The Alternative Energy Company (TAEC) are proud to be supplying and installing solar thermodynamic hot water systems for the 20 homes in the Te Awhina marae Papakāinga development in Motueka.

The housing project is part of a $28m redevelopment plan for the marae that includes communal spaces as well as the 20 new homes. Investment has come from a partnership between Te Puni Kōkiri, Whakatū Incorporation, Whakarewa Trust and Rātā Foundation.
At the opening ceremony the then Associate Minister for Housing, Hon Peeni Henare said “This papakāinga is not just about building bricks and mortar, but it’s about cultural development, economic development and whānau resilience.” The project connects whānau back to their land and strengthens the whole community.

The 10 three-bedroom homes have 250L stainless steel Ecotop cylinder systems and the 10 four-bedroom homes have 300L stainless Ecotop cylinder systems. This technology was chosen for several reasons. Primarily because it is so energy efficient with low running costs, it helps to future proof the homes and is also compatible with photovoltaic panels. Also, it is a responsible environmental choice because it produces no carbon emissions and requires no maintenance. To learn more about how the system works visit the TAEC website.

TAEC manage the installation process and have been able to work in successfully with the build timeline for this project. As soon as a roof is complete, TAEC will fix the solar thermodynamic panel and run the paircoil pipework to the cylinder. Later, when the home is closed in and cylinder plumbed in, TAEC will return to commission the system. Tenants have already moved into some homes and everything is on schedule for the homes to all be completed by early 2024.