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Are you considering solar power? Great news: solar panels in New Zealand are more affordable than ever! Over the last 14 years, the cost of grid-connected solar power systems has dropped by over 75%, making clean energy accessible to more Kiwis.
Back in 2008, a 3 kW solar power system cost around $40,000. Today, a fully installed 3 kW system costs approximately $8,000*.
While prices increased slightly in 2022 and 2023 due to global demand and supply chain issues, they're dropping again in 2025, due to the price of solar panels reducing in price signficantly.
The most common system size installed in New Zealand is a 5kW system which costs approximately $11,000*.
Use our free 3 Solar Quotes Service to compare competitive prices from top-rated installers.
The cost of a solar power system largely depends on the size of the system and the type of roof it’s installed on. Here’s a snapshot of typical residential solar system sizes in New Zealand and their approximate pricing. Lasted updated: 02/12/2024.
*Please only use these prices as a guide. The solar power system prices assume straightforward installation on a metal roof. Prices can vary based on a number of factors.
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You can get quotes from multiple solar installers for an accurate price to get solar installed on your home.
The price for a solar power system for each home or business will vary based on the complexity of the installation, the accessibility of the roof, the labour rates in your area and many other factors.
You can get the best possible price on a quality solar power system by doing your research. Start here by getting 3 free quotes.
Figuring out how many solar panels you need for your home in New Zealand doesn’t have to be a head-scratcher. It all comes down to your household’s energy habits, roof space, and how much sunshine your area gets.
Most Kiwi homes opt for systems between 4kW and 8kW, which translates to around 9 to 19 solar panels. The sweet spot for many is a 5kW system (roughly 12 panels), as it covers a hefty chunk of the average home’s energy needs at a more affordable price tag.
But how do you decide what’s right for you? Let’s break it down with three simple approaches:
Investing in solar panels can generate a return of 10 to 15% annually, which increases as electricity prices climb.
Unsure if solar panels on your roof will be worthwhile or if the upfront cost will lead to a good payback? Use our solar calculator to see how much you could save and estimate your payback period.
The 2025 edition of the My Solar Quotes Buyers Guide for home solar panel installations takes you through the steps of purchasing a solar power system for your home, and the factors you will need to consider at each step.
The guide includes ‘how to avoid dodgy traders’ and ‘details to look out for when comparing quotes’. View the solar power buyers guide here.
Individual solar panels in New Zealand cost around $230 for a 440W panel. However, the total system cost includes inverters, mounting systems, and installation.
Find out how to choose solar panels here.
The price of a solar power system has plummeted dramatically over the last decade, so we don't expect similarly drastic price drops in the future. Expect to see a 3 kW solar power system drop no more than a few hundred dollars every year, or even increase slightly.
In a few years a new solar power system's cost could fall, but the savings made on power bills (with a solar power system installed today) would mean greater savings in the long term.
There hasn't been a revolutionary change in solar power technology over the last 10 years - the energy collection concepts remain the same, but the technology gets incrementally more efficient yearly.
The term 'efficiency' in the solar world means the efficiency at which the panel converts sunlight into power. At present, the average efficiency of a quality panel is 22%. According to GTM research, conventional panels are likely to improve by approximately 0.3% annually, which isn't fast by any means.
Batteries can be used to store solar power for use at night, during times of peak electricity demand and during blackouts. Learn more about solar batteries here.
Prices for a battery storage system accompanying a grid-connected solar power system will largely depend on the battery’s storage capacity, followed by the brand's reputation, quality and special features.
Generally, the more storage capacity is installed, the more expensive it is. Find out if solar batteries are worth the cost or see the approximate prices for lithium-ion solar batteries.
Solar Battery Capacity | Approximate Price Range |
5 kWh | $6,000 to $7,500 |
10 kWh | $10,000 to $13,000 |
15 kWh | $14,000 to $18,000 |
Note: All prices include GST
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