A new report commissioned by EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) shows a wide range of rates of return
for large businesses considering investing in commercial-scale solar. EECA says 11 different types of businesses in
eight regions throughout the country were analysed using a model to predict solar generation and financial performance.
Strategy and Insights Manager Dr Marcos Pelenur says businesses included food and beverage production, manufacturing,
education, waste-water treatment and supply, a dairy farm, three types of retail outlets, a greenhouse, a cool store, a
corporate office, and two types of warehousing.
“The analysis shows a wide range of potential internal rates of return, ranging from 0.4% to 8.6%.
On the basis of these findings there can be good investment benefits, but they are clearly variable so EECA recommends
businesses carry out an in-depth analysis before investing in commercial-scale solar, to determine the potential
financial performance for their company.”
Dr Pelenur says businesses can use the framework used in the analysis, which includes:whether the business has a very large, unshaded roof spacehow much electricity the business uses and when it is usedhow much the business pays for electricitylines company charges – these vary across the countryhow much will the system cost to install and maintain.
EECA commissioned the analysis because there has been limited publicly available information on the cost-effectiveness
of commercial-scale solar for businesses.
The analysis is available free of charge on the EECA website
www.eeca.govt.nz/insights/eeca-insights/commercial-scale-solar-in-new-zealandExample businessFood and beverage production siteAucklandAmount of generated solar that would be used100%Internal Rate of Return on Investment7.2%Wholesale food marketChristchurchAmount of generated solar that would be used96%Internal Rate of Return on Investment6.8%Corporate officeAucklandAmount of generated solar that would be used99%Internal Rate of Return on Investment7.6%Note to Editors
EECA is the government agency that works to improve the energy efficiency of New Zealand's homes and businesses and
encourages the uptake of renewable energy.
Our purpose is to mobilise New Zealanders to be world leaders in clean and clever energy use.