https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/ Latest Blog from My Solar Quotes Sun, 28 Jun 2026 18:20:36 +1200 en-us https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-industry-news/the-rise-and-rise-of-solar-panel-efficiencies/ The word ‘efficiency’ lives at the centre of each engineer’s heart, whether we’re building cars or solar panels. Sure, we are also obsessed with things like power, performance, design, and Fri, 15 May 2026 12:47:00 +1200 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-industry-news/the-rise-and-rise-of-solar-panel-efficiencies/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-policy/the-new-solar-export-rebate-is-real-here-s-why-it-won-t-change-much/ From 1 April 2026, New Zealand lines companies are required to pay rebates when households export power to the grid at peak times. It's a genuine policy win. But for most solar homeowners, the Tue, 05 May 2026 12:03:00 +1200 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-policy/the-new-solar-export-rebate-is-real-here-s-why-it-won-t-change-much/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/do-you-need-to-ditch-gas-when-you-go-solar-/ No, you don't have to disconnect from gas the day your solar panels go in. But if you're asking whether you should — the answer is almost certainly yes, and hot water is where to Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +1200 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/do-you-need-to-ditch-gas-when-you-go-solar-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/can-you-install-solar-on-a-tiled-roof-/ I have a childhood memory related to roof tiles. Some cousins and I played cricket in my grandparents’ yard, and often a spirited shot left the ball stuck on the low-pitched, clay-tile roof of Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:39:00 +1200 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/can-you-install-solar-on-a-tiled-roof-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/the-2-per-watt-reality-what-kiwis-are-actually-paying-for-solar-right-now/ My apologies to anyone who has been waiting for our annual price survey. This year has been a whirlwind, but I have finally pulled together the latest pricing data from our online Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:05:00 +1200 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/the-2-per-watt-reality-what-kiwis-are-actually-paying-for-solar-right-now/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/kill-bills-how-to-electrify-your-home-and-save-thousands---event-details/ Prices are up – across electricity, gas and petrol. It’s time to fight back. Rewiring Aotearoa is touring Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Tauranga with free community Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:34:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/kill-bills-how-to-electrify-your-home-and-save-thousands---event-details/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/sungrow-s-sbr-battery-joins-new-zealand-s-sparse-3-phase-club/ Early this year, Sungrow launched its high-voltage SBR battery in New Zealand. It is now one of the very few solar batteries that are compatible with three-phase inverters. Plus, this is not the Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/sungrow-s-sbr-battery-joins-new-zealand-s-sparse-3-phase-club/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/when-commercial-building-walls-generate-power-farmers-solar-fa-ade/ I recently had the chance to pick the brain of Yariv Edery from YEH about one of the most interesting commercial solar Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/when-commercial-building-walls-generate-power-farmers-solar-fa-ade/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/batteries-with-your-solar-some-regions-are-going-all-in/ When I’m chatting with solar installers around the country, I always ask the same question: “So… roughly what percentage of your installs include a battery?” I’ve heard Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:22:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/batteries-with-your-solar-some-regions-are-going-all-in/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-news-in-new-zealand/new-zealand-s-first-major-study-proves-solar-boosts-home-value/ If solar salespersons had a dollar for each time someone said, ‘I don’t want solar because we’re moving out in a few years,' it would make them more money than their commissions. To be fair, Mon, 16 Feb 2026 12:31:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-news-in-new-zealand/new-zealand-s-first-major-study-proves-solar-boosts-home-value/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/more-solar-less-restriction-why-10kw-export-limits-matter/ Another genuinely good move from the Electricity Authority - and I’ll admit, one I was slightly sceptical about at first. The Electricity Authority (EA) oversees the rules that all lines Tue, 10 Feb 2026 11:44:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/more-solar-less-restriction-why-10kw-export-limits-matter/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-technology/wood-mackenzie-names-its-top-10-inverter-brands/ An inverter is the unsung hero of a solar power system. It does most of the heavy lifting in any setup, and also requires a fairly complicated manufacturing process. This is why a ranking of the Fri, 23 Jan 2026 13:19:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-technology/wood-mackenzie-names-its-top-10-inverter-brands/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/anker-solix-x1-handsome-capable-affordable/ Most of us know Anker as a popular electronics brand offering headphones, speakers, and portable power banks. But Anker is almost never the first name that