01 August 2025
Fast-track consents and power boost a game-changer for solar homes
Planned changes by the government to boost solar uptake in New Zealand have been widely applauded by the building and energy sectors. They could potentially increase renewable power generation by a massive 507-gigawatt hours, enough to power around 300,000 homes a year.Current regulations restrict the amount of power homeowners can export back to the national grid, which in turn limits the size of solar installations. For example, the average size of household solar systems in Australia is about 10kWh, whereas in New Zealand it's between 5 and 6kWh due to the limits on the power that can be exported.
The proposed changes will increase the permitted voltage range for solar inverters in New Zealand from +/- 6% to +/- 10%, which will increase the flow of electricity from solar panels to the grid and ensure compatibility with a broader range of appliances.
Faster building consents
To further incentivise solar uptake, the proposed changes include fast-track building consents when solar panels are included in the design of a new home. Consents will be processed within 10 working days instead of the standard 20 working days, saving up to $4000 in time and consenting costs.For existing residential homes, building consent will no longer be required to install solar panels, eliminating costs related to the consenting process and making solar uptake more attractive and financially viable for the 1.9 million-plus New Zealand homes that currently have no self-generating facilities.
Along with additional financial incentives offered by banks and other financial institutions to incentivise solar uptake, changes are likely to have a substantial impact on New Zealand’s ability to harness sustainable energy.
Basically, by putting in solar power, you've hedged your solar electricity price for the next 25 years. If power prices are going to keep going up, then solar just gets better
The bottom line
For thousands of homeowners who have been hesitant about solar because of the upfront costs and long payback period, the equation has changed big time, according to Rewiring Aotearoa chief executive Mike Casey. He reckons that a solar system could now pay itself off in five to six years."It makes larger systems more economical. When you finance solar panels on your mortgage, it probably costs you 13c per kWh, and there are many retailers out there buying power off you at more than 13c per kWh.”
Powerswitch general manager Paul Fuge was equally positive, saying there was "huge potential" for solar in New Zealand because the country had a high number of sunshine hours.
"Basically, by putting in solar power, you've hedged your solar electricity price for the next 25 years. If power prices are going to keep going up, then solar just gets better."