When Lance Double started his solar business in 2009, he was a one-man band travelling the country installing panels. Now that business has grown to become Esolar (Solar Electric Technology) and has won a national award for the second time.
On the eve of sponsoring the Appleby Fair, the business was named New Zealand’s Best Medium Business at the 2026 Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand (SEANZ) Aotearoa Industry Awards.
His wife and co-director of the business, Alex Double, says the award is recognition for the team that has grown to 11 over the years and seen solar come of age.
“It’s been pretty hard slog for the original members here. Lance has been there since the infancy of solar and he has seen it all. For many years he was a one-man band, travelling around the country and at some times taking his Dad as an installer. Sometimes he would be away for a week or so installing.
“He’s definitely had a lot of comments over the years, from it’s a waste of money or that it’s a myth. Now we’re booked until February next year with installations.”
Alex says technology has also “changed ridiculously” over the years to become more efficient and more affordable.
Lance says more Top of the South households, farms and businesses are looking at solar and batteries as power prices rise.
The couple were in Auckland for the awards on the eve of the Appleby Fair, so headed back on an early flight the next morning to be at the fair.
The business recently completed work for both Nelson and Tasman councils to improve community resilience through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) Community Renewable Energy Fund. Alex says adding solar to community hubs will be hugely beneficial in helping communities build resilience.
Training within the business was also highlighted at the awards and Alex says four employees who have completed their apprenticeships to become electricians are all specialising in renewable energy.
The award recognises business excellence within the renewable energy sector, celebrating businesses that have developed and grown while making a positive contribution to society, the industry and stakeholders. Judges highlighted Esolar’s strong supplier relationships and honest sales approach, ongoing training, and delivery of EECA community resilience projects.
Esolar first won the award in 2023 and in total, it has now won six SEANZ awards since 2017, including Best Small Business and Best Off-Grid System twice.
