Our History
There has to be an easier way. We can do it ourselves, and do it better.
When Craig Simpson purchased his ex-farm block on the Tinopai peninsula in 2018, he knew he had a few challenges ahead to make it a comfortable place to live. What he didn’t expect was a $90k quote from Northpower to get power connected to the cabin he was planning to build. After receiving similarly large quotes from solar panel stores and big solar power companies, and facing unhelpful and unresponsive customer service when he asked about smaller DIY-friendly systems, he decided to do it himself.
With the help of his son Ethan, an electrical engineer, and his colleague Zed, he managed to learn about solar panels and components, and together they built an off-grid solar solution for a fraction of everyone else’s quote. This caused him to ponder how many other people were in this same position as him - wanting to power their off-grid home but saving money by setting things up themselves and skipping the unhelpful solar panel stores. He knew other people could build their own off-grid solar power solution if he provided them with kit sets and detailed instructions.
That was when GridFree was born, offering New Zealand's first DIY off grid solar kits.
Zed, Ethan, and Craig are now all shareholders in a successful business that has doubled in size every year since they started.
The first year GridFree was run out of Craig’s garage and front room, and they've now expanded into a large warehouse in East Auckland.
The business was built off the back of feedback from our first customers - each one offered advice about how to improve the instruction manuals, the size of the kits, and information we offered online about solar panels, components, and our kits. We now receive many compliments from new customers who are pleasantly surprised to see a company that’s upfront with information and pricing, encourages people to DIY, and shows just how easy it is to install a kit with support that exceeds that of other solar panel stores. They’re always excited to learn how much power they can generate for a much lower price than they expected.
Over the years, the GridFree team has helped thousands of customers across New Zealand take control of their power and create a more independent way of living.
Our customers range from people building homes and homesteads on rural land to tiny home owners, bach owners, lifestyle block families, and people looking to reduce their reliance on the grid with solar and battery storage.
Today, we offer a wide range of solar solutions through our Off-Grid Solar Packages and our Solar Reserve Series of residential grid-tied solar systems. Our packages are designed around different lifestyles, energy needs and budgets, with options to suit everything from a simple cabin or bach to a full-time home.
We've also partnered with electricians all around the country who can install your GridFree system for you.
Our goal is to keep making solar more accessible, so people can embrace greater freedom, independence and control over their energy.
We work hard to provide the products, knowledge and support you need to make informed decisions about solar panels, batteries, inverters and energy storage. Whether you're looking to live completely off the grid or simply generate more of your own power at home, our team is here to help.
Speak to one of our solar experts today for a free consultation. GridFree is 100% New Zealand-owned and operated.
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