Press Release 21/7/2016
Nandor Tanczos today officially confirmed that he is standing for Whakatane District Council with the launch of a Solar Plan for Whakatane.
The four point plan makes use of one of Whakatane District’s biggest natural assets to boost economic activity and cut costs for households and the council.
“We talk alot about Whakatane being the sunshine capital, but we do almost nothing with that” said Nandor.
“We can use the energy of the sun to drive business activity, grow jobs and improve community well-being. It is this kind of ‘bright green’ thinking that will ensure a more prosperous future for Whakatane.”
The four part plan is to:
1. Work with other agencies (eg Eastern Bay Energy Trust, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, ethical financial institutions etc) to create a revolving credit fund to pay for solar hot water installations in low to medium income households. The loan will be paid off from all or part of the savings on the household power bill. Once the loan is repaid, all savings will go to the household.
2. Install solar photovoltaic panels and/or solar hot water on public buildings, where these will result in net savings to council. In addition, invest in energy efficiency and conservation measures to cut costs and reduce carbon emissions.
3. Work with local education providers and solar businesses to create a centre of solar excellence in Whakatane District. This will equip locals for sustainable jobs, boost local education providers and drive solar innovation as a catalyst for local business opportunity.
4. Establish a bi-annual solar and kinetic sculpture competition and symposium, working with engineers, electricians and artists to create public art. This has the potential to become an international event, adding to Whakatane’s attraction as a tourist destination and fostering Whakatane’s reputation as a creative place to live and work.
The four part solar plan makes use of the natural cycles of the sun to maximise benefits for different kinds of users. Because the sun shines during the day, when most people are out of the house, solar hot water is a great way for households to store solar energy without having to invest in expensive battery banks. For most commercial and public buildings, however, electricity is being used at the same time as their photovoltaic solar panels are generating it. This means that big battery banks are not needed.
“Being the sunshine capital of NZ is nice, but it is no real achievement. Becoming a solar centre, as a step towards building a diverse and sustainable economy, would be showing leadership to the whole country” said Nandor.
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