Home > Reviews From Solar Power System Owners

Reviews From Solar Power System Owners

We have asked people that brought a solar power system after getting 3 quotes through My Solar Quotes how their solar power systems are going! We asked:
What size system did you install?
How long has your solar power system been running for?
How did you find the solar installation?
How have you found the performance of the solar power system?
Do you have any other comments that you would like to share with New Zealanders thinking about going solar?


Todd, Papamoa, Tauranga

Review Date: 08/04/2016

Size: 3.5 kW

Running for: 3 months

Comments on the installation: "Excellent, previous feedback given."

Comments on the system performance: "It is going really well. Over the past 3 months we have save $455.77 based on our average power bill over the preceding 12 months. Based on some calculations I have made, the system will be paid off from the savings, after 7 years."

Advice: "Definitely worth it if you don't let the savings get absorbed into the "big black hole" we are planning to pay the savings off our mortgage."

Bob, Far North, Northland

Review Date: 06/05/2016

Size: 3 kW

Running for: 2 months

Comments on the installation: "The installer was great and very pleased with the care taken by the installers."

Comments on the system performance: "Very pleased with the system and the feed back from Enphase is great would recommend the system."

Advice: "The system is great once installed there is no further action required and Enphase keeps us informed of the power we are producing."

Rick, Wellington

Review Date: 12/05/2016

Size: 1 kW

Running for: 2.5months

Comments on the installation: "The installers were very good and the install was pretty quick."

Comments on the system performance: "Because of the time of year it was installed it has not really produced to full capacity yet. It has saved us a small amount of money so far but is within our expectations."

Advice: "I definitely think it was worthwhile and I'm looking forward to battery technology improving and becoming affordable enough for energy storage to become feasible."

Alan, Central Otago, Otago

Review Date: 11/06/2016

Size: 5 kW

Running for: 2 months

Comments on the installation: "Installers impressive on PR, speed , tidyness and confident of their know how. Explained what they were doing and why, GREAT

Comments on the system performance: "So far our system has been running during the grimmest time of the year. Poor weather short days,all day fogs,hoare frost and snow. The system has been at least what we expected, goes well under fog cover! We are still learning to use it most efficiently but our power bills so far are about half even though one of the two is an estimate that is obviously a bit over."

Advice: "Ask me again in 12 months and I will really know. I expect it to do much better in summer to offset winter performance. We have an old "Centimeter" in our kitchen that tells us how many grid kW we are using, when the solar is running it tells us how much is being exported.....it takes a little playing to decide if we are importing or exporting. The panels certainly produce what they were designed to produce when everything is ideal weather wise."

Andrew, Wellington

Review Date: 27/06/2016

Size: 2 kW

Running for: 2 Weeks

Comments on the installation: "The installers and salesperson were awesome. Responded quickly to any concerns or issues."

Comments on the system performance: "It's too early to know yet."

Advice: "I would have liked more information on, for example, analysing our power use and how to make the best use of our system. For example, are there user groups to join to ask questions."

Philip, Christchurch, Canterbury

Philip, Christchurch

Review Date: 01/07/2016

Size: 5 kW

Running for: 4 months

Comments on the installation: "They were 10 out of 10."

Comments on the system performance: "I find that I need 30 panels not 20. In the winter time we are saving about $120 a month."

Advice: "It is good, clean and the sun gives it to you free. 7 years it will be paid of. NZ Solar were the best."

Tony, Nelson/Tasman

Review Date: 10/03/2016

Size: 2.1 kW

Running for: 1 month

Comments on the installation: "Solar Technology were great. They gave advice, followed up and let us know when there was a delay due to Christmas. Have answered all our queries. Excellent service."

Comments on the system performance: "Solar system has so far performed better than we expected. We will have halved our actual power cost when refund is included.  Over the first 28 days we generated 313kwh. We used 149 kwh of what we produced, we imported 196kwh, so in these 28 days we will pay $49 and save $50."

Advice: "Yes. Get quotes, use SEANZ member. Research value of system,and size needed. We are going to follow up with perhaps a couple more panels facing more NE to get morning sun and will investigate battery storage systems."

Bart, Hastings, Hawke's Bay

Bart, Hastings

Review Date: 28/02/2016

Size: 4 kW

Running for: 2 months

Comments on the installation: "I found them via the internet and had a good experience with them. Install was within 2 weeks."

