The Best Solar Panel Companies in Auckland

Updated 7 September 2021

​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:​​​

• How Much Do Solar Panels (and Installation) Cost?
  
• 10 Must-Know Solar Panel Facts
• 5 Questions to Ask During a Solar Panel Quote
  
• The Best Auckland Solar Panel Installation Companies Available Right Now
  

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

• 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. 

1. Ask if there are any extra costs - for example, will a monitor be included so you can track the power output from your panels? 
2. Ask about the warranty - panels are built to last 20+ years, so make sure the warranty is at least ten years.
3. Ask about a service and maintenance arrangement and any associated costs.
4. Ask how the panels are going to be installed to your roof, and will the roof need strengthening to support the extra weight?
5. 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.

​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.

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.