Sustainable Electricity Association Welcomes Greens’ Solar Home Policy

Distributed Generation Should be Part of NZ’s Electricity Future

Auckland, 17 February 2014 – Brendan Winitana, Chairman of the Sustainable Electricity Association of New Zealand today welcomed the Green Party solar homes policy that proposes funding residential solar panel installations with low cost Government loans.

“This initiative levels the playing field for Kiwi consumers and provides energy independence from retailers and high electricity prices. Those that install solar can choose between using electricity generated on site rather than buying power off the grid. As well saving money along the way, homeowners can increase the value of their property - with its own power source - without any subsidies.

“The current model of generating power centrally and the sending it around the country is archaic and this policy future-proofs New Zealand and New Zealand electricity consumers. There are many OECD countries moving to this new model including the United States, Australia and Japan.”

With average systems generating profit after seven years, and most solar systems lasting beyond 25 years, most systems are “in the money” for at least 18 years.

This makes solar an increasingly attractive option, says Winitana.

“Industry capability has taken off with more solar system integrators and installers coming on-stream every month. The SEANZ Solar Series has been launched to address industry growth and appropriate training for the industry.

“It has never been cheaper to harvest the energy of the sun. That said, even though the price of solar systems are at an all-time low, many Kiwis still find the upfront cost prohibitive, along with being paid a fair price for any excess electricity fed back into the grid.

“SEANZ welcomes the low-cost loan policy initiative and the Greens’ proposal for a fair payment for power fed back into the grid. Addressing these two issues will see a surge in solar installations,” says Winitana.

ENDS

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