Your views: All you need to know about solar

Green MP Gareth Hughes raises some interesting issues in his Talking Point article on solar energy use in New Zealand. Photo / Supplied

Green MP Gareth Hughes raises some interesting issues in his Talking Point article on solar energy use in New Zealand.

The research Unison has undertaken certainly supports his comments regarding the motivations driving people to install solar energy systems.

As the electricity distributor for Hawke's Bay, Taupo and Rotorua, Unison has seen a steady flow of applications for distributed generation connections, and we have undertaken our own research into the potential benefits of this technology for customers, and also what, if any, impacts the uptake of solar energy will have on Unison's future network design.

Certainly the reduction in buy-back rate has impacted the potential financial benefits to customers and, with the Electricity Authority reviewing tariff structures in light of the increasing uptake of solar, the economics may change in the future.

As a result of our experiences to date, we have developed a neutral online resource for customers to gain impartial information on solar energy, based on our data from solar energy trials, and our understanding of industry trends and forecasts.

Our aim was to supply a comprehensive resource, from which people can determine if solar is right for them.

Our online calculator factors in finance costs, and models potential tariff changes, to help determine the true net benefits of solar energy installations.

We urge customers considering solar to go online to www.unison.co.nz/solar.
Danny Goughcustomer care manager, Unison Networks Limited

My question

With the council elections on the horizon, and after the amalgamation dust has settled, I expect there will be much interest in the election.

As such, I have a question for the two mayors of the twin cities and the chair of the regional council.

Which comes first: ratepayers or business interests?

Now please, I don't want some political answer that both are intertwined and cannot be separated.

It is a very simple question, requiring a simple answer.

When making a decision, do you put the ratepayer first or not?Graeme ChapmanNapier

Plunket Rooms

Someone told me that the Plunket Rooms situated on the corner of Elbourne St and Gloucester St in Taradale have closed.

It's a lovely old building, surrounded by plaques commemorating our war dead.

I am curious to know: what will happen with occupancy now? I assume the property and land is owned by the Napier City Council and the facilities will continue to be used by a non-profit community linked entity.

I would hate to think that it could disappear into the clutches of a commercial developer, given that it is in a prime location. Perhaps some of your readers will know what is to become of this charming edifice, just over the road from the Clock Tower.
Malcolm Thorpe, Taradale