Driving Holistic Solar Solutions in New Zealand with Above

Overview

Re/volve Energy, a forward-thinking renewable energy consultancy based in Auckland, is making waves in New Zealand’s emerging solar sector. Led by founder Shay Brazier and director of sustainability, Jo Woods, the company combines a deep commitment to sustainability with a focus on advanced technology to deliver tailored solutions for solar energy projects. Re/volve Energy’s ethos centres on a holistic, “whole of life” approach to solar, ensuring every step, from feasibility studies to long-term asset management, aligns with client needs and environmental goals.

CHALLENGES

New Zealand's solar market is still in its infancy compared to neighbouring Australia, presenting unique challenges for Re/volve Energy, including:

  • Market Scale: Many projects remain small, limiting opportunities to adopt sophisticated monitoring and management technologies.

  • Stakeholder Coordination: Managing construction and operational complexities across diverse stakeholders in projects such as large commercial rooftops and utility-scale arrays.

  • Manual Data Management: Diagnosing and tracking issues on small-scale projects without scalable tools can become resource-intensive as projects grow.

  • Education and Adoption: Helping clients recognise the long-term value of advanced monitoring technologies, particularly when arrays are newly constructed, and issues are minimal.

SOLUTION

Re/volve Energy partnered with Above to leverage its cutting-edge solutions and great customer support to overcome the following challenges.

  • Construction Monitoring: During the build ph e of large projects, Above's platform enable8 Re/volve to geotag and track issues such ak cabling misplacements and module alignment, saving time and improving clarity for all stakeholders.

  • Thermographic Surveys: Regular aerial inspections provided precise data on array performance, helping diagnose issues such as biofilm growth and hotspot development caused by New Zealand's temperate climate.

  • Centralised Data Management: Above's SolarGain platform provided a single repository for tracking module condition, geolocated defects, and long-term maintenance history.

  • Client Engagement Tools: The live dashboard and mapping features were used to visually present project data to clients, fostering bett r understanding and trust.

Aerial view of a large transportation hub with a modern building labeled 'Future Mass Transit' and 'Transport Hub,' surrounded by landscaped pedestrian walkways, trees, and parking lots.

ABOVE AND Re/volve WORKED ON:

  • Foodstuffs Rooftop Array: At the time of its construction, this 1.2 MW installation was the largest rooftop solar array in New Zealand. Above's thermographic surveys revealed several minor anomalies, demonstrating the system's value for future diagnostic needs as the array ages.

  • Auckland Airport Mall: Above's construction monitoring tools were critical in resolving on­site issues, providing evidence to mediate disputes among stakeholders. The project highlighted the tangible value of real-time monitoring and set a new standard for construction oversight.

  • Improved Efficiency: Above's geotagging and data-sharing capabilities streamlined project workflows especially during the construction phase of projects, saving time and reducing manual data management.

  • Enhanced Stakeholder Collaboration: Construction monitoring provided undeniable proof of site conditions, aiding conflict resolution and improving project transparency.

  • Forward-Looking Capability: Re/valve's adoption of SolarGain set a strong foundation for scalable asset management as New Zealand's solar market grows.

KEY OUTCOMES

SUMMARY AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

Re/volve Energy's collaboration with Above underscores the transformative potential of advanced technology in New Zealand's nascent solar market. By integrating tools like SolarGain, the consultancy has bridged the gap between small-scale projects and large-scale, high­performance solar arrays.

As Re/valve Energy looks to the future, it plans to expand its use of Above's technologies, including integrating drone-based surveys and exploring BIM compatibility for rooftop solar. With a firm commitment to sustainability and innovation, Re/valve is set to become a key player in New Zealand's transition to renewable energy.

"Above's solutions have helped us organise and track project data efficiently, saving time and ensuring transparency. Construction monitoring, in particular, has proven invaluable for stakeholder collaboration. We see great potential as we scale up and use these tools to educate clients about the long-term value of solar monitoring."

Matthew Grant, Chief Drone Pilot, Re/volve Energy