How does SolarScout verify installer credentials?

We verify every installer's SEANZ membership directly with the Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand. We also confirm their Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) status and Master Electricians NZ membership. Additionally, we 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're removed from the network.

Can I report a problem with a SolarScout installer?

Absolutely. 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've vetted them. This is how we keep the service free for homeowners. Importantly, installer fees don't 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 SEANZ membership (industry best practices), Master Electricians NZ certification (workmanship guarantees), and at least 3 years of solar installation experience.

What is SEANZ and why does it matter?

SEANZ (Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand) is the industry body for solar and renewable energy. SEANZ members commit to a code of conduct, ongoing training, and industry best practices. While not legally required, SEANZ membership signals a professional installer who takes their craft seriously.

What paperwork should my installer handle?

A quality installer handles all paperwork for you. This includes the Distributed Generation application to your lines company (2-4 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's a red flag.

How do I check if my installer is properly registered?

You can verify an electrician's registration on the EWRB website (ewrb.govt.nz). For SEANZ membership, check the member directory at seanz.org.nz. Master Electricians NZ also has a searchable directory at masterelectricians.org.nz. Or simply use SolarScout — we've already verified all installers in our network.

Vetted Solar Installers: How We Ensure Quality

We do the legwork so you don't have to. Every SolarScout installer has extensive solar and electrical qualification, and is independently vetted before joining our network.

Written by

SolarScout Team

Updated 15 January 2026

The short version

1All installers are SEANZ members and hold Master Electricians registration
2Not all solar installers are created equal — we don't accept everyone
3Installer Rating Average 4.7 on
4We verify certifications, insurance, customer service, and track record before approval
5Ongoing monitoring ensures standards are maintained

How we evaluate and choose our solar installers

Every installer in the SolarScout network has passed our rigorous vetting process. Here's what we look for:

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.

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.

SEANZ membership

All SolarScout installers are members of the Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand. This means they've committed to industry best practices, ongoing training, and a professional code of conduct.

Master Electricians certification

We require Master Electricians NZ certification, which includes workmanship guarantees and higher business standards. This provides additional protection for homeowners.

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's what each one means:

Certification	What it means	SolarScout
EWRB	Legal authority to perform electrical work in NZ	Required
SEANZ	Industry standards, code of conduct, ongoing training	Required
Master Electrician	Business standards, workmanship guarantee	Required
EECA	Participation in govt energy efficiency programmes	Preferred

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's 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:

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 5-10 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.

Frequently asked questions

Can't find what you're looking for? Feel free to email us.

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