Solar installers in New Zealand: system prices, payback and how to choose
Solar installers design, supply and fit rooftop solar panels, inverters and home batteries. A typical New Zealand home system is 5 to 8 kW. Prices are usually quoted fully installed, so compare the price per watt, the panel and inverter brands, and the warranties.
Best solar installers by city
- Best solar installers in Auckland Ranking in progress
We publish city by city, and only once every business on a list is verified. More cities follow Auckland.
Browse solar installers by city
- Solar installers in Auckland 33 listed
- Solar installers in Wellington 12 listed
What solar installers do
- Grid-tied solar
- Rooftop panels and an inverter that power your home and export spare power to the grid.
- Home batteries
- Storing daytime solar for the evening, or as backup during outages.
- System design
- Sizing the system to your roof, power use and budget.
- Monitoring and maintenance
- Apps that show generation, and checks if output drops.
Who can install solar panels?
Connecting a solar system and its inverter to your switchboard is prescribed electrical work, so it must be done or certified by a registered electrical worker with a current practising licence. Ask for the electrical Certificate of Compliance when the job is done, and expect your installer to apply to your lines company before a system that exports power is connected.
How much does solar power cost?
Rooftop solar in New Zealand costs about $2.04 a watt fully installed, including GST: about $10,500 for a 5 kW system and $15,500 for 8 kW. Adding a battery costs $10,000 to $16,500.
| Job or rate | Typical price (NZD) | Unit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kW system | about $7,000 incl. GST | fully installed | [1] |
| 5 kW system | about $10,500 incl. GST | fully installed | [1] |
| 8 kW system | about $15,500 incl. GST | fully installed | [1] |
| 10 kW system | about $19,000 incl. GST | fully installed | [1] |
| Price per watt, middle half of installs | $1.74–$2.36 incl. GST | per watt | [1] |
How to choose a solar installer
- Get at least two written quotes that name the panel and inverter brands, the system size in kW and the expected yearly generation.
- Compare the price per watt (total price divided by system watts), not only the total.
- Ask what warranties cover the panels, the inverter and the installation, and who honours them.
- Ask who applies to your lines company to connect the system, and what your retailer pays for exported power.
- Ask for the electrical Certificate of Compliance when the job is finished.
Red flags
- Payback claims that assume you use all your solar yourself, or that power prices will rise sharply.
- High-pressure door-to-door sales with "today only" prices.
- No named brands or warranty details in the quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does solar cost in NZ?
Installed prices average about $2.04 a watt including GST. That is about $7,000 for a 3 kW system, $10,500 for 5 kW, $15,500 for 8 kW and $19,000 for 10 kW.
How much does a home battery cost?
Adding a battery usually costs $10,000 to $16,500, and a popular 13.5 kWh battery about $15,000. An 8 kW system with a 13.5 kWh battery is around $32,000.
How long does solar take to pay for itself?
About 7 years on average for solar alone, and about 9 years with a battery, depending on how much of the power you use yourself.
Do I need an electrician to install solar?
Yes. The electrical connection is prescribed electrical work, which must be done or certified by a registered electrician who gives you a Certificate of Compliance.