Irish solar tech firm in €14m New Zealand expansion


2 Jul 2009

Irish developer and manufacturer of solar-power technology Surface Power has signed a NZ$30m (€14m) distribution deal in New Zealand.

New Zealand Solar Distribution will distribute Surface Power’s range of solar hot water, heating and cooling systems.

In addition to the deal, Surface Power will establish a national distribution and training academy in Tauranga, New Zealand, resulting in the creation of 12 jobs over the next year.

The multimillion dollar deal comes less than a month after Surface Power signed a €20m deal to have its breakthrough solar hot-water panel product distributed across Ireland.

Established in Co Mayo in 2003, Surface Power’s R&D programmes are nearly seven years running, and the company has amassed a significant product portfolio in advance of targeting key world export markets for solar and wind renewables.

“New Zealand Solar Distribution has approached the market in a professional way, seeking out the best technologies, backed up with training options and support,” explained Surface Power founder, John Quinn.

“We look forward to building a relationship that will help drive growth and jobs for both companies in 2009 and beyond,” he said.

“This agreement enables us to completely focus on our expansion efforts.

“Surface Power Solar has already achieved product approval in over 25 countries and expects to add the US, Canada and Australia over the coming months. In fact, we expect to conclude further distribution agreements in New Zealand this year,” Quinn added.

By John Kennedy

Pictured: Solar Power’s P501 Solar Hot Water Collector