Opinion: Could Blenheim become the small-scale solar capital of New Zealand?

Stuart Smith
MP Kaikoura

The high upfront cost of residential solar installation may have decreased 33 per cent between 2019 and 2025 but even so, it is still preventing many households from investing in energy security. Under the new Resource Management system, however, that’s about to change.

A re-elected National government will make small-scale renewables largely permitted as of right. New Zealanders will be able to install rooftop solar without a consent, put ground-mounted solar on farms as a permitted activity with sensible safeguards, add small-scale battery storage as of right; and even run small micro-hydro for on-site use, subject to standard environmental conditions.

This is a commonsense decision for three key reasons. First, it strengthens our energy resilience, giving New Zealanders access to a wider and more reliable mix of power when weather events or global shocks put pressure on supply. Second, it removes red tape for small-scale renewables and the post code lottery of different councils making different decisions. Third, it helps lower power bills as households make the most of sunny days to generate their own power.

That’s a game changer, because while renewable energy projects are taking off across New Zealand, uptake of residential solar, battery storage and on-farm generation remains relatively low. Just 3 per cent of Kiwi households have solar compared with one in three Australian homes adopting solar – the highest rate per capita of household solar adoption in the world.

So how are we proposing to support households to move to solar power? By establishing a Home Energy Fund, modelled on the Ratepayer Assistance Scheme. Both Local Government New Zealand and Rewiring Aotearoa have suggested this proven model and I agree that spreading the cost of a low interest loan over ten years for ratepayers is the best way to reduce the upfront cost whilst building a more sustainable future for all New Zealanders.

Even better, energy cost savings can be redirected towards paying the loan off via the rates bill over time. A smart move, that helps lower the cost of living, giving Kiwis more control over their power bills, rather than leaving them exposed to rising electricity costs.  

Importantly, the Crown investment of $7 million is a targeted expense that won’t increase inflation and there is no need to pillage the Gas Security Fund to pay for it.

National is fixing the basics, removing red tape, ensuring Kiwis can access more affordable energy and we’re building the future, with increased energy resilience. That’s great news for sunny Marlborough where 2,769 hours of sunshine were recorded in 2024 – making Blenheim the sunniest place in the country. Wouldn’t it be great to also see Blenheim become the small-scale solar capital in New Zealand?