Source: NZ Compare
New survey reveals strong interest in residential solar, with more than half of respondents without solar already considering making the switch.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – 4 November 2026 – New Zealanders are increasingly interested in generating their own electricity, but the upfront cost of installing solar power remains a significant consideration for households, according to a new survey conducted by PowerCompare.co.nz.
The survey of 498 respondents found that almost one in four (23.3%) already have solar power installed at home. Of those who don’t, more than half (51.6%) said they are currently considering installing it, while a further 35.8% are unsure.
The findings suggest there is considerable potential for residential solar adoption in New Zealand, particularly if households can access affordable installation options and practical financial support.
With the November General Election approaching, Power Compare also asked respondents which of the major parties’ proposed solar policies was most attractive to them.
The results were relatively close:
- National – Home Energy Fund: 28.0%
- Green Party – Interest-free loans and community energy: 25.9%
- Labour – SolarSaver: 22.2%
- The Opportunity Party – Low-interest finance and more renewable generation: 6.5%
- None of the above: 12.7%
The results indicate that financial assistance is an important consideration for consumers, with the leading policy options all offering some form of support to help households adopt solar technology.
Election policies could influence future solar adoption
When asked how much more likely they would be to consider solar power after the November election if favourable policies were introduced, respondents gave an average likelihood score of 68.6 out of 100.
Of the 376 people who answered this question, 79.5% gave a score of 50 or higher, suggesting that supportive government policies could play a meaningful role in influencing household decisions.
However, awareness of the parties’ solar policies is not universal. While 66.7% described themselves as somewhat, very or extremely aware, almost one-third said they were either not very aware or not aware at all.
It’s about more than just generating electricity
Power Compare says the survey highlights an important point: while solar power offers households the opportunity to reduce their reliance on the electricity grid and potentially lower their long-term energy costs, the initial investment needs to make financial sense.
Factors raised by respondents included the upfront installation price, access to interest-free or low-interest finance, expected savings, payback periods, the ability to sell excess electricity back to the grid and confidence in installation quality.
For some households, the decision also comes down to how long they expect to remain in their home and whether the investment will pay for itself over time.
Prutha Patel, NZ Compare Sales and Partnerships Manager, says:
“Solar power is a great opportunity for New Zealand households. It can help reduce electricity bills, give consumers more control over where their energy comes from and reduce their reliance on the traditional electricity network.
“But the reality is that installing solar is a significant upfront investment. People need to understand what it will cost, how much they could realistically save and how long it will take to pay for itself.
“Government support and accessible finance could make a real difference, but consumers also need to make sure they’re getting a good deal on the electricity they continue to buy from their retailer.”
Solar is only part of the equation
Power Compare believes households considering solar should also look closely at their electricity plan.
Even with solar panels installed, most households will continue to rely on electricity from the grid at certain times, particularly overnight or during periods of lower solar generation. The buy-back rate offered for excess electricity can also vary significantly between electricity retailers.
“Getting solar installed is one part of the equation. Making sure you’re on the right electricity plan is just as important,” Patel says.
“Consumers should compare electricity prices, daily charges and solar buy-back rates rather than assuming their existing power company will offer the best deal once they have solar.”
Power Compare encourages households considering solar to research installation costs, understand the expected return on investment and compare electricity plans to ensure they are getting the best overall value.
About Power Compare
PowerCompare.co.nz is a New Zealand electricity comparison service helping consumers compare power providers and find competitive electricity deals. Its aim is to make it easier for households to understand their options and make informed decisions about their energy costs.
Survey methodology: Power Compare’s online NZ Solar Power Survey received 498 responses. Individual questions had varying response counts, and percentages are calculated using valid responses to each question. The survey was conducted online and is not a nationally representative probability sample.