How much am I paid for exporting solar power?

Solar power buy-back rates are the price per unit at which energy retailers pay you back for your excess/exported solar power. 

When solar panels are installed on a property an import/export meter is also installed. The is done by a local independent inspector (we organise this on your behalf and is included in the price of the system).

The import/export meter measures ‘surplus energy’. For example, any power exported to the grid, after your demand is met from the solar power generated. Most import/export meters are also smart meters. The export energy is credited to your monthly invoice at the generation rate in cents per kWh exported.

You can still shop around and change energy retailers throughout the lifetime of your solar system. We recommend you don’t change energy retailers before installing solar as the paperwork can delay the time it takes to commission and turn on your solar system.

Table of ‘buy back’ rates from the most popular energy retailers. (Feb 2025)

	Ecotricity	$0.17 – 0.21
	Genesis	$0.12
	PowerEdge	$0.125 – 0.1739
	Meridian	$0.12 – 0.17
	Mercury	$0.085
	Contact Energy	$0.08
	Powershop	$0.13
	Electric Kiwi	$0.08 – 0.125
	Flick Electric	Varies/30min

It’s worth checking back here, as energy retailers change there ‘buy back’ rate regularly.

If you are interested in installing solar panels or batteries then fill out the form below and one of our team will get in touch with you to see how we can help.