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IN PHOTO: Enphase Energy, Inc. announced its plan to expand its global engineering facility in Christchurch, New Zealand to support the design, development and testing of its microinverters. Solar panels donated by China are seen at a park in Havana August 11, 2014. Cuba has shifted its focus away from offshore oil, concentrating on renewable energy and improving output from onshore wells due to a lack of interest by foreign companies for further deepwater exploration, sources close to the industry say. REUTERS/Enrique De La Osa

Enphase Energy, Inc. announced its plan to expand its global engineering facility in Christchurch, New Zealand to support the design, development and testing of its microinverters. The Christchurch engineering location will integrate its existing office and engineering facilities, increasing the company’s employment in the country, along with contributing to its global growth.

“New Zealand is an untapped market for exceptional engineering talent,” said Nathan Dunn, Asia-Pacific managing director for Enphase. “Christchurch’s heritage in developing talent in the power electronics and engineering industry is globally recognised, and Enphase is delighted to call Christchurch home.”

There is more good news for those longing for a break in the energy sector. Enphase plans to expand its Kiwi engineering workforce by 35 percent by the fourth quarter 2016. The company also plans to liaise with the University of Canterbury to recruit more fresh talents.

Dunn added, “Enphase’s engineers in New Zealand have made several important and strategic product development contributions. These have laid the foundation for the entry of our highly successful range of microinverters into the Australasian and European markets. These regions combined with all other markets outside of North America, contribute approximately 15 percent of our global revenue.”

New Zealand is an emerging market for the company considering the country has traditionally relied on hydro to power its energy requirements. In fact, the New Zealand Green Party has drafted out its wish to deliver solar power to 30,000 homes in three years through a proposed 30,000 Solar Homes policy.

“We are extremely positive about our business potential and growth in New Zealand,” said Dunn. “It is a unique market where solar has the potential to grow and expand without the political legacy of subsidies propping up the renewable energy industry.”

Meanwhile, if you want to know more about job scene in New Zealand, keep reading:

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