FAQ
Our Frequently
Asked Questions.
Purchasing
How do I buy an Aotea Battery?
A: You can order directly from our website in just a few clicks. Everything is clear and transparent — from pricing to expected savings.
Is my payment secure?
A: Yes, all payments are processed through trusted, encrypted systems. You can also choose approved financing options.
How quickly can I place an order?
A: The whole process takes just a few minutes online. No quotes. No guesswork.
Delivery & Installation
How long does delivery take?
A: Most customers have their battery delivered and installed within 72 hours of purchase.
Do I have to arrange delivery myself?
A: No — delivery and installation are fully included in the purchase.
How long does installation take?
A: Three to four hours, one visit. No roof work.
What's included in your $1,500 install fee?
A: Labour, wiring, mounting, commissioning, and full electrical compliance — including your Certificate of Compliance and Record of Inspection. All work is done by our own registered electricians. Extended cable runs, switchboard upgrades, or other site-specific requirements. We identify these at the pre-check, so you'll know before anything is booked.
What happens on the day?
Pre-check — we visit to confirm layout, switchboard configuration and installation details Install day — our electricians mount, wire and commission the system, with full compliance documentation Switched on — your AE-1 is live and trading, you're set up in the AE App, and we handle the switchover to our power plan.
Do you install everywhere in New Zealand?
A: We're currently installing in Auckland and Christchurch. If you are outside of these regions we will keep in touch and notify you once we are available and rolling out in your area.
Home Requirements
What does my home need to get a battery?
Our system is designed to work in almost any New Zealand home. You just need a standard smart meter, Wifi connection, and a safe wall space for installation.need a standard smart meter, Wifi connection, and a safe wall space for installation.
Do I need solar panels?
No — the battery works perfectly on its own. If you add solar panels later, your system will automatically increase your savings.
How much space does it take?
A: The battery is compact and wall-mounted, about the size of a large suitcase. It can be installed in a garage, utility room, or sheltered outdoor area.
Does my switchboard or wiring need upgrades?
A: In most cases, no. Our install team will check your home’s electrical setup during installation, and if minor upgrades are needed, we’ll coordinate the necessary upgrades.
Is it safe in my home?
A: Yes — we use LiFePO₄ chemistry, which is among the safest lithium battery types available. The system is fully certified and compliant with NZ safety standards.
Can it work in a power outage?
A: Yes — the battery can supply your home during outages, keeping essential appliances running when the grid goes down.
Does my switchboard or wiring need upgrades?
A: In most cases, no. Our install team will check your home’s electrical setup during installation, and if minor upgrades are needed, we’ll coordinate the necessary upgrades.
Is it safe in my home?
A: Yes — we use LiFePO₄ chemistry, which is among the safest lithium battery types available. The system is fully certified and compliant with NZ safety standards.
Everyday Use
Is the system complicated to use?
A: Not at all — it works automatically. A simple app lets you check your savings and battery status anytime
How much can I save?
A: Most households save $1,000+ per year through smart charging and peak-time use — without changing their habits.
Does it only work if I have solar panels?
A: No — the battery works on its own. If you add solar later, it will only increase your savings potentially converting into earnings.
Does insurance cover it?
A: We recommend checking with your insurer as policies vary. As a general guide, the battery system itself is typically covered under a homeowner's building insurance policy as a fixed installation, rather than under contents or legal liability cover. If you are a tenant, it is worth discussing with your landlord as the cover would likely fall under the property owner's building policy. The battery is fully AS/NZS compliant and certified, every installation is completed by a registered electrician, independently inspected, and a Certificate of Compliance is issued. The battery also meets fire safety standards under AS/NZS 5139, which most insurers will want to confirm. We recommend notifying your insurer when the system is installed.
Retail & Billing
Why is Aotea Energy also an electricity retailer?
A: We became a licensed retailer so we can unlock the full value of your battery by leveraging the wholesale electricity markets – limiting downside risks and providing all the upsides.
Why do I need to be on your power plan?
A: To trade on the wholesale market, you need a licensed electricity retailer. We're yours. Without a retail plan, there's no market access — the battery can store, but it can't trade.
What does the power plan cost?
A: $20 a month, and that's the whole fee. There's no markup on power — energy, lines and network charges are all passed through at cost. You pay what we pay.
Do I have to switch from my current provider?
A: Yes. We handle the switchover as part of getting you set up.
How will I be billed?
A: You’ll receive one clear monthly bill that shows: — Your total electricity usage. — How your battery reduced peak-time costs. — The savings you made through smart arbitrage. — Any export credits if you also have solar.
Do I still get lines charges?
All charges (energy, network, and services) are passed in your Aotea Energy bill with zero markup.
What happens If I move?
Your Aotea Energy battery belongs to you and is treated like any other household appliance. If you move home, you can take the battery with you, as long as standard electrical and local distributor requirements are met at your new property. Just let us know as we can help coordinate the switchover to your new address.
Can I switch to another electricity retailer?
