Sure, but there are other considerations. Many businesses do not have appropriate roofs, or are in shared buildings, or are surrounded by tall buildings so get little sunlight.

Also, just because you won't benefit doesn't mean others won't. Like I said, combining running washing etc during the day, keeping the house cool/warm for free during the day, and the buyback (small but significant) has dropped my power bill almost 40%.

I personally think residential solar is a great idea. I think commerical solar is a great idea. I'm happy with anyone adding solar to anything.

ETA: oh, and if you are in favour of solar, then I suggest you vote Labour or Greens. They are the only parties with concrete plans to increase solar uptake.

[–] Ilovethebomb@lemmy.nz 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Have you done the numbers on how long it will take to pay this system off?

[–] Rangelus@lemmy.nz 4 points 1 year ago

Yes, I have it somewhere. I think it was in the order of 10 years but I'd have to find the details to confirm that.

I didn't do it with the thinking of return on investment however. To me, it is an increase in property value, and a reduction in day-to-day costs which were big factors, and of course reducing my environmental impact.

I actually installed my panels in two stages. The second stage added 60% production, but cost slightly less than the initial 40% did. The costs are even less now. Couple that with input from the government, and the pay-off time would be much less if I installed it today with this policy in effect. Much more appealing to people whose main concern is strictly reducing costs.

I'm also a big fan of residential solar for redundancy and disaster resilience.