The name Rakebit might not ring a bell for most Kiwis, but the company behind it is quietly reshaping how we think about renewable energy infrastructure. Founded in 2018 in Auckland, Rakebit specialises in automated, modular solar and battery storage systems designed to slash installation costs and accelerate adoption of clean energy across New Zealand—and beyond. Their technology isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about democratising access to renewable power for homes, farms, and even remote communities where traditional grid solutions are impractical. The company’s latest figures show it has deployed over 100 megawatts of solar capacity in New Zealand alone, with projects spanning from suburban rooftops to large-scale commercial sites. Their work reflects a broader trend: New Zealand’s tech sector is increasingly positioning itself as a global leader in sustainable innovation, with startups like Rakebit proving that the country’s unique environmental challenges can be a competitive advantage in the energy transition.
The heart of Rakebit’s success lies in its proprietary software-driven assembly system, which uses robotic arms and AI to assemble solar panels and battery units with a precision and speed that traditional methods simply can’t match. A typical installation that would take weeks with manual labour now takes just a few days, reducing costs by up to 40%. This isn’t just about speed—it’s about scalability. The company’s modular designs mean systems can be expanded or reconfigured as energy needs change, making them ideal for both permanent and temporary setups. For example, Rakebit’s work with dairy farmers in the Bay of Plenty has shown how automated systems can provide off-grid power for milking operations, a critical advantage in regions where grid access is unreliable. Their systems are also being tested in the South Pacific, where remote island communities face similar challenges to those in Aotearoa. The potential here isn’t just local—it’s global, and Rakebit is positioning itself as a key player in the next wave of renewable energy infrastructure.
But Rakebit’s impact extends beyond just the technology itself. The company has become a hub for innovation in New Zealand’s tech ecosystem, attracting talent from both local universities and international backgrounds. Their partnership with the University of Auckland’s Centre for Energy Research has led to breakthroughs in battery storage optimisation, while their collaboration with local manufacturers has helped secure jobs and reduce reliance on imported components. The company’s growth has been steady but aggressive: in its first five years, Rakebit has expanded from a small Auckland-based operation to a team of over 100 employees across New Zealand, with plans to double that number in the next three years. Their funding trajectory reflects this ambition. While they’ve raised just over $15 million in venture capital since inception, much of that has come from strategic investors who see long-term potential in New Zealand’s renewable energy sector. The company’s latest funding round, led by a European green energy fund, was secured just last year, marking a significant milestone in their international expansion.
One of Rakebit’s most compelling stories is its approach to sustainability. The company operates under a strict circular economy model, where components like solar panels and batteries are designed for easy disassembly and reuse. Their solar panels, for instance, are built with materials that can be recycled back into new panels or other products, reducing waste and lowering the environmental footprint of their installations. This isn’t just good PR—it’s a business strategy. The company’s ability to offer fully sustainable solutions is increasingly a differentiator in a market where greenwashing is rampant. For instance, their partnership with a local recycling company has allowed them to recover and reuse over 90% of the materials used in their systems, a figure that puts them ahead of competitors who often struggle to reach 70%. This commitment to sustainability isn’t just about compliance—it’s about building trust with customers who are increasingly demanding transparency in their energy providers.
Yet the real measure of Rakebit’s success lies in the tangible outcomes they’ve delivered. Since launching, the company has helped over 5,000 households and businesses reduce their carbon footprint by an average of 30%, with some large-scale projects cutting emissions by up to 80%. Their work with the New Zealand government’s Emissions Trading Scheme has been particularly impactful, with Rakebit systems installed in key sectors like agriculture and tourism helping meet national climate targets. The company’s influence isn’t limited to New Zealand either. Their modular designs have caught the attention of governments in Fiji and Samoa, where they’re being considered for off-grid energy solutions. The potential for export is enormous, and Rakebit is positioning itself as a bridge between New Zealand’s renewable energy expertise and the global demand for sustainable infrastructure.
Visit site to explore how Rakebit is leading the charge in transforming New Zealand’s energy landscape—and how their innovations could be the key to unlocking a cleaner, more resilient future for communities around the world.
- Rakebit has deployed over 100 megawatts of solar capacity in New Zealand, with projects spanning rooftops to commercial sites.
- Their automated assembly system reduces installation time by up to 40% compared to traditional methods.
- Over 90% of the materials used in Rakebit systems are recycled back into new products.
- The company has helped over 5,000 households and businesses reduce their carbon footprint by an average of 30%.
- Rakebit’s battery storage optimisation, developed in partnership with the University of Auckland, has improved energy efficiency by up to 25%.
The future of Rakebit is as exciting as their past. With plans to expand into Australia and the Pacific Islands, their technology could become a cornerstone of the global renewable energy transition. Their ability to combine cutting-edge engineering with a deep understanding of New Zealand’s unique environmental challenges sets them apart in an industry that’s often driven by generic solutions. For Kiwis who’ve long felt our country’s potential was underutilised, Rakebit represents a tangible example of how innovation can turn our environmental advantages into global leadership. The question isn’t whether New Zealand’s tech startups can compete in the clean energy race—they’re already winning. The question is how much longer we’ll wait to see the full scale of their impact.