r/nzsolar

The Regulation Minister is taking aim at what he says is excessive red tape around rooftop solar that makes it too hard for home-owners and businesses to set up panels.

David Seymour is ordering a review of the installation process, saying he wants to make New Zealand the easiest place in the world to switch to solar.

He said just three to four percent of New Zealand households used solar, despite average power savings of about $1000 a year.

"Solar installation in New Zealand is a red tape nightmare. Just getting it approved can take months," he said.

"There are up to eight layers of sign-off before small-scale solar systems can be switched on. This requires up to five separate site visits, from four separate entities. For example, during installation the installer often cannot turn off or reconnect the fuse, update the meter, or carry out the required independent electrical inspection. These tasks must be done by other entities, requiring additional site visits."

Gidday r/newzealand

I run a cherry orchard in Central Otago. A few years ago I ripped out every fossil fuel machine on the farm (diesel tractors, diesel frost fighting fans, petrol vehicles) and replaced everything with electric equivalents powered by solar or our grid. The farm now runs without any fossil fuels and we're saving tens of thousands a year. Getting off imported fuels onto NZ made electricity is better for the planet, better for energy sovereignty & resilience, and it’s also genuinely the cheapest way to power your home and business right now.

I’m also CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa, an independent charity that exists to bring electrification to everyone in New Zealand. We have a team of energy, policy, and community outreach experts working to make this affordable for all.

I know the fuel crisis, rising power bills, climate change, and cost of living are big on people’s minds right now. I’ve been interviewed a lot about these topics, like on Q+A recently with Jack Tame. I heard it’s a hot topic on r/nz as well so I’m here to answer your questions as best I can.

Proof:

https://preview.redd.it/imfzxpkbrwyg1.jpg?width=2316&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=55c891630313b51b428b9a75872b2135733d70b1

I'll be live on Wednesday 6 May from 7–9pm (not the 5th like the picture says!) to answer anything:

• When is solar worth it?
• Is there an end to the fuel crisis in sight?
• What's the fastest way to cut your power bill?
• How much can you actually save with an EV?
• What do the energy companies not want you to know?
• Upfront costs, finance, renters, older homes

Drop your questions now if you want them in the queue before Wednesday.

Rewiring is also going on tour across Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington and Hamilton where we’ll give a presentation and you can ask questions in person.

Mike

What’s seems to the normal deposit amount in this industry, I’ve seen 50-60% asked for. That seems pretty high to me, because if they go bust you’re not getting that $$ back. So I’m assuming they essentially use your $$ to buy the product.

I’m aiming to add 2.5kw to my solar install (add 6 panels). What is an approximate price per panel for quality panels around the 410-450w mark? Just ballpark is fine, am trying to price check variable quotes.

Are bifacial panels any good on a dark colour steel roof? Im comparing 2 quotes

Both setups are with 6kw sigenergy inverter and 9kw battery. Both are 18 panels.

Difference is Winaico panels are bifacial.

1st is 18 Tongwei 475w mono

2nd is Winaico 485w bifacial.

$1300 difference.

Worth it more for the premium panel?

Keen to hear back on experience with the bifacial.

Cheers

Hello Reddit hivemind, we're in a situation where we want to install more solar panels on our roof (unforeseen shading situation, growing family etc etc) and reached out to the original supplier who have come back with a quote which doesn't make a lot of sense for just a few additional solar panels.

If we were to engage someone else do you think our inverter warranty would be at risk? Would they need to be SEANZ registered or can we get any old electrician to hook up another 8 panels to our second string?

Hi - need a bit of input here please as we need to make a decision!

Have obtained several quotes. They vary substantially in $ and options.

We (2 sometimes 3 adults) are currently low power users approx 7000kwh annually but will add an ev and heat pump soon. Home all day. Electric hot water. 3 phase power

Looking to reduce power bill and have some grid resilience (we do occasionally have power outs) and future proof. Have heaps of roof NE & NW and position is ok with minor shading in winter. Lower North Island.

These are my options - opinions please!

1. 24x440kw panels - goodwe inverter - no battery, not battery ready $17000

2. 17x585 panels - 10k deye inverter no battery but battery ready? $19000

3. 24x450kw panels- 10k sigenergy hybrid inverter & 10k sigenergy battery $31000

4. 24x460 panels - 15k sigenergy inverter 10k sigenergy battery. Shelley timer $31000

5. 15x505 panels - 12k sigenergy hybrid inverter battery ready $18000

It all seems a bit too much - it needs to be simple and fairly idiot proof!

Thank you!!

So, we're looking realistically at two different systems. Neither system includes installation. Both include 22 panels.

SigEnergy Sigenstor 10kw inverter w/10kWh of battery
$21.5k

Deye ESS All in One, 10kw inverter w/ 20kWh of battery
$18.4k

Clearly, you can see the glaringly obvious value proposition.

So what it really comes down to, what is the actual user experiences?
I know both have their apps so you can control them.
What I'm wanting to achieve is basically maximizing the effectiveness of the system, and how straight forward it is to achieve that?
Is there feature parity or do one or the other really have something that 'sold' it for you?

Official announcements:
https://www.ea.govt.nz/documents/9799/Export_limits_-_information_sheet.pdf

The good bit:

"Key implementation dates

• 11 May 2026
  • Part 1A default static export limit increases to 10kW
  • Distributors may offer flexible or dynamic export limits where networks are constrained, following a network study
  • Part 1A distributed generation (DG) applications must comply with inverter performance standard AS/NZS477.2:2020 (incorporating Amendments No. 1 and 2) and inverter installation standard AS/NZS 4777.1:2024"

Been working on the solar project for some time, got the funds and approvals, system size based on our situation- which is about to change

4 adults, 2 children, 1x EV, gas infinity for water. Use 37kw per day on average. Car charges overnight on an EV plan.

System: 15kw array, 10kw inverter, gateway and 9kw battery.

Within a few months, hot water heat pump (either rinnai hydraheat 340l or haier monoblock 330l)

What’s changing - 2 adults moving out of home. Don’t know entire impact on usage.

Should I opt for a smaller system? Ie reduce panels and increase battery

I had planned on adding battery anyway in a year or so.

I liked idea of panel array being something I do once being highest labour cost.

Had planned system to take advantage of 10kw export too

Hey all,

I have seen that, previous to this post, there has been some chatter about installers and products in Christchurch.

We are very heavy users of power. Large home, 4 people, I work from home. We use approximately 12000-14000kwh per year and have a average power bill of $500 a month (I know, I know lol).

We are commited to making energy changes and, we have ditched gas (prettt much) and installing a hot water heatpump next week.

We have an architectural home in Cashmere with flat butonoyl roof. I know this isn't an issue, but understand that a roofer would have to do some pre setup before panels are placed.

We have three roof lines/areas essentially but, the rear roof would be best for asethetic.

One more thing to note is, we have a eGolf.

What has been everyone's experience and recommdations on companies to go with?

We are commited to making the change and would move quickly!

TIA!