How SolarScout Vets Solar Installers in NZ
Choosing a solar installer is one of the biggest decisions in your solar journey. A good installer means a system that performs for 25+ years. A bad one means headaches, warranty disputes, and potentially unsafe electrical work on your roof.
SolarScout exists to take that risk off the table. Every installer in our network has been independently vetted before they can quote a single job. This page explains exactly what we check, why it matters, and how we keep standards high over time.
Want quotes from vetted installers? Answer a few quick questions and we will match you with pre-vetted local installers. Free, no obligation.
Why vetting matters
Solar is a long-term investment. A typical residential system costs $13,000 to $18,000 and sits on your roof for decades. The installer you choose determines how well that system performs, how safe the electrical work is, and whether your warranty actually holds up.
In New Zealand, anyone with an EWRB registration can legally install solar panels. That is the bare minimum. It does not tell you whether they have solar-specific experience, whether they carry adequate insurance, or whether their past customers are happy.
Not all solar installers are created equal. We do not accept everyone who applies.
That is why we built a vetting process that goes well beyond legal requirements. We check credentials, insurance, experience, customer reviews, and workmanship history before any installer joins the SolarScout network.
How we evaluate and choose our solar installers
Every installer in the SolarScout network has passed our vetting process. Here is what we look for:
[1] Years of experience
We require a minimum of 3 years verified solar installation experience. Installers must demonstrate a track record of successful installations before joining the SolarScout network.
[2] Licensed and insured
Every installer must meet Electrical Workers Registration Board requirements and hold current public liability insurance. We verify registration status directly with EWRB.
[3] Industry qualifications
All SolarScout installers hold recognised industry qualifications and certifications. This means they have committed to industry best practices, ongoing training, and a professional code of conduct.
[4] Master Electricians certification
We require Master Electricians NZ certification, which includes workmanship guarantees and higher business standards. This provides additional protection for homeowners.
[5] Reputation and reviews
We review Google ratings, check for unresolved complaints, and contact references. Installers must maintain positive customer feedback to remain in the network.
NZ solar certifications and what they mean
Several certifications exist in New Zealand's solar industry. Here is what each one means and whether SolarScout requires it:
| Certification | What it means | SolarScout |
|---|---|---|
| EWRB | Legal authority to perform electrical work in NZ | Required |
| Vetted | Independently vetted for qualifications, track record, and customer reviews | Required |
| Master Electrician | Business standards, workmanship guarantee | Required |
| EECA | Participation in govt energy efficiency programmes | Preferred |
EWRB registration is a legal requirement for any electrical work in New Zealand. Master Electricians NZ certification goes further, requiring higher business standards and providing workmanship guarantees. We require both.
Legal requirements for solar installation in NZ
Before any solar system connects to the grid, several requirements must be met. A quality installer handles all of this for you:
| Requirement | Who handles it? | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) | Your installer (must be registered electrician) | Issued at completion |
| Distributed Generation Application | Your installer submits to lines company | 2-4 weeks before installation |
| Building Consent | May be required for some installs | 20 working days (if needed) |
| Meter Upgrade | Your electricity retailer arranges | 1-2 weeks post-installation |
If an installer asks you to arrange your own CoC or Distributed Generation application, that is a red flag. Quality installers handle all paperwork.
Red flags we screen for
Not every installer who applies joins our network. We specifically watch for these warning signs:
High-pressure sales tactics
Rushing you to sign, "today only" pricing, or discouraging you from getting other quotes. Quality installers give you time to decide.
Cheap equipment with poor warranties
We only approve installers who use quality panels backed by minimum 25-year manufacturer warranties. Most of our installers also offer 5 to 10 year workmanship guarantees on their installations.
Subcontracting without disclosure
If work will be subcontracted, installers must disclose this upfront. Hidden subcontracting is grounds for removal from our network.
Incomplete documentation
Quality installers provide full system documentation including panel specs, inverter details, warranty certificates, and as-built diagrams.
Unresolved complaints
Any installer with unresolved customer disputes must resolve them before joining or remaining in our network.
Ongoing monitoring
Vetting is not a one-time check. We continuously monitor our installer network to maintain standards:
- Credential checks: We re-verify EWRB registration and Master Electricians status regularly.
- Customer feedback: We review Google ratings and track customer satisfaction across every job.
- Complaint resolution: If an installer falls below standards, whether through expired certifications, poor customer feedback, or unresolved complaints, we work with them to address the issues. If problems persist, they are removed from the network.
Frequently asked questions
How does SolarScout verify installer credentials?
We verify every installer's Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) status and Master Electricians NZ membership. We also review their insurance documentation, workmanship warranty terms, and track record through customer reviews and references.
What happens if an installer doesn't meet your standards?
If an installer fails to meet our criteria during initial vetting, they cannot join the SolarScout network. If an existing installer falls below standards, whether through expired certifications, poor customer feedback, or unresolved complaints, we work with them to address the issues. If problems persist, they are removed from the network.
Can I report a problem with a SolarScout installer?
Yes. Email us at support@solarscout.co.nz with details of your concern. We take every complaint seriously and investigate thoroughly. Our goal is to ensure every customer has a positive experience, and feedback helps us maintain high standards across our network.
Do you receive payment from installers?
Yes, installers pay a small fee to participate in the SolarScout network after we have vetted them. This is how we keep the service free for homeowners. Importantly, installer fees do not influence our vetting process or recommendations. We apply the same strict criteria to every applicant.
What qualifications should a solar installer have in NZ?
At minimum, any solar installer in New Zealand must be a registered electrician with the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB). This is a legal requirement. Beyond this, look for Master Electricians NZ certification (workmanship guarantees) and at least 3 years of solar installation experience. SolarScout verifies all of these before approving any installer.
How do I check if my installer is properly registered?
You can verify an electrician's registration on the EWRB website. Master Electricians NZ also has a searchable directory at masterelectricians.org.nz. Or simply use SolarScout, where we have already verified all installers against our strict vetting criteria.
What paperwork should my installer handle?
A quality installer handles all paperwork for you. This includes the Distributed Generation application to your lines company (2 to 4 weeks before installation), the Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) issued at completion, and coordination with your electricity retailer for meter upgrades. If an installer asks you to arrange these yourself, that is a red flag.
Next steps for your solar journey
Written by Sarah Chen
Sarah has spent three years covering renewable energy in New Zealand, from residential rooftop systems to community solar projects. She holds a degree in Environmental Science from the University of Auckland.
Reviewed by
Matt Wilson
Registered Electrician & Solar Installer
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