Buyback rates · updated June 2026

Solar buyback rates in New Zealand

When your panels generate more than you use, the surplus is exported to the grid and your retailer pays a buyback rate. There's no national tariff, so rates vary — here's how the main retailers compare.

Compare solar quotes →

Retailer buyback rates compared

Retailer	Buyback rate	Notes
Octopus Energy	19–23c/kWh	Time-of-use; higher rate for battery plans, no lock-in
Electric Kiwi	23c peak/kWh	11.5c off-peak (incl GST), time-of-use
Ecotricity	21c peak/kWh	16c off-peak; carboNZero certified
Meridian	15–17c/kWh	Flat; up to 24c winter-peak on some plans
Mercury	11.1c/kWh	Flat; varies by network (effective Jan 2026)
Genesis	~12c/kWh	Flat (verify current rate)

As at June 2026. Rates change often — verify the current rate on each retailer's site or Powerswitch before switching.

New rules from July 2026

From 1 July 2026, large electricity retailers (covering most NZ customers) must offer at least one time-varying buyback rate that pays more for power exported at peak times, plus a time-of-use plan. This is the Electricity Authority's move to better reward solar exports when the grid needs them most — good news if you can export in the evening peak, for example with a battery.

Get the most from your buyback

Buyback rates are always lower than the grid price you avoid by using your own power, so the first rule is to self-consume — run hot water, laundry, dishwasher and EV charging during the day. Then pick a retailer whose buyback plan matches when you actually export. A battery lets you shift more value into the higher-priced evening peak. Try our savings calculator to see the effect.

Frequently asked questions

What is the solar buyback rate in NZ?+

There is no national feed-in tariff — each electricity retailer sets its own buyback (export) rate. As at June 2026 these range from around 11c/kWh on flat plans up to about 23c/kWh on the best time-of-use plans. Always check the current rate on Powerswitch or the retailer's site.

Which power company has the best solar buyback?+

On published rates as at June 2026, time-of-use plans from Octopus Energy and Electric Kiwi reach about 23c/kWh at peak, and Ecotricity about 21c. The best plan for you depends on when you export and whether you have a battery, so compare with your own usage in mind.

Will solar buyback rates change?+

Yes. From 1 July 2026, large electricity retailers (covering most NZ customers) must offer at least one time-varying buyback rate that rewards exporting at peak times. Rates change regularly, so re-check before switching.

How do I get the most from buyback?+

Use as much of your generation as you can during the day (buyback rates are always lower than the grid price you avoid), then choose a retailer whose buyback plan matches when you actually export. A battery can shift more value to the evening peak.

Sources

Figures on this page are indicative guidance, not a quote. Verified as at June 2026 — always confirm current pricing and rates with your installer or retailer.

Powerswitch (Consumer NZ) — Solar buyback rates — as at 2026-06
Electricity Authority — New ways to power consumers (time-varying buyback) — as at 2026-07-01
Consumer NZ — Are solar panels right for your home? — as at 2026-03

Thinking about going solar?

Compare free quotes from vetted NZ installers and start earning buyback on your surplus.

Get my free quotes →