If you connect to the grid, you’ll still get a power bill from your power retailer. It will include a standard daily lines charge and charges based on the amount of power you draw from the grid.

How much you save on your electricity bill will depend on the size of the solar system installed, how you use your power while it is being generated, and whether you have batteries installed.

Yes. Anyone on a grid-connected solar system needs an import/export meter installed, as this is a requirement of the NZ Electricity Industry Code.

This records electricity imported from the grid and electricity exported back to the grid. Your energy retailer owns the meter.

The export price per kWh varies per retailer. We suggest comparing retailers to find the best price. The export price is generally less than the import price.

Yes, but you’ll need battery storage.

To run a home completely by solar and off the grid, you’ll need the right-sized system to meet your energy usage needs, and a battery to store power to use when the solar panels are not generating, including long periods of cloudy weather.

Solar panels last approximately 25 years. It’s important to understand that solar panels degrade over time, so they produce slightly less energy each year.

Under a 25-year warranty, most manufacturers expect their solar panels to generate at 80% of their original capacity at the 25-year mark.

The inverters connected to the solar panels have different lifespans depending on the type. String inverters generally have a life expectancy of around 12-15 years, while micro-inverters and DC optimisers have a life expectancy of 20-25 years.

Three things influence the batteries’ life expectancy:

• How much it’s used
• The type of battery and
• Its operating environment

Battery storage capacity becomes less efficient over time. Most current lithium-ion batteries come with a 10-year performance warranty.

Solar panels can currently be recycled at the end of their life, through either re-use, mechanical recycling, or chemical recycling.

Ideally, you want your panels to be generating every time it’s sunny, especially if you are using the power as it’s generated. Solar panels work best with direct sunlight.

For battery storage, the best-case scenario is four to five hours of direct sunlight per day to generate enough to charge the battery.

Solar panels will still generate electricity when it is cloudy, but not as efficiently.

The ideal system size depends on your household or business electricity usage, your roof size and orientation, and whether you plan to install batteries. A solar installer can help assess your needs and recommend the right system size.

In most cases, you don’t need council consent for rooftop solar installations, unless your property is heritage-listed or you’re installing ground-mounted panels. Always check with your local council or your installer for specific requirements.

If you’re connected to the grid without a battery, your solar system will automatically shut down during an outage for safety reasons. To continue using solar power during an outage, you’ll need a battery system with backup capability.

Solar systems require very little maintenance. However, panels should be kept clean and free of debris to maintain efficiency. A visual inspection once or twice a year is usually sufficient. Most inverters also have monitoring systems to track performance.

North-facing panels are best for maximising sunlight exposure in New Zealand. East or west-facing panels can still be effective, especially if your energy usage is higher in the morning or late afternoon.

Yes. Many systems are designed to be scalable. If your energy needs grow or you want to add battery storage in the future, talk to your installer about options for expanding your system.