Solar 'barely profitable': Provider

Lightforce Solar installs domestic and commercial solar systems. (Image: Supplied)

Tue, 03 Dec 2024

Solar power systems provider SolarZero pulled the plug because it realised solar in New Zealand is a tough, barely profitable business, a rival company says.In a shock move, SolarZero’s shareholders placed the pioneer subscription service into liquidation last week.Global investment manager Black Rock bought the business two years ago, claiming it was a long-term investment.The venture drew down $115 million from the $365m solar fund provided by the government’s NZ Green Investment Fund (NZGIF) and other investors.However, there wer...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

The Quiz Free

QuiznessDesk, Monday, Sept 01

Take a break and try our quiz.

The Quizmaster 9:15am

Opinion

Dileepa Fonseka: The quarter that never comes

The Government is Waiting for Godot with its thirst for an interest rate cut-led boom.

Dileepa Fonseka 5:00am

Primary Sector

Dairy Goat Co-op hunting capital to fuel turnaround strategy

The processor has set itself a 'formula for success'.

Riley Kennedy 5:00am

Dairy Goat Co-op hunting capital to fuel turnaround strategy

Sponsored

A two-track approach to cracking NZ’s EV charging puzzle

Z Energy aims to support easing adoption bottlenecks by targeting the distinct needs of habitual and journey EV drivers.

Z Energy

Sponsored

AI efforts risk failure without clear business goals – Spark

It’s time for New Zealand businesses to move beyond AI experiments and start delivering measurable value.

Spark

More Energy

Markets

Market underwhelmed by Genesis outlook

The company says it’s still on track for $500m+ ebitda in FY28.

Pattrick Smellie 26 Aug 2025

News in Brief

Vector takes $37 million impairment

NZX-listed energy distributor Vector took a $37 million impairment in its latest result to reflect fewer gas connections and “significant market uncertainty” over future gas supply.The impairment reflected forecasts in the company’s gas asset management plan that showed total con...

Staff reporters 25 Aug 2025