Dunedin, Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell and Alexandra

Solar panels in Dunedin, Queenstown and Otago

A 6.6kW home solar system in Otago typically costs $14,000 to $15,000 installed (Solar Scout, 2026). Dunedin, Queenstown and Central Otago are on Aurora Energy's network, which charges no application fee for systems of 10kW or less.

Updated 15 September 2026

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Solar in Otago: the local details

Aurora Energy covers Dunedin, Central Otago and the Queenstown Lakes, with a free application for systems of 10kW or less and a 10kW export limit (MySolarQuotes).
Solar Scout doesn't publish an Otago figure. Its nearest, Southland, is 1,100 to 1,250 kWh per kW a year and Canterbury is 1,300 to 1,450. Our estimates use the 1,400 national average and the survey refines it for your roof.
Rural Otago is partly on OtagoNet's network.

Main lines company: Aurora Energy
Other networks: OtagoNet (rural Otago)
Application fee: Free for systems 10kW or less (Aurora Energy)
Output per kW a year: NZ average 1,400 kWh used

Packages in Otago

Price and yearly output
Package	Typical NZ price	Output a year
5kW package	$11,000 – $13,000	~7,000 kWh
6.6kW package	$14,000 – $15,000	~9,240 kWh
10kW package	$15,000 – $18,000	~14,000 kWh

See what solar costs in NZ and how it works.

Common questions in Otago

Consent rules are national: since 23 October 2025, most roof arrays under 40 m² need no building consent. See the consent guide.

How much do solar panels cost in Dunedin or Queenstown?

About $11,000 to $13,000 for 5kW, $14,000 to $15,000 for 6.6kW and $15,000 to $18,000 for 10kW installed nationally (Solar Scout).

Does Aurora Energy charge to connect solar?

No. Aurora Energy's application for systems of 10kW or less is free (MySolarQuotes).

Is solar worth it in the South Island?

Output is lower in the south (Southland is 1,100 to 1,250 kWh per kW a year) so payback is longer for the same use. Long summer days help, and the price you avoid is the same. Run your numbers in the calculator.