Alternative Energy

What Alternative Energy does

The Alternative Energy Company (TAEC) is a privately-held New Zealand specialty contractor founded in 2012 and headquartered in Mapua, Tasman. The company is the exclusive New Zealand distributor and installer of Energie thermodynamic solar hot water technology, a Portuguese-manufactured product line based on solar-assisted air-to-water heat pumps using refrigerant-filled aluminium panels. TAEC serves two primary customer segments: residential homeowners (Eco and Ecotop 250L-500L cylinders, Solar Box retrofits, Aquapura heat pumps, and Central Heating Systems) and commercial/institutional clients (Solar Block multi-panel systems in 6-40 panel configurations, Solar Block Ultra cold-climate variants, and Eco XL 1000L-6000L commercial systems). Notable enterprise customers include Fonterra (120-panel Palmerston North installation), the Ministry for the Environment and Stats NZ (56-panel Wellington office), a 64-panel Frederick St Wellington apartment block, the Cardrona Valley Waste Water Treatment Plant, and a Te Puni Kōkiri-funded papakāinga marae development of 20 homes.

The underlying technology is solar thermodynamic rather than conventional solar thermal: refrigerant liquid in anodised aluminium panels absorbs ambient heat (regardless of direct sunlight), boils and is compressed to raise temperature, then transfers heat to water via a coil around the storage cylinder. The system achieves COP of 1:5 in sun and 1:3-5 without sun, claims 30% greater efficiency than standard air-to-water heat pumps, and reduces hot water electricity costs by approximately 80-85% with a 4-5 year payback. TAEC also distributes Recticel Eurothane GP PIR insulation as a complementary energy-efficiency product, but hardware sales and installation services for Energie systems constitute the core business.

TAEC operates a direct sales-led model with free fully installed quotes, custom system design, and self-managed installation through an accredited installer network throughout New Zealand. Pricing is project-based and not publicly disclosed. The company has approximately 6 staff, holds AS/NZS 2712:2007 and MCS certifications, and aligns with EECA energy-efficiency messaging and the GIDI Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry Fund, but does not install outside New Zealand.

Name

Alternative Energy

Legal name

The Alternative Energy Company

Website

https://thealternativeenergycompany.co.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Alternative Energy Company is a New Zealand-exclusive distributor and installer of Energie solar thermodynamic hot water systems, serving residential homeowners and commercial/institutional clients with 250L-6000L cylinder systems and multi-panel commercial installations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Solar Hot Water Heating Systems

NAICS

Plumbing and Heating Equipment and Supplies (Hydronics) Merchant Wholesalers (42372)

SIC

Steam & Air-Conditioning Supply (4961)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYHSAOACAA

Tank Water Heater Installation & Replacement

Home & Personal Services/Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC Services/Water Heater & Boiler Installation & Service

SECONDARYHSAOACAJ

Commercial Water Heater & Boiler Service

Home & Personal Services/Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC Services/Water Heater & Boiler Installation & Service

SECONDARYHSAOAGAA

Residential HVAC System Installation (Furnace/AC/Heat Pump)

Home & Personal Services/Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC Services/HVAC Installation & Replacement

SECONDARYHSAOACAE

Hydronic/Baseboard Radiant Heating Service

Home & Personal Services/Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC Services/Water Heater & Boiler Installation & Service

Keywords

• Solar hot water systems
• Thermodynamic heat pumps
• Renewable energy heating
• Commercial water heating
• Energy efficiency products

Headquarters

HQ city

Nelson

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Thermodynamic Solar Hot Water Systems: Sale and installation of solar thermodynamic hot water systems for domestic and commercial use. Domestic systems: Eco (250L, 300L, 500L), Ecotop (250L, 300L), Solar Box (retrofit), Aquapura (air-to-water heat pump). Commercial systems: Solar Block (multi-panel 6-40 panels), Solar Block Ultra, Eco XL (1000L-6000L). Prices are quote-based and include full installation with refrigeration side of install.
2. Installation Services: Full installation services managed directly by the company. For domestic: typically completed in one day (retrofit) or two visits (new build). For commercial: full design, supply, installation, and commissioning. Includes system sizing, site assessment, and ongoing commissioning.
3. PIR Insulation Products: Distribution of Eurothane GP PIR insulation from European manufacturer Recticel, introduced to New Zealand by the company. Part of energy efficiency commitment.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Alternative Energy Company designs, supplies and installs Energie solar thermodynamic hot water heating systems for residential and commercial customers throughout New Zealand, offering capacities from 250L domestic cylinders up to 6000L Eco XL commercial systems plus central heating and Eurothane GP PIR insulation. The company manages the entire customer journey, providing free fully installed quotes, custom system sizing, accredited installer commissioning, and ongoing technical support across NZ.