A: Yes. If you switch to another electricity retailer, you keep your battery and can move retailers through the normal industry switching process. After switching, you’ll move to a battery-only setup, meaning you won’t pay Aotea’s retail subscription or access wholesale market pricing or automated trading. Your battery will continue to operate in a standalone mode using either your chosen time-of-use schedule or a simple manual charging setup. You stay in control, and you’re always free to choose the retailer that works best for you.
Supplements & Upgrades
Do I need extra equipment for it to work?
A: No. Everything you need is included. Solar is optional.
Can I expand later if my energy needs grow?
A: Yes — our systems are modular and can scale with your household's needs.
Maintenance
Does the battery require maintenance?
A: There is no maintenance required. Your warranty is for 10 years (or 6,000 cycles). If there is any issue, we are local and are provide you with full support if you have any questions.
How do updates work?
A: Software upgrades happen automatically, over the air — just like your phone.
Are there ongoing costs?
A: No. Support and maintenance are included in your warranty.
End of Life & Disposal
What happens when the battery reaches the end of its life?
A: At the end of its life, we'll help arrange recycling of your battery with local recycling companies.
FAQ
Our Frequently
Asked Questions.
Purchasing
How do I buy an Aotea Battery?
A: You can order directly from our website in just a few clicks. Everything is clear and transparent — from pricing to expected savings.
Is my payment secure?
A: Yes, all payments are processed through trusted, encrypted systems. You can also choose approved financing options.
How quickly can I place an order?
A: The whole process takes just a few minutes online. No quotes. No guesswork.
Delivery & Installation
How long does delivery take?
A: Most customers have their battery delivered and installed within 72 hours of purchase.
Do I have to arrange delivery myself?
A: No — delivery and installation are fully included in the purchase.
How long does installation take?
A: Around 2–3 hours. No roof work or major home changes required.
Home Requirements
What do I need in my home to get an Aotea battery?
A: Not much — our system is designed to work in almost any New Zealand home. You just need a standard smart meter, Wifi connection, and a safe wall space for installation.
Do I need solar panels?
No — the battery works perfectly on its own. If you add solar panels later, your system will automatically increase your savings.
How much space does it take?
A: The battery is compact and wall-mounted, about the size of a large suitcase. It can be installed in a garage, utility room, or sheltered outdoor area.
Does my switchboard or wiring need upgrades?
A: In most cases, no. Our install team will check your home’s electrical setup during installation, and if minor upgrades are needed, we’ll coordinate the necessary upgrades.
Is it safe in my home?
A: Yes — we use LiFePO₄ chemistry, which is among the safest lithium battery types available. The system is fully certified and compliant with NZ safety standards.
Can it work in a power outage?
A: Yes — the battery can supply your home during outages, keeping essential appliances running when the grid goes down.
Everyday Use
Is the system complicated to use?
A: Not at all — it works automatically. A simple app lets you check your savings and battery status anytime
How much can I save?
A: Most households save $1,000+ per year through smart charging and peak-time use — without changing their habits.
Does it only work if I have solar panels?
A: No — the battery works on its own. If you add solar later, it will only increase your savings potentially converting into earnings.
Retail & Billing
Why is Aotea Energy also an electricity retailer?
A: We became a licensed retailer so we can unlock the full value of your battery by leveraging the wholesale electricity markets – limiting downside risks and providing all the upsides.
What does being with Aotea as my retailer enable?
A: Here are the main benefits that you can expect: — Smarter savings – we shift your usage to the lowest-cost times automatically. — Resilience – your home is backed by your own stored energy during outages. — Transparency – you see where your energy comes from, how it’s priced, and what you’ve saved. — Community benefits – as we grow, our network effect enables virtual power plant benefits, smarter trading, and better deals.
What does the process require from me?
A: When you purchase an Aotea battery, we will initiate the switch to Aotea Energy retail plan. It’s seamless, with no interruption to your power supply.
How will I be billed?
A: You’ll receive one clear monthly bill that shows: — Your total electricity usage. — How your battery reduced peak-time costs. — The savings you made through smart arbitrage. — Any export credits if you also have solar.
Do I still deal with lines companies or other charges?
A: No — all charges (energy, network, and services) are included in your Aotea Energy bill.
What happens If I move?
Your Aotea Energy battery belongs to you and is treated like any other household appliance. If you move home, you can take the battery with you, as long as standard electrical and local distributor requirements are met at your new property. Just let us know as we can help coordinate the switchover to your new address.
Can I switch to another electricity retailer?
Yes. If you switch to another electricity retailer, you keep your battery and can move retailers through the normal industry switching process. After switching, you’ll move to a battery-only setup, meaning you won’t pay Aotea’s retail subscription or access wholesale market pricing or automated trading. Your battery will continue to operate in a standalone mode using either your chosen time-of-use schedule or a simple manual charging setup. You stay in control, and you’re always free to choose the retailer that works best for you.
Supplements & Upgrades
Do I need extra equipment for it to work?
