Solar buy-back

Generating electricity at home?

If you generate your own electricity, we can pay you for the excess power you generate and ‘export’ to the national grid.

Our export buy-back rate is:

10 cents per kWh* (plus GST if you’re GST registered)

* Export buy-back rate excludes GST for non-GST registered customers. If you’re GST registered, we’ll need your GST number (and you’ll need to update us if this changes). It is effective 1 May 2023 and is subject to change with 30 days’ notice.

For more information on home electricity generation:

    Generating electricity at home?

    Connecting to the grid

    Our export buy-back rate is available to residential and small to medium size business electricity customers^ with network-approved generation equipment installed (solar, wind and micro-hydro) with a rated capacity of up to 50kW. If your generation equipment has an output capacity of greater than 50kW we may advise you on application of the applicable price.

    To enable you to sell any surplus electricity back to the grid, you also require an import/export electricity meter. An import/export meter has two registers. One register records the energy you use (or import) and the other allows your excess electricity to be ‘exported’ back to the national grid. When you set up your generation system, we’ll work alongside you and your system provider to help ensure the right meter is installed.

    ^ Buy-back rates for large business Time of Use electricity customers are managed separately. Eligibility criteria & T&Cs apply.

      Connecting to the grid

      Frequent questions

      How can I generate electricity from my home?

      There are a number of ways to generate your own electricity depending on your location and situation. The most common method of generation is by installing solar panels, followed by small wind turbines and micro-hydro schemes, found more commonly in rural areas.

      How do I get started?

      We don't sell solar panels, wind, or hydro generation systems. We recommend you contact a specialist provider to discuss the best solution to suit your home’s energy needs. In many cases, these providers will assist you with the consenting process with your local network if you are thinking of generating power and exporting this into the network (a key requirement for all exported generation). They often also arrange for a qualified electrician to install your import/export meter.

      If you don’t have a two-way meter, email or call us on 07 306 2700 (or 0800 668 236) to discuss your requirements. We can also assist you with your meter installation.

      Will my pricing plan remain the same if I install a home generation system?

      Yes, however please note we are unable to calculate buy-back rates prior to a two-way import/export meter being installed or before being notified of this installation from your electrician or electricity network.

      How will I know if my home’s generation rating is greater than 10kW?

      Your generation equipment installer or electrician will be able to tell you the generation capacity of your solar panels, wind, or hydro generation equipment. Your network connection/approval permission form may also state your generation rating level.

      Note: As a general rule, most residential solar installations (the most common form of household electricity generation in New Zealand) are rated under 10kW.