Solar energy conversions soar with New Zealand power prices

Rising electricity prices are powering a move to solar energy in New Zealand, according to a study out Wednesday.

The number of grid-connected small-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems grew by 330 percent over the last two years, Victoria University researcher Dr. Rebecca Ford said in a statement.

The study found 70 percent of New Zealanders were unhappy with buying electricity from their power company, and 60 percent would be willing to purchase PV in the future to generate their own electricity.

While the numbers were still relatively low compared with other countries, the growth trend was significant and had potential to have a substantial impact in the future, Ford said in a statement.

The report was part of an investigation, funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, into how New Zealanders used power which included what was stopping more New Zealanders getting on board with solar power in their homes and businesses.

"The biggest barrier for people is the cost. While there are significant financial benefits to installing a photovoltaic system in your home, it's the high start-up costs and the lack of current financial incentives that put people off," Ford said.

Currently the government provided no support to encourage a greater uptake but new types of business models were being trailed by companies such as leasing systems.

"It's early days, but the results of our surveys were very promising. They show us that New Zealanders do want to take personal responsibility for producing clean energy -- we just need to find achievable ways to help make that happen," she said.