A solar "buy-back" (or export) rate is what your power retailer pays you for surplus electricity your panels send to the grid. In New Zealand these rates typically range from around 8c to 17c per kWh and vary by retailer, plan and region. A higher buy-back rate matters most if you export a lot — though using more of your own solar (or storing it in a battery) usually beats exporting it.
| Retailer | Indicative buy-back | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ecotricityhigh | Up to ~17c/kWh | Carbon-zero retailer; rate varies by plan. |
| Meridian Energyhigh | ~17c/kWh peak / lower off-peak | Higher daytime/peak export rate on some plans. |
| Genesis Energymid | ~8–17c/kWh | Rate depends on plan and usage tier. |
| Contact Energymid | ~8–12c/kWh | Varies by plan; check current offer. |
| Mercurymid | ~8–12c/kWh | Plan-dependent. |
| Electric Kiwimid | ~12c/kWh | Solar plan; conditions apply. |
| Frank Energymid | ~8–12c/kWh | Plan-dependent. |
| Powershopmid | ~8–13c/kWh | Varies by plan and region. |
Indicative rates only — last reviewed May 2026. Buy-back rates change often and depend on your plan, region and whether you also buy power from the retailer. Confirm the current rate with the retailer before making a decision.
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Get more from every kWh
We'll design a system that prioritises self-consumption — and recommend a battery if it stacks up — so you rely less on buy-back rates in the first place.