Solar Is Skyrocketing

The numbers don’t lie—solar installations are booming! By 2030, the world will be adding around 1,000 gigawatts (GW) of solar power every year and selling 6,000 GWh of batteries a year, making possible the COP24 goal of tripling renewable capacity. Electrification rates will double to 0.5% a year, and efficiency gains will increase to over 3% a year. To put that into perspective, that’s enough to power millions of homes and businesses worldwide. What’s behind this surge? A mix of falling costs, clever innovations, and a global commitment to ditch fossil fuels in favour of a cleaner, brighter future.

But don’t just take our word for it—check out this awesome visual:
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The rapid acceleration of solar installations, EV adoption, and battery sales compared to linear forecasts highlights the underestimated speed of the clean energy revolution.

As you can see, solar installations are following a jaw-dropping S-curve trend. The projections for solar, electric vehicles (EVs), and batteries all show the same exciting pattern—leaving outdated forecasts in the dust.

Why Solar Is So Hot Right Now

So, what’s fueling this sunny boom? Here are the highlights:
• Solar Got Cheaper (Like, Way Cheaper): In just a decade, the cost of solar panels has dropped by a jaw-dropping 80%. It’s now the cheapest energy source in history. Cheaper than coal, oil, or gas.
• Tech That Wows: Solar tech keeps getting better and more efficient, which means you get more power for your buck. Add in advancements in battery storage, and suddenly solar is a 24/7 energy source.
• Big Goals, Big Moves: Countries around the globe are setting ambitious renewable energy targets. From government incentives to massive solar projects, the push for clean energy has serious backing.

Solar Leadership: A Global Effort

When it comes to solar, everyone’s getting in on the action. China leads the charge, installing about half of all new solar capacity worldwide. But it’s not just the big players—countries like Vietnam and Brazil are showing that solar energy can leapfrog old-school systems and go straight to clean, reliable power.

Looking to the Future

Here’s the best part: we’re just getting started. By 2030, solar energy and wind power are expected to triple their share of global electricity. That’s going to kick a huge chunk of fossil fuels to the curb, slashing carbon emissions and making clean energy the new norm.
The solar boom isn’t just good news for the planet—it’s also creating jobs, boosting economies, and helping communities thrive. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to live in a world powered by sunshine?

Let’s Ride the Solar Wave

This surge in solar is about more than energy. It’s about innovation, resilience, and a brighter future for everyone. As we race toward a world powered by renewable energy, there’s no better time to join the movement. Solar power isn’t just shining—it’s dazzling. So, hop on board and be part of the energy revolution. The sun’s out, and it’s time to shine!

The Future Looks Bright—and Wet!

Here’s some bonus good news that’ll make you feel even sunnier about New Zealand’s energy scene. Over the past couple of months, the South Island has been absolutely drenched with rain—so much so that our national hydro storage is brimming! This surge in water levels has brought down the average spot price of electricity to as low as 0.2c/kWh.

And that’s not all.

Right now, New Zealand is smashing it on the renewable energy front, with a whopping 96% renewable generation. For context, our usual average sits at an impressive 80-85%, but this spike is definitely one to celebrate. On top of that, our carbon emissions from electricity generation have plummeted. The November average is sitting at 29g CO₂/kWh, a dramatic drop compared to July and August when emissions soared past 100g/kWh. (Information from EM6)

It’s proof that a mix of renewable energy sources—solar, wind, and hydro—can work together to deliver not just cleaner power, but cheaper and more sustainable energy for Kiwis. It’s a win-win for the planet and your wallet!