A: No. Everything you need is included. Solar is optional.
Can I expand later if my energy needs grow?
A: Yes — our systems are modular and can scale with your household's needs.
Maintenance
Does the battery require maintenance?
A: Very little. It's designed to run for 15-20 years with minimal servicing.
How do updates work?
A: Software upgrades happen automatically, over the air — just like your phone.
Are there ongoing costs?
A: No. Support and maintenance are included in your warranty.
End of Life & Disposal
What happens when the battery reaches the end of its life?
A: At the end of its life, we'll help arrange recycling of your battery with local recycling companies.
FAQ
Our Frequently
Asked Questions.
Purchasing
How do I buy an Aotea Battery?
A: You can order directly from our website in just a few clicks. Everything is clear and transparent — from pricing to expected savings.
Is my payment secure?
A: Yes, all payments are processed through trusted, encrypted systems. You can also choose approved financing options.
How quickly can I place an order?
A: The whole process takes just a few minutes online. No quotes. No guesswork.
Delivery & Installation
How long does delivery take?
A: Most customers have their battery delivered and installed within 72 hours of purchase.
Do I have to arrange delivery myself?
A: No — delivery and installation are fully included in the purchase.
How long does installation take?
A: Around 3-4 hours. No roof work or major home changes required.
Home Requirements
What do I need for an Aotea battery?
A: Not much — our system is designed to work in almost any New Zealand home. You just need a standard smart meter, Wifi connection, and a safe wall space for installation.
Do I need solar panels?
No — the battery works perfectly on its own. If you add solar panels later, your system will automatically increase your savings.
How much space does it take?
A: The battery is compact and wall-mounted, about the size of a large suitcase. It can be installed in a garage, utility room, or sheltered outdoor area.
Will my switchboard or wiring need upgrades?
A: In most cases, no. Our install team will check your home’s electrical setup during installation, and if minor upgrades are needed, we’ll coordinate the necessary upgrades.
Is it safe in my home?
A: Yes — we use LiFePO₄ chemistry, which is among the safest lithium battery types available. The system is fully certified and compliant with NZ safety standards.
Can it work in a power outage?
A: Yes — the battery can supply your home during outages, keeping essential appliances running when the grid goes down.
Everyday Use
Is the system complicated to use?
A: Not at all — it works automatically. A simple app lets you check your savings and battery status anytime
How much can I save?
A: Most households save $1,000+ per year through smart charging and peak-time use — without changing their habits.
Does it only work if I have solar panels?
A: No — the battery works on its own. If you add solar later, it will only increase your savings potentially converting into earnings.
Retail & Billing
Why is Aotea Energy also an electricity retailer?
A: We became a licensed retailer so we can unlock the full value of your battery by leveraging the wholesale electricity markets – limiting downside risks and providing all the upsides.
What does being with Aotea as my retailer enable?
A: Here are the main benefits that you can expect: — Smarter savings – we shift your usage to the lowest-cost times automatically. — Resilience – your home is backed by your own stored energy during outages. — Transparency – you see where your energy comes from, how it’s priced, and what you’ve saved. — Community benefits – as we grow, our network effect enables virtual power plant benefits, smarter trading, and better deals.
What does the process require from me?
A: When you purchase an Aotea battery, we will initiate the switch to Aotea Energy retail plan. It’s seamless, with no interruption to your power supply.
How will I be billed?
A: You’ll receive one clear monthly bill that shows: — Your total electricity usage. — How your battery reduced peak-time costs. — The savings you made through smart arbitrage. — Any export credits if you also have solar.
Do I still deal with lines companies or other charges?
A: No — all charges (energy, network, and services) are included in your Aotea Energy bill.
What happens If I move?
Your Aotea Energy battery belongs to you and is treated like any other household appliance. If you move home, you can take the battery with you, as long as standard electrical and local distributor requirements are met at your new property. Just let us know as we can help coordinate the switchover to your new address.
Can I switch to another electricity retailer?
Yes. If you switch to another electricity retailer, you keep your battery and can move retailers through the normal industry switching process. After switching, you’ll move to a battery-only setup, meaning you won’t pay Aotea’s retail subscription or access wholesale market pricing or automated trading. Your battery will continue to operate in a standalone mode using either your chosen time-of-use schedule or a simple manual charging setup. You stay in control, and you’re always free to choose the retailer that works best for you.
Supplements & Upgrades
Do I need extra equipment for it to work?
A: No. Everything you need is included. Solar is optional.
Can I expand later if my energy needs grow?
A: Yes — our systems are modular and can scale with your household's needs.
Maintenance
Does the battery require maintenance?
A: Very little. It's designed to run for 15-20 years with minimal servicing.
How do updates work?
A: Software upgrades happen automatically, over the air — just like your phone.
Are there ongoing costs?
A: No. Support and maintenance are included in your warranty.
End of Life & Disposal
What happens when the battery reaches the end of its life?
A: At the end of its life, we'll help arrange recycling of your battery with local recycling companies.
