Question 1

How does a solar system actually work?

Accepted Answer

Panels turn sunlight into DC power and an inverter converts it to AC. Your home uses that solar first, sends any excess to the grid for credits, and draws from the grid at night. No battery needed.

Question 2

What makes up a solar system?

Accepted Answer

Five parts: panels on the roof, an inverter near your switchboard, mounting rails, wiring and isolators, and a monitoring app. Optional extras are a battery and a smart meter for accurate export tracking.

Question 3

What is a grid-connected solar system?

Accepted Answer

The NZ default, and about 99% of home solar. Panels power your home, excess flows to the grid for credits, and you draw from the grid at night. No battery. The inverter shuts off in an outage for safety.

Question 4

Is solar worth it in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Auckland gets 41% more sunshine than Berlin, and Germany has 100x more solar installed. Most NZ homeowners see payback in 5 to 8 years, then much lower power bills for another 17+ years.

Question 5

Do solar panels work on cloudy days?

Accepted Answer

Yes, at reduced output. Panels still generate from diffuse light, and NZ's UV stays high even under cloud. They don't stop working just because the sun is behind a cloud.

Question 6

Are solar panels effective in winter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, just less so. NZ winter output runs roughly 40 to 50% of summer. Panels actually prefer the cold; the limits are shorter days and a lower sun angle. A well-sized system still saves year-round.

Question 7

Will my solar work during a power outage?

Accepted Answer

Not by default. Grid-tied solar shuts off automatically in an outage so it can't electrocute linesmen working on the network. To keep power running, you need a battery with backup capability.

Question 8

Is my roof suitable for solar?

Accepted Answer

Most NZ roofs are fine. Ideal is north-facing with a 15 to 30 degree pitch, but east and west work well too. Heavy shading from trees or buildings is the bigger problem.

Question 9

Will solar panels make my house look bad?

Accepted Answer

Rarely. Modern panels are sleek, all-black and sit close to the roof line, and most people walk past without noticing. If looks matter, ask for premium black-on-black panels and tidy cable management.

Question 10

How much does solar cost in NZ?

Accepted Answer

A typical 6.6kW system is $15,000 to $16,000 fully installed. Costs have dropped over 75% in 15 years. Most homeowners pay it off in 5 to 8 years, and the panels last 25+ years.

Question 11

Can I afford to go solar?

Accepted Answer

Most Kiwis can. ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank and Westpac all offer green loans at 0 to 1% for the first few years, up to $80,000 with no setup fees. Repayments are often less than the bill savings.

Question 12

How much will I save on my power bill?

Accepted Answer

Most homeowners save 50 to 80% on their power bill. A typical 6.6kW system is worth around $2,000 to $3,000 a year, depending on your roof, usage and export rate.

Question 13

Is there a government subsidy for solar?

Accepted Answer

No, and none are planned. There is no government subsidy or rebate for home solar in NZ. Solar pays for itself through bill savings, and five major banks offer 0 to 1% green loans for it.

Question 14

Can I get a green loan for solar?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank and Westpac all offer solar green loans at 0 to 1% for the first 1 to 5 years, most up to $80,000 with no setup fees.

Question 15

Will I make money exporting power to the grid?

Accepted Answer

A bit, but the real money is elsewhere. Export rates run roughly 8c to 24c per kWh, with the top rates paid only in limited peak windows, while power you use yourself saves 30c or more. Self-consumption is worth more than exporting.

Question 16

How can I maximise my solar savings?

Accepted Answer

Three levers: run the big appliances while the sun is up, pick a retailer with a strong export rate, and add a battery if you're usually out during the day.

Question 17

How many solar panels do I need?

Accepted Answer

About 15 panels (6.6kW) for a typical NZ home. Smaller homes may need 10, larger properties 20+.

Question 18

What's the difference between string and micro inverters?

Accepted Answer

String inverters are cheaper and most common in NZ: one box converts every panel's output. Microinverters sit under each panel, cost more, but handle shade better and isolate faults to a single panel.

Question 19

Should I buy or lease my solar system?

Accepted Answer

Buy if you can. Leasing locks you into long contracts, complicates selling your home, and costs more over the system's life. With green loans at 0 to 1%, even Kiwis without savings can effectively buy.

Question 20

What's the best solar panel brand in NZ?

Accepted Answer

There's no single best. Tier-1 makers like LG, Canadian Solar, Trina, Jinko and REC dominate NZ installs. Look for a 25-year product warranty and at least 10 years of workmanship cover.

