#THETIMEISNOW
To embrace sustainability. To battle climate change. To reset how this country is powered.
Our story
solarZero's rich history as pioneers of innovation in solar energy development began in Christchurch in the 1970s, with the company’s early beginnings as Thermocell, a solar water heating company that was started by Professor Arthur Williamson and his colleagues from the University of Canterbury.
Under the guidance of founder Andy Booth, the company evolved to become New Zealand’s leading solar energy business with offices in Christchurch, Nelson and Auckland. Over the past 35+ years it has put more solar systems on Kiwi homes and businesses than any other company.
Driven by strong values and a mission to help Kiwis access smarter, cleaner energy, the company continues to innovate and deliver on the shared value of Kaitiakitanga - the Maori principle of guardianship. It’s a constant reminder we have a duty of care to look after our place, our people and the generations to follow.
A cleaner, brighter New Zealand
We are on a mission to accelerate New Zealand’s transition to be 100% renewable and lower the cost of energy for Kiwis.
This mission is aligned to New Zealand’s target of 100% renewable electricity generation by 2035 and carbon neutrality by 2050. With the demand for electricity in New Zealand likely to double by 2050, greater capacity for additional renewable-sourced energy will be needed to achieve this target. This is where we come in.
NZ’s most trusted solar energy business
Founded in 1981. 38-years-old and counting
Reputationally respected. Multiple awards for innovation and service
More solar systems installed than any other solar provider
A certified Toitū climate positive organisation
In the Top 5 fastest growing green companies in NZ
Our values
We are a proud mission-led kiwi business. As a green start-up it’s important for our culture that we live and breathe our values – and that they guide our actions day by day.
Our sustainable practices
We’re striving to reduce our impact on the environment – which includes 100% carbon neutrality in our operations
Toitū climate positive
A certified Toitū climate positive organisation – taking climate leadership to the next level.
Carbon neutral hardware
After two years powering your home, the solarZero system will have generated the same amount of energy as was required to manufacture
Green company
solarZero is recognized as one of the top-5 fastest-growing green companies in New Zealand
Carbon credits
To achieve zero carbon certification we purchase carbon credits from local initiatives including the Hinewai Nature reserve
Our EV fleet
After investing in our fully electric company vehicle, we are committed to replace all future retiring vehicles with electric or hybrid versions where possible
Creating the GridforGoodTM
Every customer is doing their bit in the fight against climate change and reducing carbon emissions in New Zealand.
9000+
Customers powering their home with cleaner, greener energy.
12,107 tonnes
Of carbon prevented from entering the atmosphere*
112,592
Number of trees you would need to plant to achieve these carbon savings
98.4 GWh
Of solar energy generated by solarZero customers
*Based on the calculation of 15 tonnes of carbons savings per household over 20 years
Proudly partnering with brands committed to sustainable business
Our green credentials
Going beyond net carbon zero with the Toitū climate positive certification programme is key to kaitiakitanga, and our commitment to leave the world better than we found it.
Earning and keeping our climate positive certification means we measure and report all operational and value chain emissions each year to globally recognised standards. We follow a clear, science-based decarbonisation strategy – setting and achieving our reduction targets, and offsetting 125% of our unavoidable emissions, via verified carbon credits.
Along with being Toitū climate positive certified we’re proud members of SEANZ (sustainable Electricity Association of New Zealand) the Sustainable Business Network and the EECA Gen Less initiative.
Toitū climate positive
SEANZ
EECA Gen LesS
Sustainable business network
Company milestones
1996
1997-2000
2008
2009
2010
A small team led by Professor Arthur Williamson invents NZ’s first solar heat pipe.
Introducing the solarZero team
Andrew founded solarZero in 2008, growing the business from start-up to one of the fastest-growing green companies in New Zealand. Andy’s passion for the environment and commitment to helping New Zealand move to 100% renewable energy, provides the vision and values solarZero is built on.
Matt is responsible for solarZero achieving its strategic objectives and achieving its mission of accelerating NZ's energy transition to 100% renewable electricity by 2030. He is passionate about creating a culture of innovation and performance and delivering the best experiences for solarZero's customers, staff and partners.
Cat leads our overall people strategy ensuring our people thrive at work. She brings her experience of transformation and change to help create a culture that delivers leading people and customer experiences.
solarZero is the nation’s leading solar energy services company and a proud member of SEANZ. Over the past 35+ years it has put more solar systems on Kiwi homes and businesses than any other company. It was the first solar company in the world to achieve Toitū carbonzero certification and is still the only solar energy services business in NZ with that green credential. solarZero is one of the fastest-growing green companies in New Zealand and is one of the Government’s Focus 500 companies that are targeted to contribute significant benefits to the New Zealand economy.