Key takeaways
- Buy-back rates range from about 8c to 24c per kWh.
- Some plans pay a higher peak rate and a lower off-peak rate, and some rates exclude GST.
- A kWh used at home saves about 40.6c (MBIE average, Feb 2026), two to five times a typical export rate.
- Rates change often. Check Powerswitch before switching.
Buy-back rates by retailer
Solar Scout's August 2026 table shows peak rates from 12.5c to 24c and off-peak rates from 8c to 16c. Some retailers quote rates excluding GST, marked below.
| Retailer and plan | Peak | Off-peak |
|---|---|---|
| Meridian Energy (solar plan) | 24c | 15c |
| Octopus Energy (solar plan) | 23c | 10c |
| Electric Kiwi (solar plan) | 20 – 23c | 10 – 11.5c |
| Ecotricity | 21c | 16c |
| Mercury* | 18c | 9.17c |
| Octopus Energy (standard) | 14 – 19c | – |
| Meridian Energy (standard) | 15c | – |
| Genesis Energy* | 12.5c | 12.5c |
| Frank Energy* | 12.5c | 12.5c |
| Electric Kiwi (standard) | 10 – 11.5c | – |
| Contact Energy | Not published | 8c |
*Quoted excluding GST. Check current rates on Powerswitch before you switch: the best buy-back plan isn't always the cheapest plan overall, because import prices and daily charges differ too.
Why self-consumption beats the buy-back rate
A kWh you use yourself avoids buying one at around 40.6c. A kWh you export earns 8c to 24c. Solar Scout's example for a 6.6kW system shows about $1,728 a year from using 60% at home at 32c, against $432 from exporting the rest at 12c.
How to choose a plan once you have solar
Compare the whole bill, not just the buy-back: import price per kWh, daily charge, and buy-back rate together, using your own usage. Powerswitch does this with your actual consumption.
- Download 12 months of half-hourly or daily use from your retailer
- Estimate your export (your installer or our calculator gives a starting figure)
- Compare plans on Powerswitch with both numbers
Frequently asked questions
Which NZ power company pays the most for solar?
On Solar Scout's 31 August 2026 table, Meridian's solar plan at 24c peak and Octopus at 23c peak. Rates change often, so check Powerswitch.
Do I have to switch retailer to get solar buy-back?
No. Most retailers pay something for exports. A switch only makes sense if the whole bill comes out lower.
Is buy-back income taxed?
For a household selling surplus solar, check with IRD or an accountant; we don't give tax advice.
Do I need a new meter to export solar?
You need an import/export meter. EECA lists it as something a solar quote should include.
Sources
- Solar Scout, Buy-back rates NZ (updated 31 Aug 2026) (checked 31 Aug 2026)
- Powerswitch (Consumer NZ), solar buy-back rates (checked Sept 2026)
- Canstar NZ citing MBIE Quarterly Survey of Domestic Electricity Prices to 15 Feb 2026 (checked Feb 2026)
- EECA, Solar quotes and installation (checked Sept 2026)
General information, not financial advice. Prices and rates change; each figure shows where it came from and when it was checked.