Dean Dunning

Dean is a Wanaka-based renewable energy expert with over a decade of experience building solar solutions across the South Island.

As founder of Wanaka Solar, he grew the business from the ground up into the region's leading local solar provider, known for quality installations and strong customer care. Building on that success, Dean founded Think Solar Group, taking the systems and standards he'd proven in Wanaka and scaling them across branches South Island–wide. A qualified electrician with a Certificate in Renewable Technology,

Dean has helped deliver major projects across Central Otago and beyond including a 145kW system at Dunedin Airport and large-scale installations at Two Paddocks, Forest Lodge Orchard, and Mt White Station. He brings a genuine, on-the-ground perspective to Wanaka's sustainability conversation, backed by a real track record of building solar businesses from the ground up.

Dean will be speaking at The Future of Energy Kōrero at Wao Summit 2026.