A community-led pathway exploring what a fair, community-aligned energy future could look like.
WE Share is a values-based, community-initiated project that supports Waiheke households to explore how local energy participation could evolve over time. Its role is to help the community design the frameworks, protections, and participation pathways that could enable community-owned energy models in the future.
WE Share does not run energy systems or operate technical services. Instead, it provides clarity, structure, and community process — helping households understand their options and shaping the governance foundations needed for future local benefit.
WE Share supports a community-led exploration of what values-aligned energy participation might look like for Waiheke — now and in the years ahead.
Current areas of focus include:
Different organisations and community members contribute in their own roles. Technical services, installations, data platforms, and retail functions are carried out by those providers — not by WE Share.
As the project evolves, WE Share is guiding the development of:
For more information about past pilot activity with Our Energy, their platform is available here: https://www.ourenergy.co.nz (WE Share does not operate the platform or manage energy flows.)
Source: Gulf News – June 27, 2024 With power price increases once again on the horizon, a Waiheke solar energy sharing network is on a recruitment drive. Waiheke Energy Share, or WE Share, started as a grassroots community project aiming to reduce the island’s carbon......
Energy Alternatives contributes to the broader community conversation by providing independent, values-aligned solar guidance for Waiheke households.
Our role is to help people understand:
We supply and install systems suited to Waiheke conditions, aligned with SEANZ standards, and designed for long-term flexibility.
Supporting Local Solar Adoption
While WE Share focuses on shaping the future community framework, Energy Alternatives supports household adoption today with:
To discuss a solar or battery system for your home: info@energyalternatives.co.nz
(Any solar purchase is a standard commercial arrangement with Energy Alternatives — independent of WE Share.)
These questions reflect themes raised during community energy conversations on Waiheke. Responses offer general guidance and clarity, not descriptions of an operational scheme.
Some retailers and platforms offer tools for tracking or contributing surplus energy. These are operated by the provider. WE Share does not manage energy sharing.
Most export setups require an advanced meter. Your retailer or installer will confirm requirements.
These are determined by your chosen retailer. WE Share has no involvement in commercial pricing.
Grid-tied solar shuts down for safety. Batteries can provide backup if installed.
Smart meters are usually required for export measurement and accuracy.
Yes. Your installer manages this process with the lines company.
Energy Alternatives works with households to design right-sized, locally appropriate solar and battery systems for Waiheke homes.
While WE Share focuses on the long-term community framework and participation pathways for future energy models, Energy Alternatives is one of the local providers offering practical support for households wanting to adopt solar today.
To explore solar options for your home: