Why Canterbury is Charging Ahead with Solar Power

Canterbury isn’t just known for its stunning landscapes—it’s also becoming one of New Zealand’s most promising regions for solar power. With consistently high sunshine hours, rising electricity prices, and a growing focus on energy resilience, many Cantabrians are now seriously exploring solar as a long-term, cost-effective solution.

A Region Rich in Solar Potential

Christchurch receives an average of 2,129 sunshine hours annually, while Timaru enjoys around 1,918 hours. According to NIWA’s SolarView tool, these figures place Canterbury among the most solar-advantaged areas in New Zealand. That means rooftop solar panels here operate with excellent efficiency, even during the cooler months when skies are often clear.

How Much Can You Save?

With average power prices in Canterbury sitting at around $0.34 per kWh in 2025, and typical household electricity usage hovering around 7,100 kWh per year, many families are facing annual power bills exceeding $2,400.

Installing a 5 kW solar system—which produces approximately 6,500 to 7,000 kWh per year—can offset 80 to 90 percent of that usage, saving households approximately $2,200 annually. This results in a payback period of 5 to 6 years, depending on consumption habits and whether battery storage is included.

Current pricing in the region is:

• Around $12,000 for a 5 kW grid-tied system without batteries

• Between $16,000 and $22,000 for systems with 6 to 10 kWh of battery capacity

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With solar panels lasting over 25 years and minimal maintenance required, this offers a solid return on investment.

Urban and Rural Applications

In urban centres like Christchurch and Ashburton, homeowners are increasingly installing solar to reduce energy bills and future-proof against rate hikes. These systems also support electrification goals such as charging electric vehicles or powering heat pumps.

In rural Canterbury, solar is particularly valuable for farms that rely on electric fencing, irrigation, and remote buildings. EECA’s "Solar on Farms" initiative helps landowners evaluate whether solar and battery systems can reduce diesel dependency and improve cost efficiency.

Community and Resilience Benefits

Local schools, marae, and civil defence facilities are also benefiting from solar installations, often supported by EECA’s Community Renewable Energy Fund. These systems provide backup power during outages and reduce ongoing operational costs.

Given Canterbury’s history of earthquakes and weather extremes, many residents see solar—with battery backup—as a way to build resilience and ensure critical systems remain operational during grid failures.

Tools and Support to Guide Your Decision

For those considering solar, a range of resources and support mechanisms are now available:

• EECA’s energywise™ Solar Tool, developed in collaboration with the University of Canterbury, helps homeowners model their expected savings and system requirements.

• Export credits of $0.05 to $0.12 per kWh are offered by most power companies, helping homeowners make the most of surplus energy.

• Most banks and credit unions are now offering green loans to finance solar systems at preferential rates.

A National Trend with Local Momentum

New Zealand had installed over 573 MW of grid-connected solar capacity as of late 2024, with 199 MW added in that year alone. Around 60,000 residential solar systems are in operation nationwide, accounting for about 3 percent of all homes. Canterbury has been a strong contributor to this growth, thanks to its ideal solar conditions and growing awareness of the economic and environmental benefits.

Final Thoughts

Solar in Canterbury is no longer a niche idea—it’s a practical step being taken by households, farmers, and community leaders across the region. With excellent solar conditions, meaningful cost savings, and tools to guide decision-making, going solar has never been more accessible.

Whether you're aiming to reduce energy costs, build energy independence, or support New Zealand's clean energy transition, Canterbury is one of the best places to start. If you want to know more you can contact our solar experts at 0800 786 797, or fill in our form