The push for rooftop solar in New Zealand is gaining momentum, with political parties vying to make it more accessible and affordable. While affordability is a key factor, our research suggests that it's not the only consideration for households. In fact, cost isn't even the most significant barrier to widespread adoption.
Our survey of professionals in the building and energy sectors revealed that the decision to invest in rooftop solar is multifaceted. Households weigh upfront costs against expected long-term returns, electricity savings, export payments, and future policy settings. This means that budget constraints, low export payments, and limited financial incentives are the primary obstacles to solar uptake.
However, the importance of design cannot be overstated. Rooftop solar is not just an energy decision but a building design decision. The best opportunity to support solar comes during the early stages of home design. Factors like roof orientation, structural capacity, electrical infrastructure, and future battery integration are easier and less expensive to plan for before construction begins.
Our findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach that includes finance, electricity market settings, building design, and policy. While current government initiatives recognize the importance of affordability and access, the next challenge is building confidence. Households need to be confident that rooftop solar will deliver long-term value, that they will be fairly rewarded for the electricity they generate, and that their homes are designed to maximize the investment.
New Zealand has the technology and abundant sunshine, and public support is growing. However, policymakers must ensure that finance, electricity market settings, building design, and policy work together to make rooftop solar the obvious choice for more households. Only then will it become a staple feature rather than a luxury that gets cut when budgets become tight.
