The 'Electric Election': energy policies, side by side
We've long been advocates of more solar on schools at Rewiring Aotearoa and recent analysis by Peter and William Bisley shows the huge potential for schools to benefit while also contributing to the grid.
Their modelling was based on just 5% of the roofspace being used, with a focus on self-consumption. That would generate around the same amount of power consumed by about 20,000 houses.
But we need to be more ambitious. Bigger solar systems on schools plus batteries also offer the opportunity to MASSIVELY contribute to communities and their local networks.
Despite the potential, and despite some schools already embracing solar, our discussions with a number of schools have shown that it is generally harder than it should be. Many are still uncertain about the Ministry of Education settings and don't know how much of the solar savings they are able to use elsewhere and for how long.
Bisley told RNZ that schools also need to focus on energy efficiency measures first, like insulation or LED lighting, but solar is the thing that will reduce energy bills the most, especially as most of a school's energy consumption is during the day - and especially as the gas shortage rears its ugly head and continues to increase bills.
We've talked to many politicians and officials about these issues and asked for more clarity, but it's great to have other voices (and compelling numbers) to back our call.
And what better way to teach Kiwi kids about the many benefits of going electric than to have their schools running on the sun.
Check out the research here.
As RNZ said:
Analyst Peter Bisley modelled what it would take to get solar panels on all schools - where an estimated 16 per cent of the population are most days of the week. He found the panels - taking 5 per cent of available roof space at all schools - would have a capacity of 108 MW, the amount consumed by about 20-thousand houses. And he says the fact that schools' highest demand for energy is during the day, it would be the perfect fit. Schools in New Zealand are encouraged to install solar, but only after energy efficiency improvements like LED lighting or better insulation are done. Peter and his brother William Bisley have sent their modelling to the Ministers of Education and Energy, in the hope their idea will be taken up.
'Twas the night before Chris-mas, and all through the house, all the voters were stirring, the pundits showing their nous … the election will soon be over, but the energy crisis won't, so we'll be there to pester whoever is in power about the need to run more of the economy on New Zealand-made energy; can Ethiopia's aggressive push for EVs work and how does New Zealand compare in terms of adoption rates?; a two-way charging trial from Genesis shows promise in Auckland, but there's still a way to go before it's mainstream; small electric vehicles are often overlooked when it comes to electrifying transport, but it's hard to miss this weird French one; a solar-powered cafe (and some electric coffee); and we endorse the political vandalism of Keith of All Trades.
Read moreDownloadPoliticians are being urged to adopt stronger electric vehicle incentives ahead of the election. Climate and energy advocacy group Rewiring Aotearoa is arguing that EVs are one of the most effective long-term solutions for rising transport and energy costs. They're promoting an EV Salary Boost proposal, which would allow workers to access EVs through pre-tax salary arrangements – similarly to already existing schemes in the UK and Australia. Policy and Government Relations Spokesperson Ngaio Neumegen told Kerre Woodham that even with the rising cost of power, it's still cheaper to run an EV than a car running on imported fuel.
A proposal that would let New Zealanders lease an electric car using their before-tax pay has not won a commitment from either National or Labour, with the 7 November election days away. Under the EV Salary Boost, put forward by Rewiring Aotearoa and Drive Electric, an employee would lease a new or used EV for three to five years. The payments would come out of their pay before tax, lowering the cost of running the car. The idea is based on Australia’s novated leasing system, though the groups say they are not proposing a direct copy.
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