A fair price for an 8kW solar power system in New Zealand is around $15,500 fully installed, including GST. That's roughly $2 per watt. Add a 13.5kWh battery, and you're looking at around $32,000.

But what if you've been quoted $20,000 for an 8kW system? Does that mean you're being ripped off?

Not necessarily. There are plenty of legitimate reasons why one solar installation might cost more than another. The type of panels, your roof, scaffolding requirements and electrical upgrades can all affect the final price.

The important thing is knowing what you're actually paying for, and whether the extra cost is justified.

I often see people asking whether the solar quote they've received is a fair price. So I've pulled together some figures from our own pricing surveys and solar quotes we've analysed, along with a few things I'd look out for before signing anything.

What Is a Fair Price for Solar in NZ in 2026?

Our latest pricing survey found that New Zealanders are paying an average of $2.04 per watt for solar, including installation and GST.

Larger systems generally cost less per watt, so the price doesn't increase evenly with the number of panels.

Here's what you can expect to pay for different system sizes:

Source: My Solar Quotes pricing survey of 151 verified solar installations. Battery packages are based on adding a typical 13.5kWh battery.

The quotes we've analysed in 2026 tell a similar story. The median price quoted for solar alone was $16,863, while solar with a battery came in at $31,480.

You can see more pricing information in our NZ solar power cost guide.

Why might your solar quote cost more?

Before questioning a higher price, check whether the installation involves any of the following:

• Premium equipment: More expensive panels or inverters, particularly those with longer warranties.
• A difficult roof: Steep roofs, two-storey homes and tricky access can mean extra labour and scaffolding.
• Electrical work: An old switchboard might need replacing, or there could be a long cable run between the panels and inverter.
• Battery backup: Setting up a battery to provide power during an outage can involve additional equipment and wiring.
• Your location: Rural or remote properties can cost more because of travel and access.

I'd be more concerned about a high quote where there's no obvious reason for the extra cost.

How Much Should Scaffolding Cost for Solar?

Scaffolding is one of those costs that can catch people by surprise.

For a straightforward single-storey home, installers may not need full scaffolding. Depending on the roof and access, they might be able to use roof anchors, harnesses or other suitable fall protection.

Two-storey homes are a different story. Scaffolding or edge protection is often needed, and this can add a few thousand dollars to the installation.

Here's a rough guide:

These are ballpark figures. The cost will depend on your house, how much scaffolding is needed and how long it's required.

A couple of things worth checking:

Make sure scaffolding is included in the quote, if it's needed. If one company includes it and another doesn't, you're not comparing the same thing.

Also ask what happens if the installation is delayed. Scaffolding is often hired from another company, and you don't want to be surprised by additional hire charges.

Do You Really Need a Switchboard Upgrade?

This is another one that can cause confusion, particularly when one installer includes a switchboard upgrade and another doesn't.

Switchboard upgrades typically cost around $800 to $3,500, depending on how much work is required.

Older switchboards can present several problems when installing solar:

• Old ceramic fuses and outdated electrical components.
• Missing safety switches (RCDs), or not enough room to install them.
• Exposed electrical parts or other safety concerns.
• Not enough space for the additional solar circuits.
• A switchboard that isn't suitable for the proposed system.

The electrician needs to make sure the installation is safe and compliant, so sometimes upgrading the switchboard simply isn't optional.

My advice: If one company says you need a switchboard upgrade and another says you don't, I'd be asking a few more questions.

It doesn't automatically mean the cheaper installer is wrong, but there should be a clear explanation for the difference.

This is where getting a third quote can be particularly useful. If two electricians independently recommend an upgrade, I'd be inclined to take their advice.

What Should Be Included in a Solar Quote?

A decent solar quote should clearly explain what you're getting. You shouldn't need to chase an installer for basic information about the equipment they're proposing.

Here's what I'd expect to see:

• Solar panels: Total system size in kW, number of panels, brand, model and wattage.
• Inverter: Brand, model, capacity and warranty.
• Battery (if included): Brand, model, usable storage capacity in kWh and warranty.
• Warranties: Product warranties, panel performance warranty and the installer's workmanship warranty.
• Expected generation: An estimate of how much electricity the system will produce each year.
• Savings and payback: How they've calculated your savings, including the electricity prices and buy-back rates used.
• Installation costs: Whether scaffolding, switchboard upgrades, meter changes and other electrical work are included.
• Applications: Who is handling the lines company and electricity retailer applications.
• Export limits: How much solar power your system will be allowed to send back to the grid.
• Final price: Total cost including GST, deposit and payment terms.

