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Solar RepublicCompare Solar Buy-Back Rates from Power Providers
Compare New Zealand's major electricity providers and their solar buy-back rates in one place. This overview highlights key offers, plan terms and official links to help you make an informed choice.
Buy back rates by retailer
Whether you are after the best solar buy back rate or just want to see what is available, the comparison below has you covered.
| Retailer | Provider | Buy back rate | What they offer | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Octopus Energy | 17c/kWh | Offers 17c/kWh buy-back rate for systems up to 10kW, no fixed-term contract. | Visit website |
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Meridian Energy | Up to 17c/kWh | Up to 17c/kWh buy-back with 3 year fixed plan options including EV, solar and bach. | Visit website |
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Powershop | 13c/kWh | Buy-back rate of 13c/kWh. Solar systems up to 10kW supported, no lock-in. | Visit website |
 |
Genesis Energy | 12.5c/kWh | Offers a 12.5c/kWh rate with no fixed-term contract. | Visit website |
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Frank Energy | 11c/kWh | Buy-back rate of 11c/kWh with no contract needed. | Visit website |
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Mercury | 8.5c/kWh | Provides 8.5c/kWh buy-back rate with flexible plans. | Visit website |
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Contact Energy | 8c/kWh | Offers 8c/kWh solar buy-back on most residential plans. | Visit website |
 |
Electric Kiwi | 8c/kWh | Buy-back rate of 8c/kWh available on the Everyday Plan. | Visit website |
Rates are set by each electricity retailer and can change at any time. Check the retailer's own page before you switch. Most plans cap the buy back at systems up to 10kW, and some rates are only available on specific plans.
What a buy back rate actually pays you
Your solar system powers your home first. Anything you do not use at the moment it is generated flows back into the grid, and your retailer credits you for it at their buy back rate.
That means two things. First, the more of your own generation you use during the day, the better, because you avoid paying the retail rate of around 30c per kWh instead of receiving 8c to 17c. Second, once your system is in, the retailer you are on materially changes your annual return.
There are no nationwide government subsidies for solar in New Zealand, so buy back rates and green lending are the two levers that shorten your payback period.
Want the numbers for your own roof?
We estimate your generation, your self-consumption and your export before you buy, so you can see what each buy back rate is worth in your case.