Power switch surge

Alternative electricity sources are becoming a much more common sight. Photo / Dean Purcell

Rising power prices and environmental concerns are prompting people to switch to alternative electricity solutions. But experts say they should think of them as a long-term investment rather than a quick-fix money-saver.

Henry Cassin, of whatpowercrisis.co.nz, said that within five months last year the company had achieved its budget for the whole year.

Consumers were concerned about the future of power companies, price increases and environmental concerns.

Power prices had doubled over the past 10 years and there were concerns that the Emissions Trading Scheme and partial sale of state assets, including power companies, could drive further rises. More people were opting for self-sufficient off-the-grid systems when building homes in remote areas.

Grid-tied systems, where the deficit between what is generated and what is consumed is sold, have also surged in popularity, especially systems that return power to the grid if more is generated than consumed.

Equipment has become a lot cheaper: a solar panel that was $2500 a couple of years ago sells for $500 now.

Electrician Darren Hill said there was a lot more public awareness about the possibilities of alternative power systems.

Some businesses that operated solely during daylight hours were opting for solar panels to lower their carbon footprint and used that as a marketing tool to attract customers.

An off-the-grid or grid-tied system was a long-term investment. On present power prices, people could expect a system to take 15 years to pay for itself, but Hill said most people went alternative to feel good. Electrician Phil Rumble said getting the system designed properly was important and warned that a lot of cheap imported equipment was not good quality.

Alternative energy systems in Australia had surged in popularity because of the subsidies available.

Hill said the New Zealand Government viewed power generation in this country as relatively environmentally friendly anyway, so did not give priority to supporting alternative power.