Powering Legacy: How Solar Strengthens Rauawaawa Kaumātua’s Mission

Client Name: Rauawaawa Kaumātua Charitable Trust

Location: Hamilton, NZ

Industry: Community Nonprofit / Aged Care Services

System Installed: 32.175 kW Grid-Tied Solar PV System

Installation Date: July 2025

Installer: Solar Hub NZ – Commercial Team

Project Background

Rauawaawa Kaumātua Charitable Trust is a community-based organisation dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of elderly Māori (kaumātua) in the Waikato region. With rising operational costs and a deep commitment to kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the environment), the Trust sought a long-term solution to reduce electricity expenses and improve sustainability at their central Hamilton facility.

The Challenge

Operating a multi-purpose aged care and support hub brings significant energy demand—particularly for heating, lighting, and essential services. Rauawaawa Kaumātua needed a reliable, cost-effective solution to lower its carbon footprint and reallocate savings into its core social services, without disrupting day-to-day operations.

The Solar Hub Solution

Solar Hub designed and installed a custom 32.175 kW solar PV system, featuring 55 high-efficiency JA Solar 585W panels paired with a Sungrow 30kW inverter. This system was tailored to the building’s mixed roof orientation, maximising output across all seasons while minimising export waste.

The installation includes:

• Estimated Output: 43,914 kWh per year

• Inverter: Sungrow SG30CX

• Panel Efficiency: Terra Shingled Modules, 20% higher than conventional models

• Warranties: 12 year product warranty, 30-year performance warranty

Environmental modelling indicated this setup would deliver 59% of the site's energy needs annually from solar, with 45% of generation exported to the grid during off-peak times.

“Solar energy isn’t just a smart move, it's an essential one for Rauawaawa, helping us reduce costs, care for our environment, and redirect savings into what matters most: our Kaumātua and the completion of Stage 3 of our 83-year-old facility, Te Puna o Te Ora.” - Rangimahora Reddy (CEO of Rauawaawa)

Funding Support from WEL Energy Trust

WEL Energy Trust played a crucial role in bringing this solar project to life. Their generous funding support enabled Rauawaawa Kaumātua Charitable Trust to access solar technology without diverting resources away from essential community services. By backing this initiative, WEL Energy Trust not only reinforced its commitment to renewable energy and regional sustainability, but also helped future-proof a critical kaumātua facility for generations to come.

Outcome & Results

The installation is projected to generate over $8,000 in annual electricity savings, with a lifetime net benefit of over $225,000. It will also offset 5 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year, equivalent to planting 965 trees or avoiding nearly 473,000 car kilometres over its lifetime.

The system is expected to pay for itself in just over six years, with a 399% return on investment and ongoing annual savings well into 2049.