5 Things To Consider Before Installing Solar In New Zealand

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve started thinking about solar for your home here in New Zealand.

Taking time to consider your goals will help guide the design and installation of a solar system, ensuring it’s tailored to your needs.

Watch our video below where we break down the top 5 things you need to consider when installing solar.

First up is how do you use power in the home? 

It’s a good idea to dig out some recent electricity bills or study your energy retailer’s app to begin to understand your usage. Things to look at include: How much electricity do you use in total and when do you use it? Are you generally home during the day or do you mostly use power at night? Also consider the cost of electricity throughout the day and if your current supplier offers any free or low cost energy. Keep an eye out for seasonal patterns - like using heat pumps a lot in winter or summer spikes when your aircon comes on.  It’s good to consider the future too - perhaps you're  looking at converting a diesel boiler or gas hot water to electric? These might sound like simple questions, but knowing how you use power or how you want to, will influence your solar setup.

The second thing you’ll need to consider is your roof.

North facing is generally ideal for solar, however modern panels are efficient enough that east or west-facing roofs perform really well. Roof pitch also plays a part. A steep roof will catch more winter sun, when the sun is lower in the sky, while a flatter pitch tends to soak up more summer energy. Getting a balance of both is usually what works best. Another element is how shading affects performance, it’s best avoiding trees or chimneys and choosing roof space that isn’t affected by shade. If your roof isn’t suitable - You still have options. There are some really cool ground-mounted arrays being installed and even carports! Balancing aesthetics and performance, you should be able to design a system that suits your needs. 

Next up is the components of your system. It’s important they are tried and tested and built to last. An investment in solar takes a few years to pay off so it’s vital to install products that you can rely on. It’s good to consider, how long a product has been in the market, and if they have a New Zealand based office for support and warranty.Whether it's a solar panel, inverter, EV charger or battery make sure you have confidence your investment is secure.

Another considerations is batteries. Batteries store excess solar generated during the day to be used at night. They really stack up if you use a lot of power in the evening, Storing excess power can be worth up to 3x more for you than selling excess solar back to the grid. If you want the power to stay on in a power cut - batteries are a must. Most homeowners are now opting for a battery as well as solar from day one. However they do add more cost, but installing one from the start can be cheaper than a staged approach. 

A good installer will walk you through all the options, to help you find the best solution.

Who designs, installs and supports your solar system really matters. You should look out for:

Local experience with a company that can respond quickly and has a proven track record and reputation in the area. A good installer will listen to your needs and explain the “why” behind every decision. Good design is about matching the system to your usage patterns and your goals.

You also should look for a company that uses in-house installers. Sub-contractors can often rush a project on day rates, or be hard to contact if an issue occurs. An in-house team is more likely to provide a great experience. 

Strong aftercare – Solar is a 25 to 30 year journey. You want someone who’ll be there in year 10, not just day 1.At the end of the day it’s about trust - choose someone you are confident will design a system that suits your needs, install it with a care on your home and be there for you in the future if you need support. 

Solar works best when it's tailored to your needs. A system thats built around your home, your family and what's important to you.

Make sure you choose an installer that you feel you trust, that listens first, offers solutions second and dont be afraid to ask any questions you have, as it will help you both in the long run.