You should also know whether the system comes with a monitoring app, so you can see how much electricity your panels are generating.

If an installer has left any of these details out, ask them to clarify before accepting the quote.

Red Flags to Watch Out for in a Solar Quote

Most solar installers in New Zealand are good operators, but there are still a few things I'd be wary of.

1. Pressure to sign straight away

Be cautious of large discounts that are only available if you sign today. Solar is a significant investment, and there's no good reason you shouldn't have time to compare your options.

2. Savings estimates that seem too good to be true

Our analysis of 279 solar quotes in 2026 found a median estimated payback of 6.9 years for solar alone and 9 years with a battery.

Some homes will achieve a faster payback, but if an installer is promising an unusually quick return, check how they've arrived at those figures.

3. Vague descriptions of the equipment

Terms like "Tier 1 solar panels" or "premium inverter" don't tell you much.

You want the actual brand and model numbers so you can check the specifications, warranties and reviews yourself.

4. Unrealistic solar buy-back rates

Some savings calculations look great because the installer has assumed you'll receive a particularly high rate for the electricity you export.

Most standard daytime solar buy-back rates in NZ are around 8c-17c per kWh (excluding GST), although some retailers pay more at certain times.

Check which rate the installer has used and whether you'd actually qualify for it.

5. A very large deposit

A 50% deposit is fairly normal in the solar industry. However, I'd be cautious about paying significantly more than this before any work has started.

I'll cover deposits in more detail below.

6. Claims that a battery will make you completely independent of the grid

A 13.5kWh battery can make a big difference to how much of your own solar power you use, but it won't necessarily get you through several cloudy winter days.

And not every battery automatically provides backup power during a power cut.

7. Unclear installation arrangements

Find out who will actually install your system. Is it the company's own team or are they using subcontractors? And who do you contact if something goes wrong afterwards?

It's also worth checking how long the solar company has been operating. A 25-year warranty sounds great, but it's worth considering who'll be around to honour it.

Is a Really Cheap Solar Quote a Good Deal?

Everyone likes getting a good deal, but I wouldn't choose a solar installer based on price alone.

A solar power system should last for 25 years or more. Saving $1,000 upfront isn't much of a bargain if you end up with poor-quality equipment or ongoing problems.

If a quote is significantly cheaper than the others, I'd want to understand why.

It could be perfectly reasonable. Perhaps the company has lower overheads or is running a genuine promotion.

But it could also mean you're getting:

• Cheaper panels or an inverter with a less established track record.
• Shorter warranties or products with limited support in New Zealand.
• Less installation work included in the price.
• Limited after-sales service.
• An installer who's cutting costs in areas you can't easily see.

What about buying solar equipment from a big-box retailer?

Buying the panels and inverter yourself might seem like an easy way to save money, but I'd generally advise against it.

Many solar installers don't want to install equipment they've had no involvement in choosing or supplying.

And that's understandable. If something goes wrong with the system, who's responsible? The retailer, the manufacturer or the electrician who installed it?

Product warranties can also become more complicated if the equipment hasn't been installed by an approved installer.

You'll also need to make sure the equipment is suitable for use in New Zealand and that the installation meets our electrical requirements.

A grid-connected solar system requires the appropriate electrical certification. Since 1 September 2026, electricians installing grid-tied inverters also need the Parallel Generation Systems endorsement.

I'd rather buy a complete system from a reputable solar company that takes responsibility for supplying, installing and supporting it.

How Much Deposit Should You Pay for Solar?

A 50% deposit seems to be the norm for solar installations in New Zealand.

We looked at 20 recent solar quotes from August to October 2026. Fourteen of them asked for a 50% deposit, with the overall average sitting at around 47%.

The deposits ranged from 20% right up to 80%.

Some companies also use staged payments. For example, 30% when you accept the quote, another 40% before installation and the remaining 30% once everything is completed.

Personally, I'd be uncomfortable paying more than 50% before the installers have even arrived.

Before handing over a deposit, I'd check three things:

• Exactly how much is due and when.
• What happens to your deposit if the installation is delayed or cancelled.
• Whether the final payment is due once the installation is finished and the system is working.

It's worth having these details clearly written into the quote rather than relying on a conversation.

