Best Solar Panel Companies in Auckland
Updated 22 June 2020
In this guide, we outline what’s important when considering purchasing solar panels for your Auckland home. With estimated costs around $8,000 to $10,000 for a 3kW solar system size (comprising of ten 300W panels), it's by no means an ordinary purchase. We have handpicked ten trusted solar panel providers who have an excellent reputation among Auckland home owners.
Our Auckland Solar Panel guide covers:
Our Auckland Solar Panel guide covers:
How Much Does Solar Panels and Installation Cost?
- A standard home will require around 3kW of panels, which will cost between $8,000 and $10,000. This will include an inverter (a device which converts DC power generated by the panels to AC power used by your home).
- Research by Consumer New Zealand suggests the payback period ranges considerably based on the price you pay for electricity.
- A ten-year warranty won't cover adverse weather or accidents such as cricket balls or other flying objects.
- Installation comes standard from most solar panel companies, but check to see if there are additional extras such as monitors.
- Batteries, which store your power rather than selling it into the grid, remain very expensive to purchase in New Zealand and we have not considered them for this guide.
10 Must-Know Solar Panel Facts
Auckland is a perfect location for solar electricity generation, and even on cloudy days, panels on your roof can generate a reasonable amount of electricity. But before you call a solar panel provider, it’s essential to know the vital facts.
1. You need a north-facing roof with no shade
These are essential must-haves. Solar power generation sinks when shade from a tree, house or any other structure covers your panels. Most power is generated between 11am to 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest.
2. You can’t store the electricity you generate (unless you buy a battery, which is expensive)
While the electricity can be directed to heating your hot water system or general appliances, unless you have a battery (which few homeowners do), the surplus electricity is sold into the national grid. You won’t earn what you pay for electricity, meaning your potential to save money can be limited.
3. The upfront solar panel installation cost will be around $10,000
It’s not cheap, and while prices are falling, you’ll need to estimate the opportunity cost of this investment. For example, if you invested $10,000 in the bank at 2.50% p.a. after tax for 20 years and had it compound every year, you would have around $16,500 available. It’s arguable as to whether you’d save $16,500 on your electricity costs by using solar.
4. You can still switch electricity company
Having solar panels doesn’t fix you to any power provider, so you switch to a cheaper company any time you want.
5. Auckland is a hotspot for solar power generation
While Northland, Nelson and Napier may be well-known sunspots, solar electricity generation is dependent on daylight hours. Auckland isn’t short of daylight hours, and historically reports around 50% of its daylight hours being sunny, with the remainder being cloudy or hazy.
6. Solar panels could affect your house price
7. You don’t need planning permission from Auckland City Council
Unless you’re altering your roof, you generally won’t need any planning permission to install solar PV panels. If in doubt, check with the council (LINK).
8. Solar panels are, generally, low maintenance and hassle-free
9. Run your appliances in sync with your solar generation to maximise savings
In the winter, there’s less sunlight so you’ll have to buy more energy. However, during the day, it’s a good idea to set appliances to run as your electricity is generated.
10. The quote stage is very important, so make sure you know what to ask (and what answers to expect)
We've listed five essential questions to ask in the next section. Solar installation is a big decision, and the quote stage is when you should get all the answers you need.
1. You need a north-facing roof with no shade
These are essential must-haves. Solar power generation sinks when shade from a tree, house or any other structure covers your panels. Most power is generated between 11am to 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest.
2. You can’t store the electricity you generate (unless you buy a battery, which is expensive)
While the electricity can be directed to heating your hot water system or general appliances, unless you have a battery (which few homeowners do), the surplus electricity is sold into the national grid. You won’t earn what you pay for electricity, meaning your potential to save money can be limited.
3. The upfront solar panel installation cost will be around $10,000
It’s not cheap, and while prices are falling, you’ll need to estimate the opportunity cost of this investment. For example, if you invested $10,000 in the bank at 2.50% p.a. after tax for 20 years and had it compound every year, you would have around $16,500 available. It’s arguable as to whether you’d save $16,500 on your electricity costs by using solar.
4. You can still switch electricity company
Having solar panels doesn’t fix you to any power provider, so you switch to a cheaper company any time you want.
5. Auckland is a hotspot for solar power generation
While Northland, Nelson and Napier may be well-known sunspots, solar electricity generation is dependent on daylight hours. Auckland isn’t short of daylight hours, and historically reports around 50% of its daylight hours being sunny, with the remainder being cloudy or hazy.
6. Solar panels could affect your house price
- For many, solar panels are an attractive asset and could boost the value of your house. But others may see panels stuck to your roof as unsightly and a liability.
- While solar panels will make your house more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, a boost in house price won’t be instant. If the technology is new, then it’s attractive to house hunters, but if your panels are seen as ‘old tech’ then the effect may be the opposite.
- If you’re planning to move in the next 2-5 years, think carefully about investing in solar panels as you can’t take them if and when you move – they become fixtures of the house and pass to the new homeowner.
7. You don’t need planning permission from Auckland City Council
Unless you’re altering your roof, you generally won’t need any planning permission to install solar PV panels. If in doubt, check with the council (LINK).
8. Solar panels are, generally, low maintenance and hassle-free
- A warranty is essential – 20 years is suggested. As long as your panels are installed properly and don’t get damaged by cricket balls, a storm or an accident, things should be plain sailing.
