Residential and small to medium scale solar review
We are reviewing the regulatory settings that apply to residential and small to medium scale solar installations.
We are reviewing the regulatory settings that apply to residential and small to medium‑scale solar installations.
Solar panels can deliver meaningful cost savings for households, but installing them in New Zealand is often slow and complex. Even standard installations can take months to approve and switch on, involving several different regulators and service providers.
Why this review is needed
- Most New Zealand households could save more than $1,000 a year by installing solar.
- A typical system costs $8,500–$11,500, yet only 3–4% of households currently have solar.
- Installing solar in New Zealand can involve up to eight layers of sign‑off, five separate site visits, and four different entities before systems can be fully installed and connected.
- In parts of Australia, similar low‑risk installations can be approved within 24 hours, and more than 30% of households now use solar.
What the review covers
The review focuses on regulation applying to:
- residential and small to medium‑scale solar systems
- rooftop and ground‑mounted installations
- plug‑in and other on‑site systems supplying electricity to homes and small businesses
This includes how building rules, electricity safety requirements, connection processes and planning controls work together in practice.
What is out of scope
- Large‑scale or utility‑scale solar developments
- Solar farms designed for wholesale electricity generation
What we are looking at
The review will examine:
- where regulatory steps duplicate each other
- where rules are applied inconsistently
- where low‑risk installations face unnecessary delays or cost
The aim is to identify opportunities to streamline requirements while maintaining appropriate safety and system integrity.
Timing
Initial advice on options will be provided later this year.