The government is pushing ahead with changing solar power regulations, including legalising plug-in panels for renters.
Regulation Minister David Seymour and Energy Minister Simeon Brown have confirmed the government’s plan to progress recommendations in the Regulation Ministry’s Sector Review Report.
Inspections would shift to what the ministers said would be a “proportionate, risk-based” model using accredited installers.
Plug-in systems – which regulations currently prevent from being used – would be made legal.
Processing times for approving standard residential installations were expected to be cut from 10 working days down to the next working day, with medium-sized installations cut from 30 to five working days.
The ministers said small-scale installation approval costs are expected to come down from $640 to $200, and from three months to six days, while small-medium scale systems like panels for milking shed could go from $11,000 and six months to $1300 and one month.
Larger or ground-mounted systems would become exempt from needing resource consents, including in heritage or outstanding natural landscape areas.
The ministry estimated net benefits of between $28m and $50m over 10 years through lower compliance costs, reduced delays and the use of plug-in solar.
“Kiwis need access to reliable and affordable energy, but approval for solar panels can take months. The report’s recommendations will make solar an easy option for Kiwi families,” Seymour said.
“New Zealanders want more control over their power bills and making it easier to connect solar is one way to do that by allowing people to make use of the free sunshine that lands on their property,” Brown said.
“Plug-in solar will also be a game changer for people who rent, meaning people will be able to buy a plug-in solar kit and take it with them if they move house. The power of the sun is there to be harnessed.”