- You may be able to claim on your house insurance for such damage. In terms of maintenance, research outside of New Zealand suggests you may need to replace the inverter every 25 years, which if bought today would cost around $1,500 to $2,000.
9. Run your appliances in sync with your solar generation to maximise savings
In the winter, there’s less sunlight so you’ll have to buy more energy. However, during the day, it’s a good idea to set appliances to run as your electricity is generated.
10. The quote stage is very important, so make sure you know what to ask (and what answers to expect)
We've listed five essential questions to ask in the next section. Solar installation is a big decision, and the quote stage is when you should get all the answers you need.
5 Questions to Ask During a Solar Panel Quote
- Ask if there are any extra costs - for example, will a monitor be included so you can track the power output from your panels?
- Ask about the warranty - panels are built to last 20+ years, so make sure the warranty is at least ten years.
- Ask about a service and maintenance arrangement and any associated costs.
- Ask how the panels are going to be installed to your roof, and will the roof need strengthening to support the extra weight?
- Ask to see all the small print and make sure you understand what you're buying. If you don't understand something, ask.
Remember - Don't rush a decision - solar panels are expensive and a very long-term asset. And it's best to get at least three quotes and make sure you're comfortable with the company you select.
10 Reliable Auckland Solar Panel Companies Available Right Now
Our list below, which is no particular order, covers solar panel suppliers Auckland-wide. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Auckland, location and data extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, Facebook, TradeMe Services and others.
No solar panel company company has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with any company below.
No solar panel company company has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with any company below.
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Collins Plumbing and Gas LimitedCollins Plumbing and Gas Limited has a team of qualified solar technicians who can provide efficient solar panel installation for home and businesses. With 25 years of experience in the industry, there's no doubt they can provide you with professional service when it comes to solar panel system installation and maintenance.
What customers like:
Services include but not limited to:
Base: Henderson, Auckland Website: Collins Plumbing and Gas Limited Contact number: 0800 888 007 |
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Kiwi SolarKiwi Solar offers sale and installation of solar power products covering North, East, South, West and Central Auckland. They have been in the industry since 1997 and are known for having energy efficient inverters and solar panels.
What customers like:
Services include but not limited to:
Base: East Tamaki. Auckland Website: Kiwi Solar Contact number: 09 215 4575 |
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Power TechnologyPower Technology has more than 15 years of expertise in the solar power industry. They work on simple and complex solar panel installations within New Zealand, specialising in OEM solar, batteries, backup systems, UPS systems and electronic components.
What customers like:
Services include but not limited to:
Google Rating: 5.0/5 Base: Waitakere City, Auckland Website: Power Technology Contact number: 09 836 6744 |
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French ElectricalFrench Electrical is a seasoned electrical company that started in 1974. They have been providing services such as solar panel installations and electrical system installations for residential, commercial and even industrial ventures.
What customers like:
Services include but not limited to:
Google Rating: 5.0/5 Base: East Tamaki, Auckland Website: French Electrical Contact number: 09 274 8082 |
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Lux SolarLux Solar focuses on providing mobile solar systems for marine vehicles and caravans. They also offer products and solar installation kits that are easy to mount.
What customers like:
Services include but not limited to:
Google Rating: 5.0/5 Base: Mobile only Website: Lux Solar Contact number: 0274 589 674 |
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Sky SolarSky Solar is a locally operated solar company providing installation service of photovoltaic solar systems within New Zealand. They offer small scale to large scale solar power solutions for all kiwi homes and commercial businesses.
What customers like:
Services include but not limited to:
Base: Wairau Valley, Auckland Website: Sky Solar Contact number: 0800 759 765 |
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NZ Solar PowerNZ Solar Power, being a member of the Sustainable Energy Association, carefully assess whether solar power would be beneficial for their clients. Moreover, they provide a custom solar power solution to meet their requirements. They cover a wide range of solar power service for all residential and businesses Auckland wide.
What customers like:
Services include but not limited to:
Google Rating: 5.0/5 Base: Half Moon Bay, Auckland Website: NZ Solar Power Contact number: 0800 850 888 |
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Able SolarAble Solar started operating in 1981 and has grown to provide off-grid solar panel installation and solar water pumping services. Now they are specialising in both renewable energy systems using solar and wind-powered generating equipment. They are also supplying high-quality solar products such as solar panels, inverters and regulators.
What customers like:
Services include but not limited to:
Google Rating: 5.0/5 Base: Takanini, Auckland Website: Able Solar Contact number: 09 267 7065 |
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Independent PowerIndependent Power has more than 34 years of experience in the renewable energy industry serving New Zealand as well as the Pacific Islands. They provide system design, product supply and support service for domestic and commercial markets requiring solar power systems and equipment.
What customers like:
Services include but not limited to:
Google Rating: 5.0/5 Base: Browns Bay, Auckland Website: Independent Power Contact number: 09 415 6686 |
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iGenerate SolariGenerate Solar provides an end-to-end solar solution for home and businesses. They even provide leasing and financing service to provide flexibility to their clients. Their service includes quotation, site inspection, installation, monitoring and maintenance.
What customers like:
Services include but not limited to:
Google Rating: 5.0/5 Base: Campbells Bay, Auckland Website: iGenerate Solar Contact number: 0800 745 400 |
Disclaimer: MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship, financial or otherwise, with any of the solar panel companies listed on this page. Quotes and final bills for solar panel installation will vary, and our pricing guide is for informational purposes only.
