This Content Is Only For Subscribers
Timber Trail Lodge has completed a major solar upgrade at its off-grid lodge in Pureora Forest. The first phase of a wider energy programme is expected to cut the Lodge’s total diesel consumption by approximately 50%.
The project has increased solar generation capacity at the Piropiro lodge from around 20 kW to more than 50 kW, supported by 130 kWh of battery storage.
Because the Lodge is completely off-grid, all of its electricity must be generated and stored on site. The expanded solar system is therefore a major change in the way the Lodge meets its day-to-day energy needs.
Early results have exceeded expectations. On sunny days the new system is generating more than 50 kW, but perhaps more importantly, the batteries are also regularly reaching 100% charge, even on cloudy days.
The system was installed by Daniel Neal at Kiwitown Electrical, whose professionalism and responsiveness throughout the project have been greatly appreciated.
“This project has gone beyond simply putting more solar panels on the roof. We wanted to substantially change the way we produce and use energy across the Lodge.”
“The performance so far has been impressive. Obviously we expected strong solar generation on clear days, but seeing the batteries reach full charge even through cloudy conditions gives us confidence that we will achieve a very substantial reduction in our carbon emissions.”
The solar installation is the first stage of a wider energy programme. Phase 2 will introduce efficient heat-pump hot-water systems, while Phase 3 will focus on space heating, progressively replacing carbon fuels with renewable electricity generated on site.
The solar upgrade will substantially reduce the diesel previously needed for (backup) electricity generation. Phases 2 and 3 are designed to tackle the remaining diesel consumption associated with heating and hot water, and are expected to deliver further significant reductions as those systems are installed.
Part of a wider sustainability plan
The energy programme forms part of Timber Trail Adventures’ active Sustainability Plan, which sets out practical actions and measurable targets across the business.
These include a goal of reducing waste by 20% each year, pest trapping, native planting and wilding pine control, as well as ongoing work to protect and enhance the surrounding forest environment.
Timber Trail Adventures is also active in Friends of the Timber Trail and contributes to forest and trail maintenance and enhancement.
“We operate in an extraordinary environment and that creates a responsibility to actively look after it.
“Energy is a significant part of that, but sustainability for us is much broader. It includes how we manage waste, how we support biodiversity, the work we put back into the forest and trail, and how we work with our local community.”
Timber Trail Lodge holds Qualmark Gold accreditation and Timber Trail Adventures subscribes to Tourism Industry Aotearoa’s Tourism Sustainability Commitment.
