The case for energy loans: read our latest explainer
For Jack Tame, the question of going solar is not if, but when. As he said on his Newstalk ZB show after confronting a big electricity bill, "there are only so many gains to be won from policing light switches and shower times. I’m seriously wondering about solar ... The huge surge in solar is being driven by economics. Put simply, solar power is way, way, way cheaper than other forms of electricity generation. Between batteries and solar panels, the technology is only getting better and only getting cheaper."
It pays to remember that using grid electricity is cheaper than using fossil fuels and using solar is the cheapest form of delivered electricity New Zealanders can get. If you can also run your EV on the sun, that will significantly increase the savings.
Demand for solar was already growing here, albeit from a low-base, and recent changes from the Government and the Electricity Authority are postive signals for New Zealanders to invest.
We're also working hard on a scheme that would help overcome the higher upfront costs of electric machines and solar by offering low-interest, long-term electrification loans that are tied to a property and we're confident that will increase uptake.
Rewiring Aotearoa is in favour of universal Road User Charges as we believe it will address an artificial market distortion for vehicles that is not in New Zealand’s economic, fuel security, or resilience interests. Here's what we told the Select Committee.
Read moreDownloadThe story of Uruguay's renewable push and why it's relevant here; EVs reach a tipping point in the EU, but they're growing in developing nations, too; Tauranga Crossing and Endless Energy go vertical with a new solar install; new research shows panels keep on trucking far past their warranty periods; and if you need a hand getting out on the waves, how about getting your own electric towing machine.
Read moreDownloadOur Political Power series aims to show that going electric is good for everyone, no matter where you sit on the political sprectrum. Whether you're looking to lower costs, reduce emissions or increase resilience, it increasingly makes sense at an individual, community and country level and ACT's Todd Stephenson, who bought an electric Jeep around one year ago and built his new home in Queenstown to run on electrons, is a good example of that.
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