Key takeaways
- Whole process: usually 4 weeks or less. Install day: 1 or 2 days (EECA).
- Your lines company must approve the connection; EECA says this generally takes 1 to 2 weeks.
- Most roof arrays need no building consent since 23 October 2025.
- You should receive the electrical certificates at the end, and only then pay our balance.
1. Estimate and site survey
It starts with your usage and roof. Our online estimate gives a package and price range in two minutes; the site survey then checks the roof structure and condition, shade, the switchboard and meter, and where the inverter will go.
2. Fixed-price contract
After the survey you get a fixed price for the package, with anything the survey found (a switchboard upgrade, roof repairs) listed separately. EECA says deposits are typically 10% to 30%.
3. Lines-company application
Your lines company must approve a distributed generation connection before the system exports. EECA says this generally takes 1 to 2 weeks. Vector, Powerco and Aurora Energy charge nothing for systems of 10kW or less.
4. Installation day
EECA says the install itself takes 1 or 2 days: components are delivered, safety rails or scaffolding go up, rails and panels are fixed to the roof, the inverter is mounted, cables are run, and the system is connected to the switchboard with its own circuit breakers.
- Components delivered
- Safety railings or scaffolding set up
- Rails and panels attached
- Inverter installed
- Cabling connected
- Switchboard and circuit breakers integrated
5. Inspection, certificates and switch-on
The installer issues a certificate for the work and a registered electrical inspector inspects it. Your retailer arranges the import/export meter, and then the system is switched on and monitoring set up.
Keep every certificate with your property documents. With us, the balance is due only once the system is commissioned and the certificates are in your hands.
Do I need a building consent?
Usually not since 23 October 2025, for roof arrays under 40 m² in wind zones up to High. See the consent guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long does solar installation take in NZ?
The whole process usually takes 4 weeks or less, and the install itself 1 or 2 days (EECA).
How long does lines company approval take?
Generally 1 to 2 weeks (EECA). Vector says up to 10 business days for a standard application.
Do I need to be home on install day?
Usually for the start and the switchboard work, as the power will be off for part of the day.
What certificates should I get?
A certificate for the electrical work from the installer and an electrical safety certificate following inspection. Ask for copies before paying the balance.
Can the installation damage my roof?
A proper install uses fixings and flashings designed for your roof type, and the work must meet the Building Code. Check the workmanship warranty (EECA minimum 5 years).
Sources
- EECA, Solar quotes and installation (checked Sept 2026)
- MySolarQuotes, Lines companies' solar application fees (updated Aug 2026) (checked Aug 2026)
- Vector, Connect power generation 10kW or less (checked Sept 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.