Updated April 2026
Solar Panel Grants & Incentives in New Zealand (2026)
No government grants — best buy-back ~40c/kWh
There are currently 1 active solar incentive available in New Zealand. No grants; best buy-back rate ~40c/kWh (Octopus NZ); 0% green loans available from banks.
Active Incentives
Solar Buy-Back Rates (retailer-set)
Value
Varies by retailer — best rate ~40c/kWh (Octopus NZ)
New Zealand electricity retailers offer buy-back rates for excess solar exported to the grid. Best rate as of April 2026: Octopus Energy NZ at ~40c/kWh. No government grants for solar exist.
Eligibility criteria
- NZ homeowner with a grid-connected solar system
- System must be installed and inspected by a registered electrician
- Apply to your electricity retailer for a buy-back agreement
How to apply
Compare buy-back rates across retailers before installation — rates vary significantly. Octopus Energy NZ offers the highest rates. Contact your chosen retailer to arrange a buy-back agreement.
Things to know
New Zealand has no government solar grants. Warmer Kiwi Homes covers insulation and heat pumps only — not solar PV. The Westpac bank offers 0% green loans up to NZ$50K for solar. The Investment Boost 20% deduction (from May 2025) applies to commercial solar only.
Last verified: 6 April 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any government solar grants in New Zealand?
No — New Zealand does not have any government grants specifically for solar panel installation as of 2026. Warmer Kiwi Homes covers insulation and heat pumps only. Support is limited to retailer buy-back rates, bank green loans (Westpac offers 0% up to NZ$50K), and for commercial properties, the new Investment Boost 20% deduction (from May 2025).
Is solar still worth it in New Zealand without grants?
Yes — despite the lack of grants, solar makes financial sense in NZ due to high electricity prices (NZ$0.28–0.35/kWh) and good buy-back rates. The best buy-back rate from Octopus Energy NZ is ~40c/kWh. A well-sized system typically generates NZ$1,200–2,000 in annual savings, with payback periods of 7–11 years.
Calculate your cost after grants
Use our calculators to estimate your installation cost, then apply the grants above to see your real net cost and payback period.
Related Solar Terms
Disclaimer: Grant information is provided for guidance only. Eligibility criteria, amounts, and availability change frequently. Always verify current details at the official scheme pages before making financial decisions. Solar Estimator is not responsible for changes to grant schemes after the last verified date shown above.