Ian McLean Spokesperson for the Green Party

In Germany, more than a million houses have been dressed with solar photo voltaic panels.

SPV litters the rooftops of Melbourne due to government subsidies in Australia.

Those houses produce as well as consume electricity. Surplus power goes into the grid and reduces dependency on centralised generation. Dirty backup systems, such as coal, gas or nuclear, can potentially be eliminated.

Our energy companies are committed to centralised generation, networked consumption, a one-way flow of energy and massive investment in infrastructure. SPV systems require a complete rethink of the way we produce and distribute energy.

Today, you can install a SPV system that will deliver most of your electricity needs for around $10,000. Sound expensive? It pays for itself in 10 years, and lasts for 25 or more. If you are fed up with power bills, then check it out.

Ian McLean is a spokesperson for the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand.