How solar panels work
Solar panels use the power of the sun to generate electricity for your home.
Panels can be placed on a roof or on the ground.
Any extra electricity you generate during the day and don’t use can be sold back to your power company.
You can store up electricity created during the day by adding a battery bank to your system.
For more information:
Sizing and costs
To size the right solar system, you need to understand how much electricity you use and when you use it.
You can also start with a smaller system and scale up over time.
In New Zealand:
- most residential homes would use a system between 1.5kW – 4kW. A panel-only no battery 4kWh system is around $10,000.
- a 3kW grid-connected solar power system is popular because it helps reduce electricity costs, while remaining relatively affordable (around $8,000).
- battery systems for a standard house cost around $10,000. These prices are expected to reduce.
If you want to significantly reduce or eliminate your monthly electricity bill, you’ll need to include battery storage.
To help assess the financial return for your house, try the Gen Less solar tool.
Find the right solar system
You can calculate the size and type of solar system you might need with information about your:
- electricity usage
- location
- roof angle.
Compare system sizes and outputs with the Roar power solar calculator
Before you buy and install
A solar expert should install your system. For advice and quotes visit Sustainable Electricity Association of New Zealand (SEANZ).
If your solar system will be connected to the grid, contact your power company to get approval before installing.
All panels and electrical work (including battery systems) need to comply with and be certified to New Zealand electrical standards.