If you're looking at ways to spread the cost, I've also put together a guide to financing solar power in NZ, including bank green loans and interest-free options.

How to Compare Solar Quotes Properly

Comparing solar quotes isn't always as simple as looking at the total price.

One installer might recommend a larger system, another might use more expensive panels, and a third might have included electrical work that the others have left out.

Here's how I'd compare them.

1. Compare the price per watt

This gives you a useful starting point, particularly when you're comparing solar systems of different sizes.

Divide the total installed price by the system size in watts.

For example, an 8kW (8,000W) system costing $15,500 works out at $1.94 per watt.

It's not a perfect comparison, because installation complexity and equipment quality still matter, but it's a useful way to spot unusually expensive quotes.

For systems that include batteries, compare the solar and battery costs separately where possible.

2. Look at how much power each system should generate

Two systems with the same number of panels won't necessarily produce the same amount of electricity.

Panel positioning, roof orientation, shading and equipment differences can all affect generation.

Compare the estimated annual electricity production in kWh, not just the number of panels.

You can also divide the installation price by the estimated annual generation to get a basic cost comparison.

3. Compare battery capacity properly

If you're looking at batteries, make sure you're comparing the usable capacity, not just the advertised storage size.

Also check whether the battery includes backup power functionality and whether additional equipment is required.

4. Check the warranties

Look at the product warranties for the panels, inverter and battery, along with the workmanship warranty provided by the installer.

A more expensive system might offer better long-term value if it comes with stronger warranties and equipment from established manufacturers.

5. Check the savings calculations

This is an important one.

If one installer assumes a higher electricity buy-back rate, or a bigger increase in future electricity prices, their system can look more financially attractive even when it isn't.

Try to compare the quotes using the same electricity price, buy-back rate and other assumptions.

6. Don't forget about the installer

This is probably just as important as the equipment.

Did they answer your questions properly? Were they helpful rather than pushy? Do they have good reviews? And do you feel confident they'll be around if you need support down the track?

My recommendation is to get three solar quotes. It's usually enough to give you a decent idea of pricing and different equipment options, without making the whole process overwhelming.

Not Sure Whether Your Solar Quotes Are Fair?

If you've already received solar quotes and you're struggling to work out which one offers the best value, feel free to get in touch.

I'm happy to help point out anything worth checking or asking the installers about.

We also have a free solar quote comparison tool that makes it easier to line up the panels, inverters, batteries, warranties and pricing.

Instead of trying to compare three long quotes yourself, you can see the key differences in one place.

Email us about your solar quotes ›

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fair price per watt for solar in NZ?

Around $2 per watt, including GST, is a reasonable benchmark for a typical 8kW home solar system.

Smaller systems generally cost more per watt, while larger systems tend to be cheaper.

Our survey of 151 verified installations found an average of $2.04 per watt.

Should I choose the cheapest solar quote?

Not necessarily. I'd look at the equipment, warranties, what's included in the installation and the reputation of the installer before making a decision.

A slightly more expensive quote could easily offer better value over the life of the system.

Our solar quote comparison tool can help you compare the equipment and pricing. You can also read our guides to choosing solar panels and comparing solar batteries.

How many solar quotes should I get?

I'd recommend three.

It gives you a chance to compare different equipment, installation approaches and pricing, without having to spend weeks researching solar companies.

Can I trust the savings and payback figures in solar quotes?

They're estimates, not guarantees.

Your actual savings will depend on how much electricity you use, when you use it, future electricity prices and the buy-back rate you're receiving.

Our analysis of 279 residential solar quotes in 2026 found a median estimated payback of 6.9 years for solar alone.

If you're unsure about an installer's figures, try running your own numbers through our solar calculator.

Get 3 Free Solar Quotes to Compare

The easiest way to find out whether a solar quote is fairly priced is to compare it with a couple of others.

My Solar Quotes can put you in touch with up to three trusted local solar installers, so you can compare prices, equipment and warranties before deciding who to go with.

It's completely free, and there's no obligation to proceed.

Get 3 Free Solar Quotes ›

Sources and further reading

• My Solar Quotes solar installation price survey - 151 verified installations.
• My Solar Quotes 2026 solar quote analysis - 279 residential quotes.
• My Solar Quotes guide to solar buy-back rates in NZ.
• My Solar Quotes guide to lines company fees and export limits.

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