Solar power in New Zealand

Solar power in New Zealand is increasing in capacity, in part due to price supports created through the emissions trading scheme.

[1] The largest solar power system on a school in New Zealand was officially opened in a ceremony in February 2019 at Kaitaia College.

Kelvin Davis, unveiled a plaque to acknowledge the installation of the 368 solar panel project which is spread across the rooftop of multiple buildings on the school campus.

[8][9] In October 2020 Watercare Services installed a 1 MW floating array on its Auckland wastewater treatment plant.

[12] In July 2019 Refining NZ announced plans for a 26 MW solar farm at the Marsden Point Oil Refinery, but by May 2020 the project was on hold.

[25] In May 2022 Far North Solar Farm announced a partnership with offshore investment fund Aquila Capital to build 1 GW of generation.

[26] In May 2021 Lodestone Energy announced plans for five solar farms in the upper North Island, capable of generating 400 GWh annually.

Retail buy-back rates for solar power exported to the grid range from 5 to 23 cents, plus 15% GST if the system owner is GST-registered.