Solar Panel Cost NZ: What You'll Actually Pay in 2026
"How much do solar panels cost?" is the first question every Kiwi homeowner asks when considering solar. This guide breaks down exactly what you'll pay, what affects the price, and how to tell if you're getting a fair quote.
SolarScout TeamKey Takeaways
Solar panels in New Zealand cost $10,000-$15,000 for most homes, covering 70-90% of electricity needs. The popular 6.6kW system costs $11,000-$15,000 installed. At $1.70-$2.00 per watt, you're getting fair value from quality Tier 1 systems. Payback is typically 5-8 years, with 20+ years of savings after.
- 1Standard 6kW system: $10,000 - $14,000 fully installed
- 2Popular 6.6kW "sweet spot": $11,000 - $15,000 — best value for most homes
- 3Fair price benchmark: $1.70 - $2.00 per watt for quality Tier 1 systems
- 4Typical payback period: 5-8 years with 20+ years of savings after
- 5Prices include panels, inverter, mounting, installation, and network connection
Quick Price Calculator
Example: 6.6kW system at $1.85/W
$12,210
Total system cost
$1,800-$2,500
Annual savings
5-7 years
Payback period
Interactive calculator coming soon
Compare at a glance
Tap any size for full details
Solar Panel Prices by System Size
Solar system pricing in NZ is relatively standardised. The table below shows what you should expect to pay for a fully installed system using quality Tier 1 panels and a reputable inverter brand.
| System Size | Price Range | Annual Output | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
5 kW | $9,000 - $13,000 | 6,500 - 7,500 kWh | 2-3 bedroom homes |
6 kW | $10,000 - $14,000 | 7,800 - 9,000 kWh | 3-4 bedroom homes |
6.6 kWRECOMMENDED | $11,000 - $15,000 | 8,500 - 9,900 kWh | Most NZ homes |
8 kW | $13,000 - $18,000 | 10,400 - 12,000 kWh | Larger families, home offices |
10 kW | $15,000 - $22,000 | 13,000 - 15,000 kWh | High usage, EVs |
13 kW+ | $20,000 - $30,000 | 16,900+ kWh | Future-proofing |
Prices include GST, panels, inverter, mounting hardware, electrical work, and standard installation. Based on single-storey homes with straightforward roof access. Uses Tier 1 panels (Jinko, Trina, Canadian Solar, Longi) and quality inverters (Fronius, Enphase, SolarEdge).
What "fully installed" includes:
- Solar panels (typically 400-450W each)
- Inverter (string or microinverters)
- Mounting rails and hardware
- Electrical wiring and switchboard work
- Council consent (if required)
- Network connection approval
- System commissioning and handover
- Workmanship warranty (5-10 years)
How to Know if You're Getting a Fair Price
A simple way to benchmark solar quotes is to calculate the price per watt. This lets you compare systems of different sizes on an equal basis.
Example calculations
6.6kW system quoted at $13,200:
$13,200 ÷ 6,600W = $2.00 per watt ← Within recommended range
6.6kW system quoted at $17,500:
$17,500 ÷ 6,600W = $2.65 per watt ← Ask what justifies the premium
What Affects Solar Installation Cost?
Not all installs are created equal. Here's what can nudge your price up or down.
What adds to the bill
- •Multi-level roofs requiring scaffolding
- •Steep pitch (over 30 degrees)
- •Multiple roof faces (split arrays)
- •Tile roofs (more labour than metal)
- •Asbestos-containing materials (requires specialist handling)
- •Switchboard upgrade if existing board is full or outdated
- •Meter replacement (usually handled by your power company)
- •Long cable runs from roof to switchboard
- •Difficult vehicle access for deliveries
- •Inner-city properties with parking restrictions
- •Long distances from road to house
- •High-efficiency panels (REC Alpha, SunPower)
- •Microinverters instead of string inverter
- •Optimisers for partially shaded roofs
- •Integrated monitoring systems
What keeps costs down
- •Single-storey home with easy roof access
- •Metal roof (faster installation than tiles)
- •North-facing roof with no shading
- •Switchboard with available space
- •Some installers offer discounts for multiple homes in the same area
- •End-of-financial-year deals (March-June)
- •Off-peak installation periods
Worth knowing
Most homes fall within the standard price ranges. If your quote is significantly higher, ask your installer to explain the specific factors affecting your property.
