The solar debate is looking at the wrong roofs – John Harman

Opinion byJohn HarmanNZ Herald·8 Sep, 2026 06:59 AM4 mins to readJohn Harman is the CEO of Lightforce Solar, bringing an unusual mix of medical, business and entrepreneurial experience to the energy sector. A surgeon by training, he founded St Mark’s Breast Centre, New Zealand’s first dedicated multidisciplinary breast centre, before going on to develop property and self-storage businesses.New Zealand’s biggest untapped solar opportunity may be sitting above its businesses, where expansive warehouse, factory and distribution-centre roofs can turn unused space into productive energy infrastructure. Photo / Getty ImagesWe’re having the wrong solar conversation. It is encouraging that both major parties now support getting more solar onto New Zealand homes. But if the next government wants solar to make a serious difference to productivity, resilience and energy costs, it needs to look beyond the household roof. Some of