Complete … View moreThis July we have your chance to win a share of over $5,000 in New World gift vouchers! Simply grab your local newspaper, throw on your thinking cap, and complete the daily puzzle to be in to win.
Beginning on July 3, we will be placing a puzzle in your newspaper each day for a month. Complete all 28 puzzles for a higher chance to WIN. Once you’ve figured it out, head over to stuff.co.nz/puzzletime to enter the solution and be in to win.
To find out more about participating newspapers, click here
We've had such an amazing response to Bright Spots that we've decided to extend it for another week!
Now that it's the school holidays, why not get the kids or grandkids involved!
Celebrate the most colourful, quirky and joyful places in your community by snapping a photo or … View moreWe've had such an amazing response to Bright Spots that we've decided to extend it for another week!
Now that it's the school holidays, why not get the kids or grandkids involved!
Celebrate the most colourful, quirky and joyful places in your community by snapping a photo or two of a Bright Spot and sharing it here. There are 10 prizes of $250 Resene ColorShop vouchers and $250 Prezzy® cards up for grabs so you can create your own Bright Spot!
A helpful tool created by Aucklander, Tony Lu, allows users to find out the possible salary for jobs they are considering applying for, saving time for possible applicants and the employer too. But do you think that all salaries should be visible to the public?
Share your vote and comment below … View moreA helpful tool created by Aucklander, Tony Lu, allows users to find out the possible salary for jobs they are considering applying for, saving time for possible applicants and the employer too. But do you think that all salaries should be visible to the public?
Share your vote and comment below - type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
For only $15 a ticket, you could win this fully furnished home in South Island’s stunning Wānaka!
Worth over $1.5 million and built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this brand new abode features four bedrooms, two bathrooms and boasts a stylish open-plan kitchen, living and dining area for … View moreFor only $15 a ticket, you could win this fully furnished home in South Island’s stunning Wānaka!
Worth over $1.5 million and built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this brand new abode features four bedrooms, two bathrooms and boasts a stylish open-plan kitchen, living and dining area for year-round entertainment and comfort, plus incredible lake and mountain views!
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it – it could be all yours for only $15! Be in to win by purchasing your tickets today.
I inherited this oak dresser about 50 years ago. I have not been able to date this item although I was told that it is an antique. I believe a backing upstand has been removed & both edges appear to have been sawn off at some time prior to my ownership. There is a little bit of borer evident, I… View moreI inherited this oak dresser about 50 years ago. I have not been able to date this item although I was told that it is an antique. I believe a backing upstand has been removed & both edges appear to have been sawn off at some time prior to my ownership. There is a little bit of borer evident, I did treat it some time ago, don't know whether it is active now. The drawer pulls are not original. WIDTH 1100 DEPTH 500 HEIGHT 780. Haven’t had the time to restore & now we’ve downsized it has to go. $65.00 Phone or text John 021 522 507
The internet is a wonderful thing. It’s how many of us work, study and play. It’s a
big part of how we do what we do every day.
So, when we have issues with our broadband, it can be frustrating. Without it, we
can feel lost.
Tried trouble shooting? Tried talking to your provider? Still … View moreThe internet is a wonderful thing. It’s how many of us work, study and play. It’s a
big part of how we do what we do every day.
So, when we have issues with our broadband, it can be frustrating. Without it, we
can feel lost.
Tried trouble shooting? Tried talking to your provider? Still stuck?
TDR can help you find your way. Visit www.tdr.org.nz to find out more.
To all Business Owners, Neighbourly is here to help you keep connected with your neighbours, we’re offering Neighbourly Premium Business Listings FREE for three months.
You’ll feature in the local business directory and be able to post out to your surrounding suburbs once per week
… View moreTo all Business Owners, Neighbourly is here to help you keep connected with your neighbours, we’re offering Neighbourly Premium Business Listings FREE for three months.
You’ll feature in the local business directory and be able to post out to your surrounding suburbs once per week
T&Cs apply.
Sir Tim Shadbolt drew some criticism after suggesting a statue be erected in his town for his long-standing mayorship in Invercargill. This week is National Volunteer Week, a time to reflect on those who have given their time selflessly to your community and made a difference. So, which local do … View moreSir Tim Shadbolt drew some criticism after suggesting a statue be erected in his town for his long-standing mayorship in Invercargill. This week is National Volunteer Week, a time to reflect on those who have given their time selflessly to your community and made a difference. So, which local do you think deserves recognition? Tell us why!
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
A big thank you to everyone who nominated a small business in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero awards - and who got behind our 11 regional finalists and voted.
And a huge congratulations to Meg Wilson - the founder of PAWS (Pet Animal Welfare Shops) across South Waikato! Meg's … View moreA big thank you to everyone who nominated a small business in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero awards - and who got behind our 11 regional finalists and voted.
And a huge congratulations to Meg Wilson - the founder of PAWS (Pet Animal Welfare Shops) across South Waikato! Meg's passion for pets received almost 20% of votes which has seen her walk away with a prize package worth $10,000 to support the work she and her team of volunteers do each day.
Thank you Neighbourly members for rallying around businesses in your community and continuing to show them how valued they are!
Our June Seniors newsletter is out today. In this issue, we focus on the cost of living. We share some practical advice on how to save money on your health, home and everyday expenses plus much more.
Lottery closing soon! Buy your tickets today for a chance to win this brand new, fully furnished home in stunning Taupō.
Worth over $1 million and built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this brand new home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms and boasts a stylish open-plan kitchen, living and… View moreLottery closing soon! Buy your tickets today for a chance to win this brand new, fully furnished home in stunning Taupō.
Worth over $1 million and built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this brand new home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms and boasts a stylish open-plan kitchen, living and dining area for year-round entertainment and comfort.
Situated a short three-minute drive from the shores of Lake Taupō, make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it – it could be all yours for only $15! Be in to win by purchasing your tickets today.
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