Slash Your
Power Bill.
Go Solar.
Independent electrical & solar inspections, referrals to trusted installers, and free tools to help Kiwi homes make the smartest energy decision.
Analysing solar potential for your region…
✔ Next Step — Free Home Assessment
CRE connects you with trusted, vetted solar installers on the West Coast and wider NZ. We earn a referral fee only when you’re matched — never pressuring a sale. Want us to connect you?
⚡ Grid power: ~35¢/kWh | Solar levelised cost: ~11¢/kWh | Best buyback: 17¢/kWh (Meridian / Octopus) | 0% green loans available
Inspection & Advisory Services
Independent, unbiased assessments. We don’t install — so our only interest is your best outcome.
Solar System Audit
Existing install not performing? We inspect panels, inverters, wiring, and monitoring — giving you a full technical report and action plan.
Pre-Purchase Electrical Inspection
Buying a home with existing solar or older wiring? We identify faults, code compliance issues, and hidden costs before settlement.
Solar Feasibility Report
Thinking about going solar? We assess your roof, usage patterns, and local sun hours — producing a report with honest ROI projections.
Battery Storage Assessment
Is a battery worth it for your home? We model your usage data, buyback rates, and outage risk to give you a clear answer — not a sales pitch.
Commercial / Farm Solar Assessment
Dairy sheds, irrigation pumps, warehouses. We assess three-phase systems, large-scale storage, and EV charging infrastructure.
AS/NZS Compliance Check
Post-install verification and sign-off. We ensure your system meets NZ Electrical Code of Practice and network connection requirements.
NZ Solar Buyback Rates 2025
What your retailer pays for excess power you export to the grid — choose wisely, it significantly affects your payback.
| Power Company | Buyback Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Meridian Energy Best | 17¢/kWh | Solar Plan — 3-year contract required |
| Octopus Energy Best | 17¢/kWh | No contract — 10kW system limit applies |
| Powershop | 13¢/kWh | Flexible, no lock-in |
| Genesis Energy | 12.5¢/kWh | Reliable mainstream retailer |
| Frank Energy | 11¢/kWh | Simple, no contract |
| Mercury | 8.5¢/kWh | Standard rate — consider switching |
| Contact / Electric Kiwi | 8¢/kWh | Lowest rates — switching recommended |
Referral Partners
CRE earns referral commissions when we connect you with trusted partners. You get a vetted recommendation — and we only refer people we’d use ourselves.
Solar Installers
West Coast and South Island-based SEANZ-accredited installers. Residential and commercial.
Battery & Storage Suppliers
Tesla Powerwall, Sungrow, and local battery suppliers with NZ stock and support.
Green Finance (Banks)
Westpac 0% green loan, ANZ / ASB / BNZ 1% fixed, Kiwibank contributions. We help you find the best deal.
Electricians & Contractors
Licensed local sparks for switchboard upgrades, EV charger install, and grid connection work.
Product Sales
Monitoring equipment, EV chargers, solar accessories, and safety gear — curated for NZ conditions.
How It Works
You use a tool or book an inspection
Our free calculators and inspection services bring homeowners and businesses to CRE first.
We give independent advice
Because we don’t install, you trust our recommendation. That trust is our most valuable asset.
We refer to the right partner
You get introduced to a vetted installer, supplier, or lender. We earn a transparent referral fee.
Everyone wins
You get the right solution. Our partner gets a qualified lead. CRE earns its commission.
Want to become a referral partner? If you’re a solar installer, electrician, or supplier serving West Coast or wider NZ — get in touch. We’re building our network now.
NZ Green Finance
NZ banks offer special low-interest loans for solar and energy upgrades. In many cases your monthly savings exceed your repayments from day one.
DIY Energy Tools
Built for Kiwi homeowners and DIYers. Use these to understand your system before talking to any installer.
NZ Savings Calculator
Enter your bill and region — get a 25-year savings estimate, system size, payback period, and export income.
Off-Grid System Sizer
Work out exactly how many panels and batteries you need for a cabin, shed, or fully off-grid home.
Retailer Comparison Tool
Compare buyback rates, daily charges, and unit rates across all major NZ retailers — find the best deal for solar owners.
EV Charging Calculator
How much does it cost to charge your EV on solar vs grid? Model your daily commute and annual savings.
Home Energy Audit
Identify your biggest power consumers. Prioritise what to change before spending on solar — sometimes insulation comes first.
West Coast Sun Hours Map
Actual peak sun hour data by West Coast and NZ region — because your local installer’s estimate isn’t always conservative enough.
Trusted By Homeowners
Power bill went from $280 down to $35 a month. We used the Westpac 0% loan — saving money from day one. Should’ve done it years ago.
First year we saved $2,196. On track for 8-year payback then 17 years of near-free power. The Meridian buyback rate really helps in summer.
The independent inspection before we bought the house found a wiring fault that would’ve cost us $4,000. Best $180 we ever spent.
FAQ — NZ Solar & Inspections
Ready to Cut Your Power Bill?
Book a free 15-minute phone consult with CRE. We’ll tell you honestly whether solar makes sense for your home, what to expect, and what to do next — no pressure, no sales pitch.
Book Free Consult