Thinking About Buying Solar Gear From a Big Box Store? Here’s Why Most Installers Will Say “No Thanks”
By Kristy Hoare on in Solar Power Industry News
There’s no shortage of solar gear available off the shelf these days in New Zealand. Big box retailers and online stores are stocked with panels, inverters, batteries, racking systems - and at first glance, the prices can look pretty tempting. For many DIY-minded Kiwis, it’s natural to think: “Why not buy the solar gear myself and just pay someone to install it?”
But here’s the catch: most reputable solar installation companies in New Zealand will flat-out refuse to install a system using gear you’ve sourced yourself. It might seem like a cheaper way to go solar, but the reality is that this path often leads to complications, hidden costs, and outright safety risks.
Here’s why pros in the industry avoid customer-supplied solar gear:
1. Liability & Warranty Headaches
If something goes wrong like a system failure, fire, or cracked solar panels - the installer could be blamed, even if the issue was caused by faulty gear. On top of that, manufacturers will void the product warranty if it wasn’t installed by an approved professional which will be specified in the warranty documents.
2. Unknown Quality or Compatibility
Not all solar components are created equal. Many off-the-shelf or online products don’t meet New Zealand electrical standards, or they’re just low quality. Inverters and panels might be incompatible, or the gear might not even have the right connectors. Installers don’t want to spend hours troubleshooting mismatched or poorly documented gear.
3. Unfamiliar Gear Slows Everything Down
Installers are trained on the brands and systems they choose to work with - they know the specs, the quirks, and how to get them installed quickly and safely. When you bring in unfamiliar gear, it can turn into a time-consuming guessing game. Manuals might be vague, and wiring or racking setups might be non-standard. That extra time spent figuring things out... you’ll likely be paying for it.
4. No Margin = No Incentive
Installers don’t just earn money from the install, they also make a margin on the gear. Removing that part of the equation leaves them with a risky job and minimal profit. For most companies, it’s just not worth it, especially if they can’t vouch for the gear.
5. Compliance
For a solar power system to be legally turned on it must have a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) issued by an electrical inspector. That means the gear and the install must meet NZ electrical standards - approved products, proper installation, and a licensed electrician who knows what they’re doing.
From 1 September 2025, extra rules kick in: any grid-tied inverter must be installed by an electrician with a “Parallel Generation Systems” endorsement - proving they’ve completed solar-specific training.
What if I’ve already bought the gear – can I still find an installer?
You might find someone willing, but it’s likely to be a small operator rather than a certified solar professional. Be prepared for additional labour costs, limited support, and no warranty coverage on the install.
Bottom Line
Buying your own solar gear might look cheaper upfront, but the risks and extra costs often outweigh the savings. If you’re serious about getting a system that works well, meets New Zealand standards, and is supported by warranties - your best bet is to get everything supplied and installed by a reputable company.
Save yourself the stress. Let the pros do what they do best, with the gear they trust.
Want to find trusted solar installers who supply quality gear and do the job right the first time? Get 3 free quotes here.