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Last updated: 9th June 2022
Solar power buy-back rates are the price per unit at which energy retailers pay for excess/exported solar power.
Before switching your electricity retailer to a company that offers a better buy-back rate, please check with them what your price for using / importing power bill be. Some electricity retailers have been known to increase the power price for solar power system owners.
Energy Retailer |
Solar Power Buy Back Rate Per Kwh |
Further Details |
Max. System Size: |
Octopus Energy NZ |
$0.17 +GST - OctopusFixed |
Only available in certain regions of New Zealand. Click here to find out if this offer is available where you live. |
Up to 10kW, larger on application. |
Electric Kiwi |
$0.125 +GST - MoveMaster Plan $0.08 +GST - Standard Plan |
MoveMaster - Peak power prices are more expensive, off-peak power prices are cheaper. More MoveMaster details here. All Electric Kiwi customers get an hour of free off-peak power every day. |
None |
Contact Energy |
$0.08 + GST |
Up to 10kW |
|
Mercury |
$0.08 + GST |
With the exception of a couple of networks |
Up to 10kW |
Trust Power |
$0.085 + GST |
Or peer to peer rates you negotiate via Trust Power's Solar Buddies Scheme - view details here |
Up to 10kW |
Meridian |
$0.08 + GST |
Up to 10kW |
|
Genesis |
$0.12 + GST |
Up to 50kW |
|
Flick Electric Co |
Variable wholesale spot prices, which changes every half an hour. |
Flick state their buy-back scheme is a 'trial', although it's been running for more than two years. |
|
Ecotricity |
$0.09 + GST |
This solar export rate varies from month to month and the area you live in. |
- |
Nova Energy |
$0.074 + GST |
Up to 10kW |
|
Comtricity |
$0.10 + GST |
No limits |
|
Powershop |
$0.085 + GST |
Residential customers only |
- |
Power Edge |
$0.125 + GST |
Standard plans, while import volume is greater than export volume |
No limits |
Frank Energy |
$0.11 + GST |
Up to 50kW |
|
Electra Energy |
$0.07 + GST |
$0.07 minimum, each customer will be advised on the buy-back price when they enquire. |
No limits for residential systems |
Pulse Energy |
$0.07 + GST |
No limits |
|
Grey Power |
$0.07 + GST |
Requirements: must be a residential address and a member of the Grey Power Federation. To be a member you need to be over the age of 50. |
|
Paua to the People |
Variable wholesale spot prices |
You need to make sure that no more than half of your power is being exported to the grid (unless you have an exceptional buy-back rate), this is to secure a good ROI from your solar power system.
Please note - you can only claim GST if you are GST registered and you will need to inform your energy retailer if you are.
Learn more about why solar buy-back rates are important in New Zealand.