NZ parties want to make rooftop solar more affordable. We found cost isn't everything
New Zealand political parties are proposing financial incentives to increase rooftop solar adoption, but new research suggests cost is not the only barrier. Experts indicate that factors like home design, electricity market regulations, and policy stability are equally important for scaling renewable energy.
Why it matters
Understanding the multifaceted barriers to solar adoption is essential for governments aiming to meet climate goals and transition to renewable energy.
Analysis : Rooftop solar has emerged as one of the more unexpected policy contests of New Zealand's election campaign.
National has proposed low-interest, rates-based loans for solar panels, batteries and other home electrification upgrades, while Labour has floated similar finance alongside subsidies of up to $3000 and support for renters to install plug-in solar.
The pledges follow recent government initiatives to make residential solar easier to install, as well as new electricity rules enabling more households to export surplus electricity back to local networks.
But are these measures, while important steps, enough to drive solar uptake at scale?
Our percent3Dihub new research , which surveyed professionals across New Zealand's building and energy sectors, suggests cost is only one piece in the puzzle.
We found households also weigh expected long-term returns, electricity market settings, whether their home is designed for solar, and whether government policy stays stable.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in