comes to mind when someone mentions solar Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:11:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/anker-solix-x1-handsome-capable-affordable/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-technology/adding-more-solar-panels-with-a-new-installer-read-this-first/ So, you’ve already got solar - great. And now you want to add more panels. But you’re not keen on going back to the original installer. Fair enough. Maybe the company shut down, maybe the Thu, 04 Dec 2025 11:46:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-technology/adding-more-solar-panels-with-a-new-installer-read-this-first/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/fronius-reserva-austrian-inverter-giant-tries-its-hand-at-batteries-again/ It seems nowadays that a new solar battery is launched every month, and more and more new brands are entering the market. However, it’s not common to see an 80-year-old, highly respected brand Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:52:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/fronius-reserva-austrian-inverter-giant-tries-its-hand-at-batteries-again/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/new-seanz-report-new-zealand-s-big-energy-switch-and-why-it-matters-to-you/ Most of us don’t think too much about how electricity is made - until we get a large bill or a power cut. But behind the scenes, big decisions are being made by Government, industry regulators, Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:34:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/new-seanz-report-new-zealand-s-big-energy-switch-and-why-it-matters-to-you/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-industry-news/proof-that-big-battery-plants-work-a-review-of-the-hornsdale-power-reserve-s-performance/ In late 2017, South Australia purchased a gigantic battery storage plant. Built by Tesla and owned by the French company Neoen, the Hornsdale Power Reserve (HPR) was the world’s largest battery Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:04:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-industry-news/proof-that-big-battery-plants-work-a-review-of-the-hornsdale-power-reserve-s-performance/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-trends/myth-busted-do-you-really-need-a-battery-for-solar-power-to-work-/ One of the most common misconceptions floating around in Aotearoa is that you must have a battery for Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:16:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-trends/myth-busted-do-you-really-need-a-battery-for-solar-power-to-work-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-solar-technology/how-sigenergy-makes-solar-work-for-two-phase-properties-in-new-zealand/ Did you know New Zealand has a surprising number of two-phase properties? For years, they’ve been a real headache for anyone wanting solar. Why? Because most modern inverters were built for Thu, 25 Sep 2025 08:32:00 +1200 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-solar-technology/how-sigenergy-makes-solar-work-for-two-phase-properties-in-new-zealand/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-solar-technology/goodwe-residential-solar-carport---finally-a-carport-worth-taking-seriously-/ I have always felt a fondness for solar carports. They are simple objects that beautifully combine two important applications into one product – sheltering your car from the elements while also Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:21:00 +1200 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-solar-technology/goodwe-residential-solar-carport---finally-a-carport-worth-taking-seriously-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/new-solar-installer-rules-what-you-need-to-know-before-going-solar/ Update from August 2025:  EWRB issued an update, giving Electricians an additional 12 months to September 1st 2026, to get the Mains Parallel Fri, 25 Jul 2025 13:16:00 +1200 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/new-solar-installer-rules-what-you-need-to-know-before-going-solar/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-solar-technology/solar-that-s-built-in-not-bolted-on-a-chat-with-golden-solar-bipv/ I’ll admit it… I think solar panels look great (though I’m probably a little biased). But I know not everyone shares that view. For many, the image of chunky panels bolted onto rooftops is Wed, 23 Jul 2025 09:54:00 +1200 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-solar-technology/solar-that-s-built-in-not-bolted-on-a-chat-with-golden-solar-bipv/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/how-aotearoa-new-zealand-s-increased-voltage-range-impacts-solar-power/ On the 13th of June 2025, New Zealand’s Energy Minister Simon Watts and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk announced that the range of our country’s grid voltage will be expanded. Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:58:00 +1200 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/how-aotearoa-new-zealand-s-increased-voltage-range-impacts-solar-power/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-industry-news/thinking-about-buying-solar-gear-from-a-big-box-store-here-s-why-most-installers-will-say-no-thanks-/ 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 Tue, 17 Jun 2025 11:48:00 +1200 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-industry-news/thinking-about-buying-solar-gear-from-a-big-box-store-here-s-why-most-installers-will-say-no-thanks-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/meet-the-force-h3x-pylontech-s-next-gen-home-battery-system/ If you’re after a solar battery that looks good, performs even better, has a great price (see below) and takes the complexity out of home energy storage – the Pylontech Force H3X might just be Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:33:00 +1200 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/meet-the-force-h3x-pylontech-s-next-gen-home-battery-system/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/battery-storage-for-solar/how-long-do-solar-batteries-last-/ Modern solar batteries last around 15 years with decent usage conditions, which is impressive when you consider that just about a decade ago, many systems had messy lead-acid batteries with a Fri, 02 May 2025 09:34:00 +1200 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/battery-storage-for-solar/how-long-do-solar-batteries-last-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/best-tesla-powerwall-alternatives/ If you know anything about solar batteries, you also know that the Tesla Tue, 15 Apr 2025 08:53:00 +1200 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/best-tesla-powerwall-alternatives/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/the-carbon-payback-period-of-solar-panels-in-nz-yay-or-nay-/ There is a considerably large group of people that likes to believe that solar panels are a scam, just as there is a group that believes the Earth is flat. A major argument that poorly supports Mon, 14 Apr 2025 11:18:00 +1200 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/the-carbon-payback-period-of-solar-panels-in-nz-yay-or-nay-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/How-Solar-Power-Works/should-you-go-off-grid-with-solar-/ There is a strange romanticism to the sound of the words “off-grid solar” – a feeling of freedom, of braveness, of rebelling against electrical companies who believe you are helpless without Wed, 12 Mar 2025 10:01:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/How-Solar-Power-Works/should-you-go-off-grid-with-solar-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-trends/the-evolution-of-solar-panels/ Solar panels are one of the most underrated inventions of humankind – silently using sunlight to light our homes and power our TVs, computers, and refrigerators – all while being just a few Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:44:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-trends/the-evolution-of-solar-panels/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/the-forecast-for-the-energy-market-and-solar-power-systems-in-nz-2025/ Here’s a prediction we think we can bet on – 2025 will go down as a historic year for both solar power and household electricity expenses. Why? While there is a Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:33:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/the-forecast-for-the-energy-market-and-solar-power-systems-in-nz-2025/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-news-in-new-zealand/the-hidden-economics-of-solar-and-battery-systems-in-new-zealand-2024-insights/ Solar energy is more than a technological shift - it's an economic decision, and every household’s journey to sustainability carries its unique story of cost, value, and return. From our annual Tue, 28 Jan 2025 12:54:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-news-in-new-zealand/the-hidden-economics-of-solar-and-battery-systems-in-new-zealand-2024-insights/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/battery-storage-for-solar/are-hot-water-timers-and-controllers-still-worthwhile-with-solar-batteries-/ For any Kiwi home with a solar power system, the goal is to consume maximum energy from its solar panels while minimising grid power usage, especially because Thu, 16 Jan 2025 14:18:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/battery-storage-for-solar/are-hot-water-timers-and-controllers-still-worthwhile-with-solar-batteries-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/franklinwh-the-cool-new-kid-on-the-battery-block/ The lithium battery market has almost exploded in size over the past decade. Suddenly, customers have umpteen options to choose from. And just when we thought there were enough solar battery brands Mon, 09 Dec 2024 11:41:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/franklinwh-the-cool-new-kid-on-the-battery-block/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-solar-technology/fronius-symo-inverters---do-they-solve-all-issues-for-three-phase-homes-in-nz-/ When Nikola Tesla invented three-phase power nearly 140 years ago, he wouldn’t have thought that it would create complications for homeowners with a solar power system and three-phase Tue, 19 Nov 2024 10:25:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-solar-technology/fronius-symo-inverters---do-they-solve-all-issues-for-three-phase-homes-in-nz-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-solar-legislation/do-you-need-council-consent-for-solar-panels-in-new-zealand-let-s-clear-the-air-/ 2025 Update: The Government has made a recent announcement to make it clear that a Mon, 18 Nov 2024 14:47:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-solar-legislation/do-you-need-council-consent-for-solar-panels-in-new-zealand-let-s-clear-the-air-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-solar-technology/fronius-gen24-pv-point---is-it-worth-it-/ In the world of solar energy, where major headlines like big product launches or new efficiency records grab centre stage, smaller developments often remain relatively unknown. One such development Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:46:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-solar-technology/fronius-gen24-pv-point---is-it-worth-it-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/sigenstor-the-most-interesting-solar-product-ever-/ When it comes to solar batteries and inverters, you may dare say that on a fundamental