In 2025, solar power in NZ isn’t just for off-grid homes or tech enthusiasts — it’s becoming a smart, accessible solution for everyday Kiwi households. Whether you want to reduce your power bills, lower your carbon footprint, or gain energy independence, solar is now easier to access than ever.
And while New Zealand doesn’t currently offer cash rebates like Australia, that doesn’t mean there’s no support. Quite the opposite. Thanks to Low-interest Green Loans and Power Company Buy Back, going solar is more achievable than many homeowners realise.
In this article, we break down the current government-backed support options for solar in NZ, how they compare with Australia’s well-known subsidies, and how you can take advantage of what’s available right now — without waiting on new policies.
How Solar Is Supported in New Zealand (2025)
Let’s get one thing straight — there is meaningful support for going solar in New Zealand, even if it looks different from rebate-heavy programs in other countries. Instead of handing out cash, New Zealand’s approach focuses on affordable access to finance and long-term energy resilience through the following two pillars:
Green Home Loans from Major NZ Banks
A growing number of New Zealand banks now offer special-purpose solar and sustainability loans to make clean energy upgrades easier to fund. These aren’t just personal loans with a green label — they’re structured to be genuinely affordable.
ANZ Good Energy Home Loan
- Loan Amount: Up to $80,000
- Interest Rate: 1.00% p.a. fixed for 3 years
- Purpose: Solar panel installations and other eco home improvements
- Notes: Eligibility criteria apply
ASB Better Homes Top Up
- Loan Amount: Up to $80,000
- Interest Rate: Fixed for 3 years
- Purpose: Solar panels and other home upgrades
- Notes: Minimum equity required, must provide quotes for installation
BNZ Green Home Loan Top-Up
- Loan Amount: Up to $80,000
- Interest Rate: 1.00% p.a. fixed for 3 years
- Purpose: Eco-upgrades including solar, insulation, EVs, heating, etc.
- Notes: Flexible terms available after the fixed period
Kiwibank Sustainable Energy Loan
- Loan Amount: Up to $2,000
- Repayment Period: Over 4 years
- Interest Rate: Not specified, but no top-up fee
- Purpose: Renewable systems (solar, etc.)
- Notes: Only for existing home loan customers
Westpac Greater Choices Home Loan
- Loan Amount: Up to $50,000
- Interest Rate: Interest-free for 5 years
- Purpose: Solar installations, insulation, electric vehicles, and more
- Notes: No establishment fees, flexible terms
Q Mastercard / Q Card
- Ideal for homeowners who prefer flexible consumer finance over home loan top-ups
- Can be used to spread the cost of solar systems over time
- Lending criteria apply
These loans allow you to install a full solar power system without upfront cash, and in many cases, your loan repayments are offset by the money you save on your power bill each month.
New for 2025: 20% Instant Tax Deduction for Business Solar Investment
From May, 2025, the New Zealand new Investment Boost initiative through Inland Revenue (IRD), allowing businesses to immediately deduct 20% of the cost of new eligible assets, including commercial solar power systems.
This means if you’re a business investing in solar panels, you can claim back 20% of the system’s cost in the same financial year—on top of the standard annual depreciation. This upfront tax relief is designed to support sustainability-focused upgrades and reduce operating costs long-term.
Key Highlights:
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✅ 20% deduction available for new solar systems purchased after 31 March 2024
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✅ Applies to business-use assets only (commercial solar systems, not residential)
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✅ Claimed in the year the asset is acquired and used
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✅ Stacks with existing depreciation methods
This makes 2025 an ideal time for NZ businesses to go solar—with both immediate tax savings and long-term electricity bill reduction benefits.
For full eligibility details, visit the IRD’s official Investment Boost page.
we’re all hoping that similar government-backed policies will be introduced soon – and if they do, we’ll make sure you’re the first to know.
It’s no secret that Australia has built one of the strongest solar support programs in the world. Through its Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), homeowners can access:
- Federal rebates of $2,000–$3,000 on average
- Battery rebates of up to $3,300 (starting July 2025)
- Additional state-based rebates, including:
- VIC: $1,400 + interest-free loans
- SA: $2,000 battery subsidy
- NSW: Up to $2,400 extra for storage
Australia’s generous and layered approach has resulted in the highest per capita solar adoption rate in the world.
Why Now Is the Best Time to Go Solar Power in NZ
Every month you delay installing solar is another month you’re overpaying for electricity. With rising energy prices across New Zealand, acting now makes economic sense.
Here’s what we’re seeing from our customers:
- Monthly power bill savings of $100–$150
- Annual savings of $1,200 or more, depending on usage
- Faster return on investment when batteries are included
Pair that with a 1% or 0% interest loan, and you’re essentially swapping your power bill for a solar loan — and owning your energy future. And unlike power bills, the costs of your solar power in NZ won’t keep rising.
Why Work With Solar Republic
We’re not just solar installers — we’re energy partners for Kiwi homes. When you work with us, you get:
- Free On-Site Assessment and Customized Analysis
- Support from an experienced in-house team
- A strong reputation for expertise, reliability, and passion for excellence
- Full assistance with finance-ready quotes and solar loan navigation
With Solar Republic, you’ll be supported at every stage by professionals committed to delivering exceptional, long-lasting solar solutions.