Key takeaways
- In force since 23 October 2025 (changes to Schedule 1 of the Building Act).
- Under 40 m² and wind zone up to High: no consent needed.
- Over 40 m² or wind zone above High: exempt if a Chartered Professional Engineer designs or reviews it.
- The work must still comply with the Building Code, the district plan and the exemption conditions.
- Electrical work still needs a registered electrician and the right certification.
What changed on 23 October 2025?
The government changed Schedule 1 of the Building Act so most roof-mounted solar panels no longer need a building consent. It adds to the existing exemptions for ground-mounted arrays.
Sources: EWRB, building.govt.nz and the regulations.
The two exemptions
Arrays under 40 m² in a wind zone no greater than High are exempt outright. Arrays over 40 m², or in a wind zone greater than High, are exempt when the design is carried out or reviewed by a Chartered Professional Engineer.
| Your array | Wind zone | Building consent? |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40 m² | Low, Medium or High | Not needed |
| Under 40 m² | Very High or above | Not needed if a CPEng designs or reviews it |
| Over 40 m² | Any | Not needed if a CPEng designs or reviews it |
How big is 40 m² in panels?
At about 2 m² per 440W panel, 40 m² is roughly 20 panels, or about 8.8kW. Our 5kW (about 24 m²) and 6.6kW (about 30 m²) packages fit under it; the 10kW package (about 46 m²) needs the engineer route.
What still applies without a consent?
Exempt doesn't mean unregulated. The installation must still meet the Building Code (the roof must carry the load and stay weathertight), your district plan, and the conditions of the exemption. The electrical work must be done by a registered electrician and certified.
How do I find my wind zone?
Your council can tell you the wind zone for your property, and it's often on the property file or LIM. Exposed hilltop and coastal sites are more likely to be above High. The site survey confirms it before a price is fixed.
Frequently asked questions
When did the solar consent exemption start?
23 October 2025 (EWRB).
Do I need consent for a 10kW system?
A 10kW array of 440W panels is about 46 m², over the 40 m² limit, so it's exempt only with a design carried out or reviewed by a Chartered Professional Engineer.
Do ground-mounted panels need consent?
Ground-mounted arrays had existing exemptions before 2025. Check the conditions for your site with your council.
Does my council need to know about my solar panels?
Exempt work doesn't need a consent, but it's worth giving your council the details for the property file. Your lines company must approve the connection separately.
Is resource consent different?
Yes. The building consent exemption doesn't override district plan rules, such as heritage areas. Check with your council if that applies.
Sources
- EWRB, Solar panel consent exemption changes (checked Sept 2026)
- building.govt.nz, Solar panel and boundary setback building consent exemption changes (checked Sept 2026)
- Building (Solar Panel and Boundary Setback Exemptions) regulations 2025 (checked Sept 2026)
- Solar Scout, How many solar panels do I need (updated 1 Apr 2026) (checked 1 Apr 2026)
General information, not financial advice. Prices and rates change; each figure shows where it came from and when it was checked.