solarZero – the world’s first Toitū climate positive certified energy company – is gifting a free 20-year solar energy service to one deserving community organisation as part of its inaugural Solar Futures competition. The prize equates to cheaper energy bills for the winner and access to a solar service valued at $45,000.
Working in partnership with Scope Media, the company carefully considered more than 20 community groups and sports clubs in the Upper Clutha before confirming St John Wānaka, Upper Clutha Rugby Club, Wānaka Cricket (Luggate Albion Cricket Club), Dance Wānaka and Hawea Playgroup as the five eligible finalists. These five finalists are firmly focused on a brighter future for locals and are ready and able to embrace the benefits of solar.
The organisation that receives the greatest number of votes from the public by August 10, via an online voting platform, wins the free 20-year solar energy service – complete with access to a 16-panel solar system and battery storage. The prize also includes all monitoring, battery optimisation, support during outages, repairs, replacements and ongoing firmware updates for 20 years.
“We believe in the power of community, and we especially want to support Wānaka’s community groups that put so much energy into the growth of children and young people,” solarZero marketing lead Nicki Smith says. “But instead of solarZero picking the group that will receive free solar power, it is only fitting for locals to choose their favourite community group.
“At solarZero, we take our responsibility towards positively impacting our planet seriously, so to be able to provide future generations with clean, renewable and reliable energy – to one deserving organisation for free – is significant for us.”
Scope Media managing director Celia Crosbie says the team drew on extensive market research insights to find out what resonated with the community for this particular campaign.
“A major priority for solarZero was to extend goodwill back into the community, so a 20-year solar prize to a deserving organisation was the perfect solution,” Crosbie says. “It also means that the benefits of clean, affordable, renewable solar energy can be shared at a hyper-local level via word of mouth, social media, EDMs, flyers or activations driven by the finalists. You’ve got to be in to win – and the most engaged group comes away with a pretty incredible prize that ultimately supports this generation of locals, and the next.”
The campaign also coincides with a significant investment by solarZero into Wānaka – with the introduction of a new office, local sales team and installation technicians. This will be supported via Scope Media undertaking media relations and stakeholder relations in the coming weeks. Scope Media has also managed the paid media buying in the lead up to the Solar Futures competition.
Smith adds: “As Wānaka grows and power demands increase, solarZero is addressing this challenge with an affordable, renewable solution to our energy vulnerability. Our energy service provides cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable energy – and just like Wānaka’s many community groups doing good things, solarZero is also doing good for our future.”