Comments on the system performance: "The system works well and the (energy use part of the) power bill has more than halved, but of course it is summer now."

Advice: "Can't wait for batteries to become available at a reasonable price so I can use more of my own power in stead of selling it back at a low price. Time for the power companies to embrace the new future."

Bill, Manukau City, Auckland

Bill, Manukau City

Review Date: 26/02/2016

Size: 2 kW

Running for: 1 months

Comments on the installation: "No problem with PVSolar, In spite of a partnership breakdown they completed the job. Took a little longer however the Christmas break came in the middle of the installation and that accounted for some of the delay."

Comments on the system performance: "The system seems to be producing consistent 8-10 kwh per day at present (Summer in Auckland). Have had only one power bill so far from Mercury for half of January- 173Kwh $47.54 as apposed to 173Kwh whole of January 2015 at $55.33.Non- discounted . So looking like a 8.6% saving."

Advice: "While the short term benefit may not look attractive, over time this has to be a better option than paying ever increasing electricity tarriffs."

Colin, Queenstown-Lakes, Otago

Colin, Queenstown-Lakes

Review Date: 25/02/2016

Size: 6 kW

Running for: 3 months

Comments on the installation: "Very impressed with everyone. Two days and it was all going."

Comments on the system performance: "Great performance. Nearly halved my power bills."

Advice: "Do not be afraid to ask questions and Google as much information as you can find. Research well."

Harvey, Selwyn, Canterbury

Harvey, Selwyn

Review Date: 24/02/2016

Size: 3 kW

Running for: 3 months

Comments on the installation: "A great team got it all installed in a day although they accidentally switched off the hot water cylinder and the sparky had to come back and track it down - all good though!"

Comments on the system performance: "Trouble free since switching on.  Yes - saving about $70 per month which is what I had estimated."

Advice: "Makes us feel a bit more independent of the power companies and their incessant increases."

Sanjay, Papakura, Auckland, Auckland

Review Date: 08/02/2016

Size: 2.5 kW

Running for: 3 months

Comments on the installation: "My Solar was installed and commissioned by "World Solar" and the company gave me a great customer experience. The installers were very competent, qualified and efficient. The Project Manager was very friendly and approachable. He responded promptly to any queries or concerns. He was available in the weekends as well. World Solar went an extra-mile in helping me negotiate an Import-Export Meter from my electricity supplier. I am very thankful to this Company."

Comments on the system performance: "The Solar has made a significant difference in my Power Bill and I am happy about making the choice of having Solar to top up my electricity supply."

Advice: "Solar System is an investment that will provide savings to a household in a long run. In addition to this, Solar adds value to your House."

Terry, Porirua, Wellington

Review Date: 07/02/2016

Size: 2kW

Running for: 1.5 months

Comments on the installation: "I was most impressed with the efficiency and expertise displayed by the representatives of What Power Crisis who did the installation. The actual physical work was done in half a day, but Trustpower took several weeks to arrange and complete the electrical connection."

Comments on the system performance: "It has been almost continuously putting out slightly over 2kW per day, obviously due to a magnificent spell of weather in Wellington!"

Advice: "I can't wait for a suitable storage device to be developed so that I can cut my ties with Trustpower completely, I find the seven cents a kWh I get back from them an insult when they are charging me about 30 cents for what they sell to me."

Cedric and Susan, Thames-Coromandel, Waikato

Review Date: 20/01/2016

Size: 2.6 kW

Running for: 3 months

Comments on the installation: "The installers were very competent and a very professional approach to the whole project, Though did miss-measure and drill a hole in our new carpet!"

Comments on the system performance: "The performance has been great and though only a minimum size ,our savings have been about $100 per month."

Advice: "Just do it--all homes should be fitted with solar as of Law. The savings on fuel , oil and pollution would be huge."

Pete, Napier, Hawke's Bay

Review Date: 07/01/2016

Size: 3 kW

Running for: 3 months

Comments on the installation: "Generally fast and tidy, but once installed I had to wait another 2 weeks before it was operational because I had to wait for the inverter."

Comments on the system performance: "It's been good but there is room for improvement. I think a Tesla power wall sometimes in the not too distant future might be one answer."

Advice: "Always bear in mind that peak power consumption is mornings and evenings when solar delivers very little at best."

Paul, Southland

Review Date: 06/01/2016

Size: 3 kW

Running for: 2 months

Comments on the installation: "Installation went well except water heater timer was not installed until about 6 weeks later and water heating was not included in the solar power until the timer was installed. Consequently savings were limited."

