The Alternative Energy Company (TAEC) are proud to have been part of the refurbishment of the Ministry for the Environment and Department of Statistics building at 8 Willis street, Wellington. McKee Fehl, the designers, chose this energy-efficient hot water technology because the building needed to be environmentally certified. In particular, they were aiming for a sustainable build with a low carbon footprint.

The project consisted of supplying and installing two 4000L Eco tanks connected to 56 solar thermodynamic panels on the roof of the building. The system supplies hot water for the whole building, using minimal electricity and carbon emissions.

The solar thermodynamic system operates at maximum efficiency when the solar thermodynamic panels are in the sun, but it does not rely on the sun to operate effectively. The panels absorb heat from the surrounding air, day and night, and even from the action of wind and rain on the panels.

Energie, the manufacturers, are based in Portugal. They are respected world leaders in Solar thermodynamic technology and have been manufacturing for over 40 years. TAEC are their exclusive New Zealand suppliers and handle all the design and installation work.

The installation was completed in March 2022 and has been performing well.