Licensed Electrical InspectorIndependent — not tied to any installerWest Coast NZ based
NZ Solar Savings Estimator
30-second estimate based on NZ power prices & buyback rates
We check your roof’s sun exposure by region
🔒 Your info is secure. No spam. We may refer you to a trusted installer — your choice.
$0
Estimated 25-year savings
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Monthly savings
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Years to payback
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System cost (est.)
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Annual export income
✔ 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.
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 EnergyBest
17¢/kWh
Solar Plan — 3-year contract required
Octopus EnergyBest
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
⚡ The key insight: You buy grid power at ~35¢/kWh but sell it back at 8–17¢/kWh. That’s why self-consumption is king — run your dishwasher, washing machine, and EV charger during daylight hours. A battery stores the rest for evening use.
How We Make Money For You
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.
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Solar Installers
West Coast and South Island-based SEANZ-accredited installers. Residential and commercial.
Commission: $200–$800 per referred install
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Battery & Storage Suppliers
Tesla Powerwall, Sungrow, and local battery suppliers with NZ stock and support.
Licensed local sparks for switchboard upgrades, EV charger install, and grid connection work.
Commission: $50–$200 per referral
How It Works
1
You use a tool or book an inspection
Our free calculators and inspection services bring homeowners to CRE first.
2
We give independent advice
Because we don’t install, you trust our recommendation.
3
We refer to the right partner
You get introduced to a vetted installer, supplier, or lender.
4
Everyone wins
You get the right solution. CRE earns its commission.
$0 Upfront Options
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.
Westpac
0%
0% interest for 5 years. Up to $50,000. Monthly repayments on a $15k system ≈ $250 — often less than your current power bill.
ANZ / ASB / BNZ
1%
1% fixed for 3 years. Up to $80,000. Larger systems and battery storage covered.
Kiwibank
$2k
Up to $2,000 contribution plus competitive variable rate. Great for smaller systems or top-ups.
💡 Pro tip: With Westpac’s 0% loan, a $15,000 system repays at ~$250/month. A typical West Coast home saves $180–$280/month on power — meaning you can be cash-flow positive from month one. CRE can help you work through the numbers before you apply.
Real Kiwi Results
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.”
Sarah M.
Greymouth, West Coast
★★★★★
“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.”
James K.
Hokitika, West Coast
★★★★★
“The independent inspection before we bought the house found a wiring fault that would’ve cost us $4,000. Best $180 we ever spent.”
Wiremu T.
Westport, West Coast
Common Questions
FAQ — NZ Solar & Inspections
No direct subsidy — but you don’t need one. NZ offers 0% interest green loans through major banks (Westpac, ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank). With system costs down 75% since 2000 and payback periods of 5–9 years, solar pays for itself.
A typical 6kW residential system costs $15,000–$20,000 installed. Smaller homes may manage with 3kW ($8k–$10k); large homes or farms may need 8kW+ ($20k–$30k). Finance options cover 100% of the cost at 0–1% interest.
Yes — modern panels generate on overcast days (at reduced output). The West Coast gets less sun than Canterbury but still averages 1,600–1,800 sunshine hours/year. A properly sized system still delivers strong ROI.
An installer is incentivised to sell you the largest system possible. CRE has no installation revenue — our only interest is giving you accurate information. We tell you if solar isn’t right for your home.
It depends on your buyback rate and outage risk. If you’re on Meridian/Octopus at 17¢, exporting makes sense and a battery has a longer payback. If you’re on a low rate (8¢), storing your own power is much more valuable.
After an inspection or calculator consultation, if you’re ready to get quotes, we introduce you to 1–2 vetted installers from our network. You’re under no obligation. If you proceed, CRE earns a transparent referral fee — already factored into the installer’s pricing.
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 — no pressure, no sales pitch.