Rooftop solar is one of the fastest-growing home improvements in Wellington. High electricity prices and NZ's good solar resource make the economics increasingly attractive. Here's what solar installation costs in Wellington in 2026.
Wellington Solar Installation Costs 2026
| System | Wellington typical cost (supply + install) |
|---|---|
| Small system (3–4kW, 8–10 panels) | $8,000–$14,000 |
| Medium system (6–8kW, 16–20 panels) | $14,000–$22,000 |
| Large system (10–12kW, 26–30 panels) | $18,000–$28,000 |
| Battery storage add-on (10kWh) | $8,000–$14,000 |
| Battery storage add-on (15kWh) | $12,000–$20,000 |
| EV charger integration | $1,500–$3,500 |
| System monitoring setup | Included / $200–$500 |
| Annual maintenance / inspection | $200–$500 |
All prices GST inclusive. System costs vary by panel brand, inverter type, roof access, and grid connection complexity.
Wellington Solar Market
Wellington gets 1,800–2,000 kWh/m²/year and benefits from relatively high electricity prices. North-facing roofs on Wellington's hills can be excellent solar sites — though shading from neighbouring properties and trees must be assessed.
Is Solar Worth It in Wellington?
Payback calculation: A typical Wellington home with a 6kW system might generate 8,000–9,500 kWh/year. At 35c/kWh avoided (buying from grid), that's $2,800–$3,300/year in savings. A $13,000–$18,000 system payback: 5–9 years.
Key variables: - How much power you use during the day (self-consumption rate) - Your electricity tariff and buy-back rate - Your roof orientation (north-facing is optimal in NZ) - Shading from trees or neighbouring buildings
Buy-back rates: Most NZ retailers offer 8–18c/kWh for solar exported to the grid — much less than the retail rate. Maximising self-consumption (using power when it's being generated) improves returns.
Solar + Battery in Wellington
Battery storage lets you use your solar generation at night, increasing self-consumption to 80–90%+. The economics depend on: - Your overnight power use (EV charging is the biggest benefit) - Your electricity buy-back rate (lower rates make batteries more attractive) - Battery cost payback (typically 8–12 years for battery only)
Grid Connection in Wellington
All solar systems connected to the grid must be approved by your local lines company before connection. Your installer manages this process. Lines companies in Wellington: Wellington Electricity.
Find Wellington solar installers: Solar Installers Wellington | Post a Job Free
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does solar panel installation cost in Wellington? Small system (3–4kW): $8,000–$14,000. Medium (6–8kW): $14,000–$22,000. Battery add-on (10kWh): $8,000–$14,000.
How long is the payback for solar in Wellington? Typically 5–9 years for a well-sized system, depending on your electricity use and self-consumption rate. Wellington gets 1,800–2,000 kWh/m²/year and benefits from relatively high electricity prices. North-...
Do I need council consent for solar panels in Wellington? Rooftop solar panels are generally permitted without building consent in NZ, provided they don't significantly alter the roofline. Grid connection requires lines company approval — your installer handles this.
What direction should solar panels face in Wellington? North-facing at around 20–30° tilt is optimal in NZ. East/west-facing panels generate less but can still be viable. South-facing is not recommended.
Related: Solar Panel Cost NZ | Heat Pump Installation Cost NZ | Electricians Wellington