Question 21

Can I add solar if I have an EV?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and an EV is the best way to monetise solar. Charging free at home instead of paying at a public charger transforms the payback. EV owners usually go a little bigger, around 8 to 10kW.

Question 22

Can I install solar on a rental property?

Accepted Answer

You can, but the maths is trickier: the savings go to the tenant paying the power bill, not the landlord paying for the panels. Solar can still justify higher rent or attract better tenants.

Question 23

Can I expand my solar system later?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, but it's almost always cheaper to size it right the first time. Adding panels can mean replacing the inverter, new consents and a second install bill. Ask for an inverter with spare capacity.

Question 24

Do I need a battery with my solar?

Accepted Answer

Most Kiwis don't, at least not straight away. If you're home during the day and use your solar as it's generated, a battery adds cost for little gain. If you're out all day or want outage backup, it starts to pay.

Question 25

Can a battery be added to my existing solar later?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most modern systems are battery-ready, so one can be retrofitted without replacing the inverter. Older systems may need a hybrid inverter added. Mention any future battery plans at quote stage.

Question 26

Can one battery power my whole home?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your usage. A 10kWh battery (the typical home size) covers an evening of lights, fridge, TV and charging. Heat pumps or EV charging drain it fast. Most homes use one to stretch solar into the evening.

Question 27

How does solar battery storage actually work?

Accepted Answer

During the day your panels feed the house first, and the excess that would have been exported charges the battery instead. After sunset you draw from the battery, then from the grid once it's empty.

Question 28

Can I go fully off-grid in NZ?

Accepted Answer

Technically yes, but it's expensive and rarely worth it. Covering winter needs a big array and heavy battery capacity. A hybrid system (solar, battery, grid backup) gets most of the independence for a fraction of the cost.

Question 29

How long does a solar install take?

Accepted Answer

About 4 to 8 weeks from signing to panels on the roof, though the install itself is only 1 to 2 days. The slow part is grid-connection paperwork with your distributor.

Question 30

Do solar panels need maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Almost none. Wash them once a year, glance at the monitoring app now and then, and watch for inverter warning lights. Most quality panels carry a 25-year manufacturer warranty.

Question 31

How do you actually clean solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Soft brush, mild detergent and a normal hose, ideally on a cool morning. No high-pressure washers (they can void the warranty), no abrasive scrubbers, and never walk on the panels. Once a year is plenty.

Question 32

How long do solar panels last?

Accepted Answer

25 to 30 years. Panels degrade about 0.5% a year, so a 20-year-old panel still makes around 90% of its original output. Inverters last 10 to 15 years and are usually replaced once.

Question 33

Should I tell my insurance about solar?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most insurers want to know solar is on the roof, though it rarely changes your premium. Your installer gives you an installation certificate to send them.

Question 34

What if a tree limb damages a panel?

Accepted Answer

Your home insurance usually covers it, treated like any other roof damage, and the panel is replaced with the same model. System-wide faults like inverter failure fall under the installer's workmanship warranty.

Question 35

Should I restart my inverter after a power cut?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. Modern inverters restart themselves once the grid stabilises, normally within minutes. If yours is still off 10 minutes after power returns, check the screen for warnings and call your installer.

Question 36

How do I avoid solar scams?

Accepted Answer

Watch for door-to-door sales, prices that look too good, and 'today only' pressure. Get every promise in writing, check the installer is EWRB registered, and read Google reviews independently.

Question 37

Is solar right for me?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes: a north, east or west-facing roof, some daytime power use, and 5+ more years in the home. Heavy shade, very low daytime usage, or a short stay weaken the case.

Question 38

How does Solar Scout work?

Accepted Answer

Enter your address, answer a few quick questions, and we build a personalised solar report from your actual roof. Compare quotes from up to 3 vetted local installers when you're ready.

Question 39

Will I get bombarded with sales calls?

Accepted Answer

No. You're matched with up to 3 vetted local installers, never a public free-for-all. It's a small, pre-screened shortlist, not your number sold around town, and you choose who to talk to.

Question 40

How are installers vetted?

Accepted Answer

Every installer is EWRB registered, a SEANZ member or Master Electricians certified, has at least 5 years of solar experience, and has reviews and references we check. If they don't pass, they don't get your number.

Question 41

What are my options when I sign up?

Accepted Answer

Two paths: compare quotes from up to 3 vetted installers, or run the roof analysis first and decide later. Both are free, and there's no pressure either way.

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