The case for energy loans: read our latest explainer
Despite the abrupt closure of SolarZero, Kiwis are still backing the technology and government data analysed by Harrison's shows that total solar capacity installed reached 665 MW last month, up 43% on the same time last year, and more than double the capacity of two years ago. If that continued, the country would be on track to generate the equivalent amount of solar energy needed to power every home in the country within the next seven years. With EECA research showing solar increasingly stacks up financially, tax changes like 'investment boost', and growth in the rural and SME sectors, the sector is taking off.
"Our analysis of Electricity Authority data shows that residential installations made up around 54% of total installed solar capacity last month. The number of Kiwi homes with rooftop solar is now almost 68,000 and growing at around over 8,700 annually. While it took NZ seven years to reach the first 100 MW in solar capacity, that same amount is now being added every 18 months," Harrisons managing director Phil Harrison said.
The total number of households integrating both solar and batteries has grown by 72 percent since July 2024.
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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