Comments on the system performance: "The solar power system appears to be performing well, and seems to be producing plenty of electricity (average 12 to 16kw a day). Not sure if saving money, but may have a better idea when the import/export meter is installed."

Advice: "Too soon to make meaningful comments - maybe in another 6 months."

Gil, Gore, Southland

Review Date: 23/12/2015

Size: 5 kw

Running for: 30 days

Comments on the installation: "I am a builder and think they the whole team were very professional."

Comments on the system performance: "Still working thru that but sure we be on the win."

Advice: "Nothing to lose talked to a friend tonight and they will convert shortly."

Sandra, Rodney, Auckland

Review Date: 26/11/2015

Size: 4 kW

Running for: 7 weeks

Comments on the installation: "Great. Installers were considerate and made sure we were happy with each part of the installation especially the placement of the inverter."

Comments on the system performance: "Yes performance great. Amazed that on some days we were producing more than 4 kW. Since installation early October we have not produced less than 10 kW. Our record day so far was this week when we produced 28.5 kW. Power bill down by $80 the first month but hopefully this will increase with summer."

Advice: "Down side of solar if you are not getting batteries installed is that you still use power at night - TV, lights, oven etc. The power companies charge you around 4x the price for your imported power as your exported power."

Neville, Dunedin, Otago

Review Date: 24/11/2015

Size: 5kw

Running for: 6 weeks

Comments on the installation: "Very efficient. Nice to talk too. Took about 5hrs to install."

Comments on the system performance: "Production is good. Have saved about $20.00 on our first a/c. Will hope for a wee bit more over summer."

Advice: "A great way to cut costs. I have done this with retirement in mind to reduce household expenses. If you can afford the initial outlay I would strongly recomend."

Bryan, Invercargill, Southland

Review Date: 21/10/2015

Size: 3.3 kW and intend to up date to 4.4kW by the end of the year.

Running for: 2 months

Comments on the installation: "It was a very slick installation arriving at 8:30 am and finished by 2:00pm. a very good team effort (3) each member had a job to do and got on with it."

Comments on the system performance: "Very good to date we are feeding back power to the grid, our first full power bill shows a saving of $60.00 and we hope that it will only get better as we change the way we use power in the house."

Advice: "In the long term we know it is going to pay for its self, I think the power companies should be more supporting for those like us who are just trying to help the country save money in the long term."

Jerry, Waimakariri, Canterbury

Review Date: 26/09/2015

Size: 4 kW

Running for: 4 months

Comments on the installation: "Process was ok with no issues re the installation of the panels. However, the electrical installation was NOT done correctly & took about 6 weeks to sort despite my continuing contact with the company to sort. They basically were ignoring me & I finally got things sorted when I was able to get the inverter manufcturer in Christchurch to sort. Everything worked very well then until I had an issue with my WiFi code & I have been waiting for 2 weeks to have this rectified. After sales service is appalling!!"

Comments on the system performance: "Pretty much as expected & I am happy with the technology with the exception of my previous comments re the after sales service."

Advice: "Probably worth the investment now that the prices have come down over time."

Reg, Christchurch, Canterbury

Review Date: 19/09/2015

Size: 6.2 kW

Running for: 40 days

Comments on the installation: "Installers were very helpful, respectful and friendly. Main installation took less than two days."

Comments on the system performance: "The system has been performing very well so far with about a 50% reduction in our first power bill since installation."

Advice: "A 50 % reduction in our power bill is a much better return on our money than the paltry interest paid on savings from the bank."

Peter, Lake Hawea, Otago

Review Date: 03/09/2015

Size: 5 kW

Running for: 2 months

Comments on the installation: "Excellent install,friendly and competent staff took about 3 hours to install."

Comments on the system performance: "Early days only installed since 20 July but on first complete billing before I was being paid for what I put into the grid I saved approx $120."

Advice: "It's a free source of power.The money I had in the bank was earning 4.05% or $514.35 on the cost of the install.I believe that here in Central Otago I will save five times the interest on the cost of the install and probably add to the value of my home."

AJ, Hamilton, Waikato

Review Date: 17/08/2015

Size: 2 kW

Running for: 3 months

Comments on the installation: "Hassle free, took less than a day."

Comments on the system performance: "Satisfactory. Not sure how much savings though."

Advice: "Go green."