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RNZ's money correspondent Susan Edmunds crunches the numbers and finds energy experts extolling rooftop solar's virtues, especially for those with EVs, big power users and those working from home.
Following on from the liquidation of SolarZero, RNZ money correspondent Susan Edmunds posed a question this morning: 'Is it worth getting a solar system?'
Answer: if you're looking for the cheapest electricity New Zealand households can get, then yes.
We regularly shout about solar from the rooftops, but we like it even more when others pick up our research and add to the volume. And, as Consumer's Paul Fuge summarised: "It's a real no brainer … now it just makes such financial sense to do it."
It makes even more sense for those who own electric vehicles because rooftop solar is the cheapest fuel on offer. And it is also the cheapest way to heat your water.
As she said: "It takes just five to eight years for a typical solar power system to pay for itself on a New Zealand home, experts say. But people who are high power users, or who work from home during the day could potentially benefit faster."
The cost of solar panels and batteries has fallen dramatically in recent years. But the playing field is still not level and that's why we are advocating for the rules to change so that customers are fairly rewarded for their exports, particularly at peak times.
Here's to running on the sun.
As gas supplies decline and prices rise, electrification is the best bet, but it's hard for big businesses without government support. Kirsty Johnston talks to Rainbow Nurseries about how it made the switch with help from a grant, and others who are unsure they will be able to keep getting gas. As one busines owner said: "We never considered the risk to the business of not actually having natural gas," one participant said. "We always expect that the price could fluctuate… But we never anticipated maybe having no gas coming from the pipeline." There are ways for the Government to help. And there is a huge amount of new renewable electricity coming on stream, so there won't be a shortage of electrons.
Read moreDownloadMarc Daalder reports on Vector's declining gas network and how it is responding to falling customer numbers. As he writes: "Gas in Auckland is formally past its peak in the latest forecasts from Vector, the city’s only gas distribution business, with new connections set to fall to zero in three years ... From 2029, there would be no new residential or commercial connections – with new industrial connections projected to have already ceased this year."
Read moreDownload'I'm a bogan and I have no problem with the bastardisation of motor vehicles. You can stick whatever motor you like into whatever else you like.' Antz Davies, you are a true boganic Bright Spark and we salute you because it's the bogans that we need to be convincing! Davies is the main brain behind Watt Rods, a Lower Hutt company that converts old cars to electric. "Any and all vehicles, old or new, four wheels or two, big or small, on road or off, fully customised to your requirements."
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