Grid-tied solar system in NZ

RELIABLE, EFFICIENT GRID-TIED SOLAR ENERGY

A grid-tied system (often called a 'panel-only' system) allows you to power your home with solar while remaining connected to the grid for backup. ZEN's panel-only systems deliver dependable energy and cost savings tailored to your needs.

Get A Free Quote Today
ZEN Energy design asset
 
Solar Panels Icon
The Energy Grid Icon
Solar Inverter Icon
Illustration of a grid-tied system

Energy Monitoring

Real-Time Energy Insights

Monitor your grid-tied power system in NZ with real-time data on energy production and usage. Advanced analytics help you optimise consumption, reduce grid reliance, and maximise savings, ensuring your solar system delivers long-term value.

Explore Energy monitoring
ZEN Energy design asset
Solar Energy Monitoring Illustration

The Grid

Smart Grid Integration

A grid-tied solar system powers your home while staying connected to the grid. Excess energy can be exported, earning credits on your bill. This seamless integration provides flexibility, reliable power when solar output is low, and financial benefits over time.

Illustration of the energy grid

Solar, simplified
with ZEN energy

We’re committed to making solar simple. With clear, straightforward information, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Start your solar journey confidently with ZEN Energy.

Get started Today
ZEN Energy design asset

How grid-tied solar systems work

How Panel-Only Solar Powers Your Home

A panel-only solar system in NZ efficiently converts sunlight into electricity, integrating smoothly with the utility grid. Each component plays a key role in providing clean, dependable energy for your home.

Solar Panels Icon
The Energy Grid Icon
Solar Inverter Icon
Illustration of a grid-tied system

SOLAR PANELS

Maximising Solar Capture

Panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. ZEN’s high-efficiency solar panels deliver long-lasting performance and maximum energy capture, powering your home efficiently and increasing savings.

Explore Solar Panels
ZEN Energy design asset
Illustration of Solar Panels

Solar Inverter

SMOOTH Power Conversion

The inverter converts DC from your panels into AC for household use. High-efficiency inverters adapt to changing energy needs, ensuring reliable performance and optimising overall energy efficiency.

Explore inverters
ZEN Energy design asset
Solar Inverter Illustration

Simple Solar Solutions with ZEN Energy

ZEN Energy helps you start your solar journey confidently, ensuring savings, sustainability, and energy independence.

Get started Today
ZEN Energy design asset

Why Go with a Panel-Only Solar System

EFFICIENT, RELIABLE ENERGY FOR YOUR HOME

A panel-only solar system provides a practical way to lower electricity bills while earning credits for surplus energy exported to the grid. Ideal for homes with stable grid access, it delivers long-term savings, energy efficiency, and environmental benefits.

ZEN Energy design asset

Advantages

Lower installation cost
Less expensive than hybrid and off-grid systems.

Eligibility for export credits
Sell excess electricity back to the grid, reducing energy bills further.

Reduced carbon footprint
Use clean solar energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Considerations

Dependence on grid availability
Relies on the grid for operation and won’t produce power during outages.

No power during outages
Without battery backup, it cannot supply electricity when the grid is down.

Grid-tied solar vs. other systems

Understanding Your Solar Options

This table provides a clear comparison of grid-tied, hybrid, and off-grid systems, helping you evaluate the key differences and make an informed decision for your energy needs.

Scroll

Considerations

Grid-tied solar system

Hybrid battery solar system

Off-grid solar system

Initial cost (incl. GST)

From $14,000

From $24,500

From $38,700

Dependence on grid

Full

Partial

None

Backup during outages

No

Yes

Yes

Electricity bills

Average 60% savings + Export Credits

Average 80% savings + Export Credits

None

Ideal for

Urban / suburban areas, lower initial investment

Unreliable grid areas, those seeking backup

Remote locations, full independence

Maintenance

Low

Medium (battery care)

Medium (battery care)

Scalability

High

High

Limited

Environmental impact

Low

Lower

Lowest

Payback period

5-8 Years

7-10 Years

NA

Solar system pricing

SOLAR SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR ENERGY NEEDS

Our grid-tied solar system options provide tailored solutions to meet your energy goals. Flexible starting prices suit a range of households, making sustainable energy more accessible.

