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Complete guide · updated June 2026

Solar panels in New Zealand: the complete 2026 guide

Solar lets you generate your own power, cut your bills and lock in cheaper energy for decades. Here's everything Kiwis need to know — what it costs, what you'll save, how many panels you need, and how to choose — all sourced from EECA and Consumer NZ.

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The short version

  • • A typical 5kW home system costs around $10,000–$13,000 installed (EECA: ~$2,000/kW).
  • • Payback is usually 7–10 years, then power is essentially free.
  • • An average home needs about 12–17 panels (a 5–7kW system).
  • • No national subsidy, but roof solar no longer needs building consent (since Oct 2025).

How solar panels work

Solar panels on your roof convert sunlight into DC electricity. An inverter turns that into the AC power your home uses. You use what you generate in real time, store the surplus in a battery (optional), or export it to the grid for a buyback credit. New Zealand averages about 4 kWh/m² of sunlight per day, so most of the country gets enough sun for solar to perform well year-round.

How much do solar panels cost?

EECA puts the current benchmark at around $2,000 per kW installed. So a 3kW system runs about $7,500–$10,000, a 5kW system $10,000–$13,000, and a 6–7kW system roughly $13,000–$17,000. Adding a battery typically adds $5,000–$15,000+.

See the full cost breakdown + buyback rates →

Estimate your savings

The more you use while the sun shines, the more you save (grid power costs far more than the export rate).

Indicative annual saving

$1,419 /year

Estimated payback

~7.0 years

~6,955 kWh/yr
~$10,000 to install
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Indicative estimate only — not a quote. Based on EECA's ~$2,000/kW installed benchmark, a regional generation yield (PVGIS-based), grid power at about 33c/kWh and an export buyback of about 12c/kWh (as at June 2026). Your actual figures depend on your roof, shading, usage pattern, retailer rate and the system you choose. Always confirm with a qualified installer.

How many solar panels does an average NZ house need?

Most New Zealand homes install a 5–7kW system — about 12–17 panels, since modern panels are roughly 400–440W each. Bigger homes, higher power use, or plans for an EV or battery push that higher. The best size is the one that matches your daytime power use, so you self-consume as much as possible. An installer will size it from your actual power bills.

Choosing solar panels

Look at efficiency, warranty (tier-1 panels commonly carry 25-year product and 25–30-year performance warranties), and the installer's track record — not just the headline price. Inverters typically carry 5–12-year warranties and may need replacing once over the panels' life.

LONGi Solar 25yr

World's largest solar manufacturer, excellent efficiency, strong warranty support in NZ.
Trina Solar 25yr

Tier 1 manufacturer, great value for money, widely available in NZ.
JinkoSolar 25yr

One of world's top manufacturers, excellent performance in varied conditions.
Canadian Solar 25yr

Established brand, strong quality control, good low-light performance.
REC Solar 25yr

Premium panels, excellent in low light, strong European engineering.
Compare all panel & battery brands →

Do you need a battery?

Not necessarily. EECA's view is that, on cost grounds alone, panels without a battery generally give the best return today. A battery makes more sense if you value backup power during outages or can't shift much usage into daylight hours.

Read the solar batteries guide →

Solar by region

Sunshine and installers vary by region. Explore solar where you live:

Auckland→ Wellington→ Christchurch→ Hamilton→ Tauranga→ Dunedin→ Nelson-Tasman→ Hawke's Bay→

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth getting solar panels in NZ?+
For most homes that use power during the day, yes. EECA and Consumer NZ put the typical payback at around 7–10 years, with returns of roughly 6–14% a year on a well-positioned 5kW system. After payback, your generation is essentially free for the rest of the system's life.
How many solar panels does an average NZ house need?+
A typical NZ home installs a 5–7kW system, which is roughly 12–17 panels (modern panels are about 400–440W each). The right number depends on your power use, roof space and budget — an installer will size it to your actual bills.
What is the "20% rule" for solar panels?+
It's a rule of thumb that an inverter can be paired with a panel array up to about 20–33% larger than the inverter's rating (slight "oversizing"), because panels rarely hit their peak output. Your installer handles this sizing — it's not something you need to calculate yourself.
Do I need council consent for solar panels in NZ?+
Generally no. Since 23 October 2025, roof-mounted solar is building-consent-exempt for arrays under 40m² per roof (in wind zones up to "High"). The Building Code still applies, and resource consent under your District Plan can apply for heritage or character properties.
Is there a subsidy for solar panels in NZ?+
No — there is no nationwide government subsidy, rebate or feed-in tariff. Some banks offer low- or zero-interest green loans, and from 1 April 2026 lines companies pay small peak-export rebates via your power bill.

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.

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