What Should Be Included in a Solar Quote?
A good quote breaks down exactly what you're paying for. If you're just seeing a single price with no details — that's a warning sign.
What to look for:
The bit they don't tell you
- No panel or inverter brand specified ("premium panels included")
- Unusually low price with pressure to sign immediately
- No workmanship warranty from installer
- Verbal promises not written in the quote
- Large upfront deposits (standard is 10-20% deposit, balance on completion)
Is 5kW Enough to Run a House?
A 5kW system is the most popular residential size in NZ, but whether it's enough depends on your household's electricity consumption.
5kW system output by region:
How this compares to household usage:
| Household Type | Typical Annual Usage | 5kW Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 people, efficient home | 4,000 - 6,000 kWh | 100%+ |
| Average 3-bed household | 7,000 - 9,000 kWh | 70-90% |
| Large family (4-5 people) | 10,000 - 14,000 kWh | 50-70% |
| With EV charging | +2,500 - 4,000 kWh | Varies |
| With pool/spa | +2,000 - 4,000 kWh | Varies |
Usage: 4,000 - 6,000 kWh
Usage: 7,000 - 9,000 kWh
Usage: 10,000 - 14,000 kWh
Usage: +2,500 - 4,000 kWh
Usage: +2,000 - 4,000 kWh
Our recommendation
5kW is sufficient for most 2-3 bedroom homes with average usage. If you have higher consumption, work from home, have an EV, or plan to add a battery later, consider 6.6kW or larger. The price difference between 5kW and 6.6kW is typically only $2,000-$3,000, and the extra capacity provides buffer for future needs.
What Is the 20% Rule for Solar Panels?
The "20% rule" is an industry guideline for sizing solar systems. It suggests installing approximately 20% more capacity than your calculated minimum needs.
Why the buffer matters:
- 1Panel degradation: Solar panels lose approximately 0.5% efficiency per year. A system sized exactly for today will produce less in 10-15 years.
- 2Seasonal variation: Your calculated needs might be based on annual averages, but winter production is 40-50% lower than summer.
- 3Usage growth: Electricity consumption tends to increase over time (new appliances, EVs, working from home).
- 4Using more of what you generate: Larger systems generate more midday power, increasing what you can use directly rather than export.
Here's what that looks like in practice
If your household uses 8,000 kWh/year and you want to cover 80% with solar (6,400 kWh), a basic calculation suggests ~5kW. Applying the 20% rule: 5kW × 1.2 = 6kW system — which is why 6-6.6kW is the most commonly recommended size for average homes.
Why Pricing Varies Between Installers
You might receive quotes that vary by $2,000-$5,000 for the same system size. Here's why:
Equipment quality
Budget systems use cheaper panels and inverters with shorter warranties. Premium systems use higher-efficiency panels and proven inverters.
Business model
Some installers are high-volume, low-margin operations. Others focus on premium service with higher margins. Neither is wrong — it depends on what you value.
Installation quality
Rushed installations save labour costs but may compromise longevity. Quality installers take time to do it right.
After-sales support
Some quotes include ongoing monitoring and maintenance support. Others are "install and forget."
Our advice
The cheapest quote isn't always the best value. Your savings come from how well the system performs, not how little you paid for it.
How we compiled this pricing data
Our pricing is based on verified quotes from SEANZ-accredited installers across New Zealand, updated quarterly.
Price Accuracy
Regional Coverage
Equipment Quality
Installation Standards
Market Conditions
Important: Prices shown are indicative based on standard installations. Your actual quote may vary based on roof complexity, location, and specific requirements. Always get multiple quotes from SEANZ-certified installers for accurate pricing.
Related Guides
Solar Panel Cost FAQ
Quick answers to the questions Kiwis ask most about solar pricing.
Still have questions? Drop us a line.
Get Accurate Pricing for Your Home
The prices in this guide are based on typical installations. Your actual cost depends on your roof, location, and specific requirements. Our vetted installers provide detailed quotes based on your actual situation — no obligation, completely free.
Matched with SEANZ-certified installers in your area. No pushy sales calls.
Sources & Verification
Government Data
Industry Data
- SEANZ — Sustainable Energy Association of NZ
- WorkSafe NZ — Electrical Safety Requirements
- Pricing data verified with SEANZ-accredited installers(January 2026)
Last verified: January 2026. Prices may vary — always confirm directly with installers before making decisions.