Product overview

The Alternative Energy Company offers a portfolio of solar thermodynamic hot water heating products for residential and commercial applications. The product line includes Eco and Ecotop cylinder systems for domestic use (250L-500L), Solar Box for retrofit applications connecting to existing cylinders, and Aquapura air-to-water heat pumps. Commercial offerings comprise Solar Block and Solar Block Ultra multi-panel systems (6-40+ panels) and Eco XL systems (1000L-6000L) for large-scale applications. Central heating solutions use Solar Block units with hydronic underfloor or radiator systems. The company also offers Eurothane GP PIR insulation as a complementary energy efficiency product. All systems use Energie-manufactured thermodynamic panels that work 24/7 including at night, achieving COP of 1:5 in sun and 1:3-5 without sun, with energy savings of up to 85% on hot water bills.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Energie: World-leading solar thermodynamic technology brand manufactured in Portugal, with which TAEC holds exclusive distribution rights in New Zealand. Energie has been manufacturing for 40 years and has installations in over 40 countries.

Products and services

• Eco Advanced solar thermodynamic hot water heating system for homes, available in 250L, 300L, or 500L capacities. Each system contains a cylinder, solar thermodynamic panel(s), and a plumber's installation kit. Can be configured as a 2-panel system for high hot water usage households. Sold and installed by TAEC as the exclusive NZ distributor of Energie technology.
• Ecotop Solar thermodynamic hot water system with a streamlined stainless steel cylinder design. Features compressor and controller mounted on top of the cylinder for reduced floor space and easier cupboard fitting. Available in 250L or 300L capacities, with optional 2-panel configuration for high hot water usage.
• Solar Box Retrofit solar thermodynamic system that connects to existing hot water cylinders. Contains a compressor, heat exchanger, circulation pump, electronic controls and solar thermodynamic panel. Supports 1 or 2 panels and can also heat up to 40m² of underfloor heating or spa pools.
• Aquapura Compact air-to-water heat pump with stainless steel cylinder available in 250L or 300L capacity. Features a PV-compatible electronic control panel and quiet operation at 36 decibels. Does not require an external thermodynamic panel.
• Solar Block Multi-panel solar thermodynamic system for commercial applications. Available in 6, 12, 16, 28, and 40 panel configurations. Suitable for apartment blocks, motels, pools, and industrial applications requiring large hot water volumes. Multiple units can be sequenced for larger installations (e.g. 3 x 40 panels = 120 total).
• Solar Block Ultra Enhanced solar thermodynamic system designed specifically for colder climates. Available in the same panel configurations as Solar Block (6, 12, 16, 28, and 40 panels). Optimised to operate efficiently in alpine or extreme cold environments, such as the Cardrona Valley Waste Water Treatment Plant installation.
• Solar Block Ultra Plus Combined domestic hot water and underfloor/central heating unit. Features inverter technology for high efficiency, a 200L stainless steel hot water cylinder for domestic use plus a heat exchanger for central heating. Continues working efficiently when central heating is turned off.
• Eco XL Large-volume commercial solar thermodynamic system with stainless steel cylinders available in 1000L to 6000L capacities. Designed for versatility across commercial applications including apartment blocks, motels, schools, and gyms. Multiple systems can be combined for even larger volumes.
• Central Heating System Solar thermodynamic central heating system using a separate Solar Block unit containing compressor, heat exchanger, and electronic controls. Produces hot water at 55°C for hydronic underfloor heating or low temperature radiators. Typically requires 6 or 12 panels depending on home size and insulation.
• Eurothane GP PIR Insulation Advanced PIR insulation product from Recticel, introduced to New Zealand by The Alternative Energy Company. High R-value insulation product for walls, roofs, and floors that does not sag, rot, degrade, or need replacing. Part of the company's energy efficiency commitment alongside thermodynamic water heating.

