Solar panels on a roof

The future of rooftop solar is now here: the tipping point of solar energy uptake in New Zealand has just begun

The Solar People
The Solar People
,
Harrisons Solar
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Published: December 12, 2024
Last updated: December 12, 2024

The short version

New Zealand has reached a tipping point in rooftop solar uptake. Falling panel and battery prices, better technology and bank loans at 0 to 1% interest mean buying a system now beats leasing, and Harrisons Solar is seeing record installations. Owners are cutting power bills, sometimes to nothing in summer, earning credits for exported power and adding value to their homes.

In the early years of solar adoption - solar panels were expensive, so leasing a solar system over a long period of time was a great way to get into solar. However, as the prices of solar panels & home batteries have decreased significantly, solar technology continues to advance, and banks offering cheap solar loans at interest rates as low as 0-1%; leasing a solar system now doesn’t stack up and solar retailers, like Harrisons Solar, are experiencing record numbers of installations.

Buying outright brings bigger savings

While solar leasing customers could have expected a small reduction on their monthly power bill, customers who have instead bought their solar panels out right are seeing massive savings on their power bills, sometimes eliminating power bills in summer months, a credit back for what they sold to the grid, plus an increase in their house value.

A record year for Harrisons Solar

“Harrisons Solar is recognised as New Zealand’s #1 retailer of rooftop solar and batteries, the most trusted solar installer in NZ, and the #1 premium certified Tesla Powerwall installer in the country” says Managing Director, Phil Harrison.

In light of recent events, “Harrisons Solar are proud to reaffirm our dedication to sustainable energy solutions and to helping New Zealand households and businesses to slash their power bill, have energy security, and live more sustainably.”

Phil adds “2024 has been another standout year for Harrisons Solar, showcasing our leading market share position through record new installations and a growing footprint covering all of New Zealand which creates meaningful employment opportunities for Kiwis across the country.”  Harrisons Solar continues to set the benchmark for customer service with over 500+ 5 star Google Reviews, delivering top-quality, reliable solar systems that cater to the unique needs of New Zealand homes.

Building on the work of industry pioneers

Harrisons Solar acknowledges the significant contributions of other industry pioneers like SolarZero in promoting solar energy adoption in New Zealand. While their leasing-based model was unsustainable, their efforts paved the way for the current boom in solar energy. In emerging, disruptive sectors, it is common for early entrants to experiment with various models, not always successfully.

Harrisons has been in business for over 62 years, as a trusted leading retailer for solar, flooring, curtains and blinds and remains committed to delivering reliable, efficient, and affordable home and solar solutions that empower our customers and contribute to a sustainable future. Harrisons Solar’s long-standing history and continuous innovation enable us to effectively support New Zealand's continued adoption of solar energy - in short, Harrisons Solar are now gearing up for an even brighter, more sustainable future.

Talk to us about going solar

To enquire about going solar, contact:

harrisonssolar.co.nz/book-a-free-consultation or 0800 103 001

The Solar People
The Solar People
,
Harrisons Solar
Follow on LinkedIn
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