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Best Solar Buy-Back Rates NZ

Best Solar Buy-Back Rates NZ with Power Compare
Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Solar is a wonderful form of energy. In New Zealand, we have lots of sunshine. We can capture this sunlight and turn it into electricity. 

New Zealand gets its electricity from a combination of both renewable and non-renewable sources of energy. Solar energy is a renewable source, meaning that the energy is constantly replenished by our sun. It will not run out and it is a clean, green energy source, making it a great eco-friendly choice. With power prices rising in 2025, it may be prudent to consider other energy sources to keep your power bill lower than average. Solar panels can be a little costly to get installed, but they are a worthwhile, long-term investment and can save you a lot of money in the long run on power. 

Save Money on Power with Solar

Solar panels, which are installed on your roof, absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. This electricity can power your home, including the lights, appliances, and electronics. They are highly durable technology, and can last 20-30 years, sometimes even 40 years, so they make an incredible long term investment. 

Solar panels can generate a lot of electricity – often enough to cover a large portion of your power bill, or even the whole month! The best part is, if there is extra power generated that you don’t use, it goes back to the grid, and your power provider can buy it back at a determined rate per kWh. 

Who has the Best Solar Buy-Back Rates?

Retailer
             Buy-Back Rate
Electric Kiwi
8c/kWh on most available plans with 12.5c/kWh on the Movemaster Plan
Megatel
13c per kWh
Genesis Energy
12.5c per kWh
Contact Energy
8c/kWh. Maximum size capacity of 10kW.
Nova Energy
10 cents per kWh
Pulse Energy
The buy-back rate varies by location.
Ecotricity
12c/kWh - 16c/kWh, the rate varies and is dependent on if you have a battery installed at home.
Powershop
13 cents per kWh, with no cap. Plus no fixed contract.
Blackbox Power
The buy-back rate varies by location.
Frank Energy
11c/kWh. Your system size should be 50kw or less. Please note,  Frank Energy is currently not set up for GST registered customers.
Meridian Energy
17c/kWh on a 3 year contract  or 12c/kWh on all other plans.
Flick Electric
12.69c/kWh. The buy-back rate varies according to the wholesale electricity price.
Mercury Energy
8.5c/kWh
Octopus Energy


OctopusFlexi: 17c buy-back rate (New customers)
OctopusPeaker Battery Plan
Peak export: 23c
Off-peak export: 10c
Night export: 5c
Toast Electric
10c/kWh in Wellington, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Kapiti & Horowhenua.
Nau Mai Ra
No solar buy-back rate available.
Globug
No solar buy-back rate available.
Tensor
No solar buy-back rate available.
Orcon
No solar buy-back rate available.

Other Benefits to Solar

Increase Home’s Value

Good for the wallet and your home, solar panels can boost the value of your home. The installation of solar panels can often increase the resell value, putting it in a wonderful, shining position in the property market. What a cool investment!

Avoid Power Cuts

Your home will continue shining during power outages! With the solar battery storage, you will enjoy uninterrupted electricity and you won’t have to rely on the grid’s backup power. 

Generate Electricity on Cloudy Days

Solar panels are great at absorbing energy even on cloudy days. There is no need to worry about missing out on electricity generation when clouds roll in. They even generate electricity in winter!

Eco-Friendly Choice

Reduce your carbon footprint by investing in solar, which is a clean, green energy source. It doesn’t harm the environment so it is a great way to help combat climate change.

Switch to the Cheapest Power Company to Save Further

When you get those solar panels installed, be sure to compare the best solar buy-back rates AND that provider’s regular power plans and prices to make sure you are getting the best deal. Compare the best power companies and their plans in just a few minutes to make sure you are getting the deal that offers you the best value for money. It only takes a few minutes when you follow these simple steps: 

  1. Jump on the website.
  2. Enter your address.
  3. Compare power plans and providers available to you. 
  4. Find the right deal and click SWITCH.

Compare Power Plans

Further Reading: 

Guide to Lowering Power Bill

Average Power Bill NZ 2025

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