2 Dec 2024

The lights go out at SolarZero - what next for rooftop solar?

From Nine To Noon, 9:05 am on 2 December 2024
SolarZero workers installing panels

SolarZero workers installing panels Photo: Supplied/SolarZero

SolarZero had one of the largest private equity firms in the world as its owner.

But the country's biggest domestic player in rooftop solar - is now in liquidation, along with more than $100 million of taxpayer investment.

The company announced it was going into liquidation last Tuesday - when its major investor -- Blackrock -- pulled the pin, blaming "unsustainable operating losses and liquidity constraints".

Blackrock is the world's largest asset manager - with NZ$19.6 trillion under management.

The liquidation has left 15,000 customers here in limbo, hundreds of employees out of pocket,  and the Finance Minister seeking urgent advice about the $115 million loaned by the crown owned Green Investment Fund.

SolarZero's Chief Executive Matt Ward has said the announcement by the shareholder came as a shock.

He's declined an interview at the moment. Kathryn speaks with RNZ Money correspondent Susan Edmunds, Lightforce Solar managing director is John Harman and Chief Executive of the Sustainable Electricity Association, Brendan Winitana.

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