Low power usage

Small system*

  • Monthly Bill: $150 to $250
  • Annual Consumption (kWh): 7,000 to 9,000
  • Household Size: Up to 4 people
  • Appliances: Standard use
12 Panels / 5.28 kW
Starting from:
$14,000 (inc. GST)

Medium power usage

Mid-sized system*

  • Monthly Bill: $250 to $350
  • Annual Consumption (kWh): 9,000 to 12,000
  • Household Size: 4-5 people
  • ‍Appliances: Medium use (e.g spa, EV)
16 Panels / 7.04 kW
Starting from:
$16,000 (incl. GST)

High power usage

Large system*

  • Monthly Bill: $350+
  • Annual Consumption (kWh): 12,000+
  • Household Size: 5+ people
  • Appliances: Heavy use (e.g spa, EV, pool, central and/or underfloor heating)
20 Panels / 8.8 kW
Starting from:
$18,000 (inc. GST)
*Note: Pricing reflects a grid-tied solar system (no battery storage) as of August 2024. For solutions tailored to your energy needs, goals, and to optimise your investment returns, reach out for a custom proposal.

Energy needs

System size typically scales with consumption levels, directly affecting cost.

Components quality

Solar Inverter Icon

High-grade panels, inverters, and batteries impact cost and long-term reliability.

Install complexity

Cost is influenced by roofing, site specifics, wiring needs, and scaffolding.

Energy goals

Grid independence or substantial energy savings goals necessitate a larger system.

Custom solutions

Personalised energy systems for unique requirements (e.g. smart homes) alter the financial outlay.

Tech upgrades

Smart tech and EV charging integration increase both efficiency and initial cost.

ZEN Energy customers with a grid-tied solar system installed. A smiling adult woman, young girl, and adult man wearing outdoor clothing and posing closely together. The man is wearing a backward baseball cap. The sky is partly cloudy.

Grid-tied solar savings case study

LOWER BILLS AND A GREENER FOOTPRINT

With a $11,932 investment, these homeowners installed a 5.28kW grid-tied solar system with 12 LONGi 440W panels and a RedBack SI5000 5.0kW inverter, targeting a 60% self-consumption rate. Their average monthly bill dropped from $242 to $86.22—a 64.37% savings.

Over 25 years, projected savings reach $63,930.21, considering rising electricity rates and income from selling excess power back to the grid. This system also equals the CO₂ absorption of 40 trees and powers 528 light bulbs continuously, reducing their environmental impact.

Monthly Bill Savings

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

0

Previous Monthly Bill
($242)
Solar Monthly Bill
($86)
Source: ZEN Energy | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (www.mbie.govt.nz) | Based on pricing as at April 2024

Cumulative Savings

$80,000

$60,000

$40,000

$20,000

0

Year 1
Year 3
Year 5
Year 7
Year 9
Year 11
Year 13
Year 15
Year 17
Year 19
Year 21
Year 23
Year 25
Energy Cost Savings
Export Cedits
Source: ZEN Energy | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (www.mbie.govt.nz) | Based on pricing as at April 2024

Real-life solar success journey:
Energy cost savings & environmental benefits

$63,930.21

Total savings

Total savings: $63,930.21 in combined savings and export credits amassed over 25 years, netting $51,992.21 after recouping the initial $11,932 investment.

6.01 Years

Payback period

Payback period: The solar system's initial investment is recouped in only 6.01 years.

16.65%

Annualised ROI

Annualised ROI: An impressive 16.65% annual return on the solar energy system investment.

40

Trees' carbon work

Tree's carbon work: Equivalent to the environmental impact of 40 trees absorbing CO2 every year.

528

Light bulbs powered

Light bulbs powered: Lighting up 528 bulbs non-stop for 25 years, all through clean, solar energy.

Switch to solar with green loans

Install Solar Panels With zero Upfront COST

Take advantage of green loans to enjoy renewable energy now with $0 upfront and flexible payment options.

ANZ logo.
Westpac logo
Bank of New Zealand Logo
ASB logo
Kiwibank logo
QCard Finance Logo
A man in a yellow hoodie, jeans, and beige shoes, carrying a solar panel and a backpack, stands against a solid light blue background.
How long does installation take?

Typical installation of a grid-tied solar system takes 8-10 weeks, depending on your home’s setup, roof type, and any required permits.

What is the Green Home Loan process?

Green Home Loans helps you install solar panels with $0 upfront and manageable repayments. The process involves application, approval, and financing tailored to your energy goals.

Ready TO take control of your power?

Start your switch to solar today. Get in touch and we can support your journey to energy savings, sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Average Monthly Power Bill (slide to select)
$0
Max file size 10MB.
Uploading...
fileuploaded.jpg
Upload failed. Max size for files is 10 MB.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Get a free quote