We analysed data from 21 residential solar power systems installed on New Zealand homes. 

Real performance data from these solar power systems has shown in every scenario the return on investment figure (the lowest being 5.42% ROI) was higher than the current average bank interest rates of 2.5%.

Three key factors that affected the financial results included;

• The upfront cost of the solar power system - because of the wide range in prices, participants that shopped around gained better financial results.
• The self-consumption rate - those who installed timers and utilised their solar power during the day off-set expensive electricity costs
• High electricity prices - people with high electricity prices benefitted more.

For some participants installing solar power it was largely a financial choice, but even those participants recognised that there were several other benefits of going solar, primarily environmental conservation and energy independence.

Read on to understand the value to solar PV to these average kiwi homeowners or download the complete study here.