
There are an increasing number of Bright Sparks in the rural sector who have figured out that there is money to be saved and emissions to be reduced by embracing solar. Aidan Bichan from Kaiwaiwai Dairies in South Wairarapa realised that earlier than most.

In 2021, the team installed a 54 kW ground-mounted solar PV system. That's 144 panels and it saves them about $15,000 per year on energy.
There's room for more, but he's also looking at putting panels on waterways, rather than covering pasture. That's better for the environment and better for the farm's books.
New South Wales gets the memo about the importance of finance and announces scheme offering zero interest loans to households to upgrade to electric stuff; plug-in solar gets the tick of approval to go on sale in the UK soon and the New York Times says it could 'change America'; EVolocity takes electrification to the streets to gets the kids inspired (and eventually employed); a tour of the amazing recycling business Redwood Materials; Think Solar and BYD give it away now; and a skit that cuts close to the bone for many solar dads.
Read moreDownloadAdvances in technology and falling costs mean customer-owned solar and batteries can play a critical role in New Zealand’s energy infrastructure - improving affordability, resilience and sustainability. Multiple trading relationships (MTR) and peer-to-peer trading would enable this potential by increasing competition, customer choice, and innovation in the electricity market, unlocking greater consumer benefits from customer solar and batteries.
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