Most New Zealand homes save $1,500–$3,500 a year with a well-sized solar system, depending on your power bill, location, roof and whether you add a battery. Homes with higher bills (above $350/month) typically see the fastest payback. Use the calculator below for your personalised estimate.
Calculate your solar savings
Your address helps us use the right regional sun data for a more accurate estimate.
Indicative only — your savings depend on your roof, usage pattern and electricity retailer. We'll confirm exact figures in your free engineer-checked quote.
How much does solar save NZ homeowners?
Solar savings depend on your bill, roof and location — but here's what typical installations deliver.
| System size | Monthly saving | Annual saving | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3kW (6–7 panels) | $80–$120/mo | $960–$1,440/yr | 1–2 person households |
| 5kW (10–11 panels) | $130–$180/mo | $1,560–$2,160/yr | Average 2–3 person home |
| 6kW (12–13 panels) | $160–$220/mo | $1,920–$2,640/yr | 3–4 person family home |
| 8kW (16–17 panels) | $200–$280/mo | $2,400–$3,360/yr | Large home, heat pumps |
| 10kW (20–21 panels) | $250–$350/mo | $3,000–$4,200/yr | Big home, EV, pool |
Estimates assume 35–45% self-consumption (70–80% with a battery), electricity at 32c/kWh, NZ regional sun data. Actual savings vary.
Your savings depend on these factors
Your power bill
Higher bills mean bigger potential savings. Homes paying $300+/month typically see the fastest payback. The more you use, the more solar can replace.
Your location
Canterbury and Bay of Plenty get the most sun; Auckland and Wellington still deliver strong savings. Regional sun data is baked into our calculator.
Roof orientation
North-facing roofs generate the most in NZ. East/west roofs still work well — generating 80–85% of optimal output.
System size
A properly sized system generates roughly what you use annually. Over-sizing doesn't help much; under-sizing leaves savings on the table.
Battery storage
Without a battery you self-consume ~35% of your solar. Add a battery and that rises to ~70%, meaning you buy far less from the grid — especially in evenings.
Power price inflation
Electricity prices have risen ~4% a year on average. Your solar system's savings compound with every price increase — it gets more valuable over time.
Is solar worth it in New Zealand?
Yes — for most New Zealand homeowners, solar is one of the strongest financial investments available, delivering tax-free, inflation-protected returns for 25+ years.
With electricity prices rising an average of 4–7% per year over the past decade, solar is increasingly attractive. A typical 6kW system pays for itself in 6–9 years and then generates effectively free power for the remaining 15+ years of its life.
The NZ solar advantage
- NZ electricity prices are among the highest in the Pacific — making the savings from solar more valuable
- All regions get enough sun for solar to work well (even Auckland and Wellington)
- NZ's buy-back rates (8–17c/kWh) mean exported solar earns a return too
- Solar adds value to your property and reduces exposure to energy price rises
When solar works best
- You own your home and plan to stay 5+ years
- Your monthly power bill is above $200
- You use power during daylight hours (working from home, appliances on timers)
- You have a north or east/west facing unshaded roof
Not sure if solar is right for your situation? Get a free, no-obligation assessment — we'll tell you honestly whether it stacks up for you.
Calculator not exact enough? Get an engineer-checked quote.
Our calculator gives you an honest range. For exact savings figures, system design and pricing, get a free quote — takes 2 minutes and there's zero pressure.