Your Local, Award-Winning, One-Stop Solar Shop
Freenergy Solar Solutions is a Hawke’s Bay local. We provide an independent specialist service in all things solar from site visit to sign-off.
Our customers - Hawke’s Bay home and business owners - benefit from our experience and commitment to providing high quality and cost effective solar energy solutions.
Our values are simple and we stand by them:
We listen to our customers and offer them the best system design to meet their needs.
We treat our customers and their homes with respect.
We supply high-quality products and our installations are always professionally completed to a high standard.
We pride ourselves on communicating with customers clearly and promptly, keeping you in the loop and answering any questions you may have.
The Freenergy Story
Freenergy is owned by Aaron Duncan. In 2007, returning to NZ after an extended OE, Aaron realised he was ready for a change. Disillusioned with the corporate world focus on profit above people and the environment.
Exploring alternatives, Aaron saw the solar industry, still in its infancy, was forward-looking and exciting. Aaron quit the oil and gas industry after 10 years as a ROV pilot technician (remotely operated vehicle). Aaron upskilled more from his trade background and skills in mechanical engineering, electronics, hydraulics and system design and Freenergy was the result.
Over the past decade, Freenergy has worked with all manner of Hawke’s Bay solar applications. Solar is our sole focus, we’re not doing it on the side. We have proven technical skills and can handle the most complex jobs but simple ones get our full attention too. Let us prove it, get in touch for a complimentary quote.
An Award-Winning Team
The quality of our work and customer service has been consistently recognised by our industry peers at the SEANZ Aotearoa Industry Awards. SEANZ is the Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand, the national body representing solar, battery, and renewable energy technology in Aotearoa.
In 2025, Freenergy was named J.A. Russell Best Small Business at the SEANZ Aotearoa Industry Awards. This national honour celebrates innovation, quality, and positive impact across the solar and energy sector.
In 2023, Director Aaron Duncan received the Industry Person of the Year award for his outstanding contribution to SEANZ and the industry. Following Cyclone Gabrielle, Aaron supported the development of resilience case studies and helped guide recovery initiatives across the region while rebuilding Freenergy’s operations.
In 2018, Freenergy was recognised as Runner Up for Best Small Business at the SEANZ Awards. The judges acknowledged their continued professionalism and commitment to industry-wide development.
In 2016, Freenergy was awarded Best Small Business for quality installations, strong systems, and high levels of customer satisfaction. Aaron Duncan also received his first Industry Person of the Year title that same year.
Meet the Team
Aaron
Founder and General Manager
Aaron oversees the day-to-day running of the business and ensures everything operates at the highest standard. He is constantly assessing new products, carrying out quality control, and staying hands-on with clients to understand their needs, optimise solutions, and provide accurate quotes. His leadership and vision drive Freenergy’s commitment to delivering reliable, sustainable energy solutions.
Sarah B
Finance and Admin Manager
Sarah is Freenergy’s dedicated Finance and Administration Manager, ensuring the smooth operation of the office and overseeing everything finance related. With a keen eye for detail, she makes sure everything behind the scenes runs seamlessly so the team can focus on delivering quality solar solutions.
Sarah C
Office Administrator
Sarah keeps Freenergy’s installation team running like clockwork. She manages scheduling and coordination, while also supporting customers with friendly, reliable service. Her attention to detail and approachable style ensure both the team and clients are well looked after from start to finish.
Jorge
Installation Team Lead
Jorge leads Freenergy’s installation team, making sure every solar project is delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard. Originally from Chile, he brings international experience and a strong work ethic to the role. Jorge is also working towards becoming a qualified Electrician, adding even more expertise to the team.
Jun
Electrician
Jun is Freenergy’s trusted Electrician, making sure every solar installation is completed with precision and care. With a strong work ethic, keen eye for detail, and solid technical expertise, he plays a vital role in delivering reliable solar systems that customers can depend on for the long term.
Kane
Installation Technician
Kane brings plenty of hands-on experience to Freenergy, with a strong background in solar roof work. His practical skills and reliability make him an important part of the installation team, ensuring projects are completed safely and to a high standard.
Josh
Apprentice Electrician & Installation Technician
Josh is a third-year Apprentice Electrician, steadily building his skills under the guidance of Jun, Freenergy’s lead Electrician. With hands-on experience in installing panels, running wiring, and supporting technical system setups, he is well on his way to becoming fully qualified. His growing expertise makes him a valuable part of the installation team.
Kees
Installation Technician
Kees supports the Freenergy installation team on-site, helping to ensure every solar system is fitted safely and efficiently. Young and enthusiastic, he brings a positive attitude and a hands-on approach that makes him a valued part of the crew.
Sustainability Is Our Passion
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. We are in the solar industry because we 100 percent believe action must be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions if we have any hope of meeting the Paris Climate Agreement goal of limiting global climate change to less than 2ºC above pre-industrial levels.
If we don’t meet this goal, life on our planet will dramatically change. We are already seeing an unprecedented level of extreme weather events, rising sea levels affecting our Pacific neighbours, species extinction, and biodiversity loss.
New Zealand’s net emissions have been steadily increasing since 1990. In 2014, we emitted 54 percent more greenhouse gas than we did in 1990. While we generate 80 percent of our electricity from renewable sources, we think New Zealand should be powered 100 percent by renewable energy.
Solar power systems offer an alternative and clean form of power with no harmful carbon emissions. The energy source of solar power is the sun, which is 100 percent renewable. Solar panels have minimal impact on wildlife, whereas hydroelectricity and damming, can have serious impacts on the biodiversity of the chosen area.
As a business and as individuals we are committed to reducing our own carbon footprint as much as possible. We generate our own power, recycle what we can, measure our fuel usage, support our local community, and generally try to do our bit to be as sustainable as we can. Our next step will be to verify and offset our emissions… so watch this space.