Quantifiable outcome

• Saves 80-85% on electricity costs for water heating compared to conventional electric cylinders or boilers
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and minor.

• EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023EECA administers the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry Fund (GIDI). Fonterra's 120-panel solar thermodynamic installation at their Palmerston North plant was supported by GIDI funding. TAEC is aligned with EECA's energy efficiency messaging and is referenced in EECA's communications as a recommended water heating solution.
• EnergiecoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerEnergie is a world-leading manufacturer of solar thermodynamic technology based in Portugal, with 40 years of manufacturing experience and installations in over 40 countries. The Alternative Energy Company is the exclusive supplier and installer of Energie products in New Zealand. They introduced Energie solar thermodynamic water heating technology to NZ in 2012.
• RecticelminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerRecticel is a European manufacturer of Eurothane GP PIR insulation. The Alternative Energy Company introduced Eurothane GP PIR insulation to New Zealand as part of their energy efficiency product range.
• McKee Fehl Constructors LtdcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMcKee Fehl Constructors Ltd is the main construction partner for large commercial solar thermodynamic installations including the Stats NZ/MfE building at 8 Willis St Wellington (56 panels) and the Frederick St apartment block (64 panels). They chose solar thermodynamic technology as it aligns with the sustainability and energy efficiency goals of their projects.
• Apex Water LtdcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerApex Water Ltd designed and constructed the Cardrona Valley Waste Water Treatment Plant. They partnered with TAEC to install a 32-panel solar thermodynamic system commissioned in September 2020. Dr Matt Savage from Apex Water presented a paper on the project at the 2022 Water NZ Conference.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Sanden International: Sanden's CO2 heat pump water heaters are sold in NZ and Australia as a low-GWP, high-COP alternative to conventional electric and gas cylinders. They overlap directly with TAEC's positioning of efficient, environmentally friendly hot water for residential and commercial customers.
• Apricus: Apricus manufactures evacuated-tube solar thermal hot water systems sold globally, including in NZ. It competes on the same 'renewable hot water' value proposition and overlapping domestic and commercial customer segments.
• Stiebel Eltron: Stiebel Eltron manufactures high-efficiency heat pump water heaters (including WWK and similar models) and is a direct technological competitor in the air-source / heat-pump DHW category where TAEC's Aquapura and thermodynamic systems compete.
• Bosch Thermotechnology New Zealand: Bosch distributes heat pump, solar, and gas water heating systems in NZ through plumbing wholesalers, targeting the same residential and commercial installer channel that TAEC serves with its thermodynamic cylinders and Solar Block systems.
• Rinnai New Zealand: Rinnai NZ sells gas, electric, and continuous-flow hot water systems plus heat pump water heaters across the same residential and light commercial customer base. It is one of the most direct incumbent competitors to TAEC in the NZ hot water market.
• Rheem New Zealand: Rheem is a major NZ water heater brand offering solar, gas, electric, and heat pump hot water solutions for residential and commercial customers, directly competing with TAEC's thermodynamic cylinder range across the same channels.

Broad incumbents

• A. O. Smith New Zealand: A. O. Smith supplies commercial and residential water heaters (including high-efficiency and heat pump models) into NZ through plumbing channels, competing with TAEC's Solar Block and Eco XL commercial cylinders.
• Daikin New Zealand: Daikin is a broad HVAC incumbent in NZ whose hot water heat pump and Altherma product lines overlap with TAEC's Aquapura air-to-water heat pump offering for residential and light commercial customers.

Others

• Energie (Portugal): Energie is TAEC's exclusive OEM supplier of thermodynamic panels. While not a direct competitor in NZ, Energie markets the same core thermodynamic technology in 45+ countries and represents the parent technology platform underlying TAEC's product line.

Emerging players

• Hitachi Heat Pump Water Heaters: Hitachi's high-COP heat pump water heaters are sold in Australasia and represent an emerging, low-GWP alternative to gas/electric hot water that competes with TAEC's thermodynamic technology on efficiency and decarbonisation benefits.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCZmp-W2nDVYsjI1Rzt6fPAg
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheAlternativeEnergyCompany
• Xx.com/altengco
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-alternative-energy-company-ltd

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Alternative Energy