Key takeaways
- No direct residential solar rebate in NZ.
- Bank green loans: 0% to 1% for 3 to 5 years, up to $50,000 to $80,000, on the lists we checked.
- Some banks require a SEANZ member installer.
- Warmer Kiwi Homes covers insulation and heating; solar isn't included as of August 2026.
Is there a government solar subsidy?
Not for homes. Solar Scout's August 2026 guide says there's no direct solar rebate for residential homeowners in New Zealand. Government schemes for solar are aimed at businesses and farms.
- Warmer Kiwi Homes: insulation and heating grants. Solar expansion has been signalled but not finalised.
- Farm solar funding: co-funding for farm batteries, inverters and panels.
- Investment Boost (business): an immediate tax deduction on qualifying business assets, including solar.
Bank green home loans
Most major banks offer a low-rate top-up on your mortgage for solar and other energy upgrades. The table shows what Solar Scout listed in August 2026. Rates and terms change; check with the bank before relying on them.
| Bank | Product | Rate | Maximum | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westpac | Greater Choices Home Loan | 0% | $50,000 | 5 years |
| ANZ | Good Energy Home Loan | 1% | $80,000 | 3 years |
| ASB | Better Homes Top Up | 1% | $80,000 | 3 years |
| BNZ | Better Future Home Loan Top-Up | 1% | $80,000 | 3 years |
| Kiwibank | Sustainable Energy Loan | Variable | Not published | 7 – 10 years |
Solar Scout notes ANZ and Kiwibank require a SEANZ member installer. After the discounted term, the loan usually reverts to the standard rate. MoneyHub keeps a comparison too. General information, not financial advice.
Council schemes
Some councils have run home energy schemes paid back through rates. We haven't verified any current council scheme that funds solar, so check your council's website directly rather than relying on older articles.
The cost savings that are real
The consent exemption since 23 October 2025 removes consent fees for most roof arrays, and several lines companies (Vector, Powerco, Aurora Energy) charge nothing to apply for systems of 10kW or less.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a grant for solar panels in NZ?
Not as a homeowner; there's no national residential rebate (Solar Scout, August 2026). Low-rate bank green loans are the main help.
Which bank has the best green loan for solar?
On Solar Scout's August 2026 list, Westpac offered 0% for 5 years up to $50,000; ANZ, ASB and BNZ offered 1% for 3 years up to $80,000. Compare the total cost with your own lending.
Does Warmer Kiwi Homes cover solar?
Not as of August 2026. It covers insulation and heating.
Are solar panels tax deductible?
For a business, Investment Boost can apply. For a private home, generally not. Ask an accountant.
Sources
- Solar Scout, Solar grants and incentives NZ (updated 21 Aug 2026) (checked 21 Aug 2026)
- MoneyHub, Green loans NZ (checked Sept 2026)
- MySolarQuotes, Lines companies' solar application fees (updated Aug 2026) (checked Aug 2026)
- EWRB, Solar panel consent exemption changes (checked Sept 2026)
General information, not financial advice. Prices and rates change; each figure shows where it came from and when it was checked.