Solar Panels

Solar panels NZ

Short answer: most New Zealand homes need a 3 to 5 kW roof system, which is about 7 to 12 panels. EECA puts typical installed prices at $8,500 for 3 kW and $11,500 for 5 kW, with payback in about 7 to 10 years. Small 50 to 300 W panels suit 12 V sheds, boats and caravans.

Solar panels for homes, sheds, boats, caravans and off-grid sites, from small 50 W panels for 12 V systems to 650 W panels for roof arrays. We list LONGi, JA Solar, Flagsun and Gokin panels, plus rigid, flexible and folding panels for portable use. Prices include GST.

Choose the panel for the job

Want everything in one order? Our solar power systems combine panels, an inverter and batteries.

How to choose a home solar system

1. Size it to your power use. Your bill shows your yearly kWh. The average NZ home uses about 7,000 kWh a year, which EECA matches to a medium, 5 kW system. A bigger system than you need is not cost effective.
2. Check the roof. Each panel is usually 1.6 to 2 m². EECA says about 35 m² allows up to 5 kW and 70 m² up to 10 kW. North, north-east or north-west facing roofs with a 30° to 45° tilt produce the most.
3. Match the inverter. EECA says about 20% more panel capacity than inverter capacity tends to give the best value. Check whether your home is single phase or three phase before choosing a larger inverter.
4. Leave the battery for later if you are home in the day. EECA says solar without a battery generally gives the best returns. A battery adds $5,000 to $15,000.
5. Ask for the right warranties. EECA’s minimums are 10 years on the panel product, 5 years on a string inverter and 5 years on workmanship.

The full numbers, with EECA’s example homes in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, are in our guide What size solar system do I need?

Before you buy

• Size: check the panel’s dimensions and weight against your roof or mounting space. The 650 W panels here are about 2.4 m long (2382 x 1134 mm).
• Voltage: match the panel’s voltage and current to your charge controller or inverter’s input limits on its specification sheet.
• Grid connection: a system connected to the grid must be installed by a registered electrician, and your lines company must approve the connection before it goes live.

Solar panels NZ FAQs

How many solar panels does a house need?

EECA’s typical systems are 7 panels for 3 kW, 12 panels for 5 kW and 24 panels for 10 kW. With 650 W panels, 8 panels make 5.2 kW.

How much does a home solar system cost in NZ?

EECA’s typical installed prices, incl. GST, are $8,500 for 3 kW, $11,500 for 5 kW and $20,000 for 10 kW, without a battery. Our panels and kits are sold supply only, at the prices shown on this page.

How long do solar panels last?

EECA says 25 to 30 years if they are well maintained, losing about 0.5% of output a year. The inverter usually needs replacing after 10 to 15 years.

Do I need a building consent for roof solar panels?

Usually not. Under Schedule 1 of the Building Act (exemption 28D), roof arrays up to 40 m² on each independent roof structure are exempt where the wind zone is no higher than high. The work must still meet the Building Code.

Is solar worth it in Auckland?

EECA estimates a 5 kW system saves about $1,246 a year at an Auckland address with electric heating and hot water, and puts typical payback at 7 to 10 years.

Common questions

EECA explains how home solar works and what to check before you buy on its solar power page.

Ranges and sizes from our live catalogue, checked 28/10/2026. System sizes, costs and payback from EECA, read 13/11/2026.

Popular roof panels: live prices

Single panels, supply only. Prices and stock below update from our catalogue.