{
  "id": 395219,
  "title": "Kiwi neighbourhoods with highest rooftop solar rates",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/kiwi-neighbourhoods-with-highest-rooftop-solar-rates",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-09T17:41:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RNZ Business",
    "slug": "rnz-business",
    "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/949388/kiwi-neighbourhoods-with-highest-rooftop-solar-rates"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Rooftop solar installations are clustered in wealthier New Zealand suburbs where homeowners can afford to invest in the technology, according to an RNZ analysis of Electricity Authority data. Wānaka and Pāpāmoa Beach boast the highest per capita solar generation rates, with 17% of Wānaka homes featuring some level of rooftop solar. New Plymouth's Solar One business has seen a surge in demand, with 85% of installed systems now incorporating battery storage. The strongest driver of solar uptake is peer influence - neighbors installing solar panels encouraging others to follow suit.",
  "summary": "Nationwide, rates of solar installation are lagging, but some towns and suburbs are bucking the trend.",
  "key_points": [
    "Wānaka leads with 17% of homes having rooftop solar",
    "Solar One reports 85% of systems now include batteries",
    "Peer influence drives solar uptake among neighbors"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}