About Frontier Solar

🎯 Purpose

Frontier Solar helps New Zealand households understand and compare electricity pricing across major providers, and model the financial impact of installing a rooftop solar PV system. The tool is designed to be transparent, data-driven, and easy to use.

📊 Data Sources

• • Provider pricing: Sourced directly from provider websites and publicly available rate schedules (as of 2024). Prices include GST.
• • Solar PV generation: Based on NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) solar resource data for Wellington, NZ. Monthly figures represent kWh per kW of installed capacity for a panel tilted at ~15° facing north.
• • Annual total: ~974 kWh/kW/year for Wellington.

🧮 Calculator Methodology

• • Self-consumption: 60% of generated solar energy is assumed to be consumed on-site, reducing grid electricity purchases.
• • Export: 40% of generated energy is exported to the grid, earning revenue based on the provider's export rates (weighted 70% peak / 25% off-peak / 5% night).
• • System cost: Estimated at $2/W installed (i.e., a 5 kW system = $10,000).
• • Payback period: Simple payback = System Cost ÷ Annual Savings. Does not account for panel degradation, maintenance, or changing electricity prices.
• • TOU weighting: Consumption is weighted across peak (40%), off-peak (35%), and night (25%) periods to estimate effective rates.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This tool provides indicative estimates only and should not be taken as financial or energy advice. Electricity prices change frequently — always verify rates directly with your provider before making decisions. Solar generation figures are averages and will vary based on your specific location, roof orientation, shading, and panel type. This tool is not affiliated with any electricity provider.

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