level, all innovation has already been done. When you compare solar products today, it's easy to think that Wed, 13 Nov 2024 10:45:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/sigenstor-the-most-interesting-solar-product-ever-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/why-the-big-fuss-about-seanz-here-s-why-it-matters-for-solar-in-new-zealand/ My Solar Quotes has been a proud member of the Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand (SEANZ) for over 12 years. So, I thought it was about time I explain why SEANZ is such a big deal in the Thu, 07 Nov 2024 13:23:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/why-the-big-fuss-about-seanz-here-s-why-it-matters-for-solar-in-new-zealand/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/8-things-to-know-before-buying-a-solar-battery/ About a decade ago, a solar battery was a remarkably premium item with very few customers - something like a $8 popcorn bucket that most of us just roll our eyes at. However, plunging prices and Tue, 01 Oct 2024 09:15:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/8-things-to-know-before-buying-a-solar-battery/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/international-solar/china-s-overproduction-of-solar-panels-cheap-prices-and-what-it-means-for-nz/ For many centuries now, China has been known for its gorgeous silk and the mighty, aptly called Great Wall, among other things. However, things suddenly took a sharp turn in the latest century, and Mon, 26 Aug 2024 14:07:00 +1200 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/international-solar/china-s-overproduction-of-solar-panels-cheap-prices-and-what-it-means-for-nz/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-industry-news/new-zealand-solar-market-stats-insights-2024/ As the world continues to shift towards sustainable energy solutions, New Zealand is making quiet, smalls steps in harnessing the power of the sun.  Unlike many other countries that have relied on Tue, 06 Aug 2024 14:27:00 +1200 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-industry-news/new-zealand-solar-market-stats-insights-2024/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/ecoshine-revolutionising-solar-panel-maintenance-in-new-zealand/ Eco Shine Solar is an emerging player in the New Zealand solar industry like no other. While most solar companies in New Zealand specialise in installing solar on roofs, Eco Shine are providing a Mon, 17 Jun 2024 10:46:00 +1200 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/ecoshine-revolutionising-solar-panel-maintenance-in-new-zealand/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-technology/types-of-solar-panel-technology-/ Humans have always used energy from the sun. From sun-drying foods to propelling spacecrafts using sunlight, we have come a long way. And yet, innovation in the solar industry has no intention of Wed, 05 Jun 2024 10:50:00 +1200 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-technology/types-of-solar-panel-technology-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/electric-homes-rewiring-aotearoa-overview/ In March 2024, Rewiring Aotearoa dropped a groundbreaking report, "Electric Homes: Rewiring Aotearoa," Wed, 29 May 2024 10:22:00 +1200 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/electric-homes-rewiring-aotearoa-overview/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-solar-legislation/cable-conduits-on-a-roof-with-solar-necessity-or-monstrosity-/ As it is, many people don't consider solar panels on a roof as particularly beauty-enhancing. So when the discussion moves to solar panels with visible conduits laid on the roof, the topic becomes Mon, 06 May 2024 13:43:00 +1200 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-solar-legislation/cable-conduits-on-a-roof-with-solar-necessity-or-monstrosity-/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/octopus-energy-now-offering-20-cents-kwh-for-energy-from-your-battery/ If you are an Octopus Energy customer with a solar battery or plan to install one - here’s some good news for you. Octopus is now offering a never-before rate of 20 cents for every kWh of energy Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:20:00 +1200 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-energy-news-/octopus-energy-now-offering-20-cents-kwh-for-energy-from-your-battery/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/buying-a-house-with-an-existing-solar-power-system-a-detailed-guide/ Among the several perks a used home may offer, a pre-installed solar power system is one of the most exciting. Home buyers can expect to save thousands of dollars in electricity bills while making Wed, 03 Apr 2024 12:27:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-new-zealand/buying-a-house-with-an-existing-solar-power-system-a-detailed-guide/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/tesla-powerwall-3-less-style-but-more-substance/ After plenty of speculation and some anticipation, Tesla has finally released details about the third generation of its ultra-popular Powerwall battery. And the first thing we want to do is compare Mon, 18 Mar 2024 13:41:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-battery-information/tesla-powerwall-3-less-style-but-more-substance/ https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/How-Solar-Power-Works/why-your-solar-installer-will-probably-oversize-your-array/ On first thought, it may seem logical to have a solar array size similar to the inverter size, such as pairing a 6 kW array with a 6 kW inverter. After all, why generate excess power when the Tue, 20 Feb 2024 09:51:00 +1300 https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/How-Solar-Power-Works/why-your-solar-installer-will-probably-oversize-your-array/