How Much Does it Cost to Go Solar in NZ?

Solar is now the most cost-effective form of renewable energy in New Zealand. Over the past two decades, panel prices have fallen dramatically thanks to advances in manufacturing and a bigger global supply chain. The best news is that a lot of New Zealand banks provide financing for solar! That means you can go solar for $0 upfront and you’ll begin saving on your power bills from Day 1—and those savings only grow as retail electricity rates climb.

How much does a Solar Hub NZ system cost?

Every home is different, so we size each design around your usage, roof layout, and goals. As a rough guide, a basic grid-tied setup for an average Kiwi household starts around $7,500 NZD (about 3 kW of panels) and can go up to $19,500 NZD or more for larger systems (10 kW+). If you want battery backup for blackouts or to maximise self-consumption, hybrid packages begin around $16,500 NZD, combining panels with a 5.4 kWh battery/inverter unit. Exact pricing will depend on roof pitch, orientation, and any special access needs (e.g., multi-story scaffolding).

What kind of savings can you expect?

On average, solar energy systems generate roughly 4.5 kWh per kW per year. That means a 4.4 kW array can produce about 5,000 kWh annually. At today’s retail rates (around $0.28/kWh), that equates to $1,400 worth of electricity in Year 1 alone. Assuming power prices rise 2 % each year, you could recoup your system cost in 5–7 years, with total 20-year savings of $35,000 – $50,000, depending on how much you consume versus export.

Why consider solar now?

1. Immediate bill reductions. Even a small 3 kW system can shave several hundred dollars off each quarterly power bill.

2. Rising power costs. Retail rates in New Zealand have increased over 10 % in the last two years—and analysts forecast further hikes as wholesale prices climb.

3. Long-term value. Panels typically last 25 + years with little maintenance, so you lock in decades of low-cost electricity.

4. Environmental impact. A typical 4 kW array offsets roughly 1.5 – 2 tonnes of CO₂ per year, equivalent to taking half a car off the road.

   
   

Next steps

If you’d like a tailored estimate, head to our Free Quote page.

Switching to solar today means locking in lower energy costs for years to come, reducing your carbon footprint, and protecting yourself against future power price hikes. Request a free quote and see how quickly your system could pay for itself.