Solar in New Zealand — Is It Worth It?
Yes, for most NZ homeowners — especially in the top of the South Island and East Coast regions which get excellent solar hours. A typical 5kW system in Nelson can generate 8,500 kWh/yr, covering 70–80% of average household use.
System Costs in NZ (2025)
| System size | Approx cost (installed) |
|---|---|
| 3 kW | $8,000–$12,000 |
| 5 kW | $12,000–$16,000 |
| 6.6 kW | $14,000–$19,000 |
| 10 kW | $20,000–$28,000 |
| + 10kWh battery | Add $8,000–$12,000 |
Export Buyback Rates
NZ electricity retailers vary widely — from $0.08 to $0.17/kWh for solar export. Check your retailer's solar buy-back plan, or consider switching. Some retailers (Contact, Mercury, Genesis) offer dedicated solar plans.
What to Check Before Installing
- Roof orientation — north-facing roofs are ideal. East/west splits can still work well
- Shading — even partial shading significantly reduces output
- Roof condition — replace an aging roof before adding solar panels
- Grid connection — notify your lines company before installation
All solar installers must be REW-registered electricians.