The case for energy loans: read our latest explainer
A survey for Westpac shows nearly half of respondents were considering solar and cutting their power bill was the main motivator.
79% of respondents cited reducing their electricity costs as a reason for getting solar, with 60% saying it’s the main reason. Electricity prices have been rising faster than inflation in 2025 with many consumers facing price rises greater than 10%.
70% of respondents cited high levels of concern about rising electricity prices, with 58% of this group saying further price rises would make them more likely to consider solar.
As Westpac NZ managing product, sustainability and marketing director Sarah Hearn told RNZ:
"Solar is environmentally friendly, widely available, can add value to a property, is getting cheaper to install and can lead to significant cost savings on energy bills over time. However, installing solar panels can be a significant upfront cost. Nearly half of those surveyed who weren't planning to get solar cited cost as a reason. A quarter of respondents who do plan to get solar are putting it off for at least a year, which speaks to the cost pressures many are still facing."
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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