But there\u2019s a big catch \u2013 they currently can\u2019t be used in New Zealand.<\/p>\n
Worksafe has prohibited the use of a particular inverter found in plug-in solar systems, which means the systems are currently unable to be used here.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s because plugging a solar panel or inverter directly into a standard three-pin plug is considered illegal and a serious safety risk.<\/p>\n
Labour admits that\u2019ll be a hold-up, particularly as it\u2019s promising to have major parts of its package rolled out within 12 months of being elected.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first order of business is making them legal, but there are a number of retailers who do want to start bringing them in,\u201d Labour\u2019s energy spokeswoman Megan Woods told media.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re already seeing portable batteries become very standard pieces of equipment around the place and now we need to change the settings so people can start selling them.\u201d<\/p>\n
National, too, has realised this will hold up its hopes to boost solar use.<\/p>\n
Energy Minister Simeon Brown says he\u2019s asked officials to explore what standards need to be changed to legalise plug-in solar units.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe principle is simple. In a country with the sunshine hours we have, Kiwi households and businesses should be able to generate their own power straight off the shelf, rather than being locked out by rules that haven\u2019t kept pace with the technology,\u201d Brown told the Herald.<\/p>\n
Woods told media National has had two and a half years to make that happen, and had failed to do so.<\/p>\n
But Brown says he started work a couple of months ago on new standards.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a great opportunity for people who are renting, but we do need to put a standard in place to enable it. It\u2019s currently illegal in New Zealand. I think that\u2019s nuts,\u201d he told media.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust like in Germany, you can go down to the local, you know, trade store, buy a solar kit, put on your balcony, plug it in, and straightaway get the free power from the sun. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo it\u2019s power to the people. It\u2019s a really exciting initiative.\u201d <\/p>\n
Brown thinks it will take about 12 months to get those standards changed and he\u2019s vowing to make it a priority.<\/p>\n
Another catch in Labour\u2019s policy is the workforce.<\/p>\n
Labour is committing $4 million for workforce development.<\/p>\n
But Master Electricians says New Zealand is already short around 6000 electricians and another 2200-2500 are needed to meet demand.<\/p>\n
Public data indicates only around 1315 electrician-track Level 4 qualifications were awarded in 2025. <\/p>\n
Master Electricians chief executive Alexandra Vranyac-Wheeler says any major household electrification policy must include a workforce and quality assurance plan from day one.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe opportunity is real, but so is the delivery risk. Solar panels, batteries, EV [electric vehicle] chargers, heat-pump water heaters and switchboard upgrades all require competent electrical workers. If policy stimulates demand without backing the workforce, New Zealand will create bottlenecks, delays and safety risks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Labour admitted the workforce could be the biggest hold-up in trying to meet demand for the policy.<\/p>\n
\u201cSupply chains for solar panels, that is something we\u2019ve been talking to the industry about, but what we really need to do is gear up both in terms of the workforce but also the supply chains,\u201d Woods said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut there\u2019s nothing like demand and a secure pipeline of work to make sure we\u2019ve got what we need.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rewiring Aotearoa has labelled it the \u201celectric election\u201d, with parties battling over home upgrades.<\/p>\n
CEO Mike Casey says Labour has \u201cone-upped National\u201d on solar policies.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen National announced its support for long-term, low-interest loans through the Ratepayer Assistance Scheme (RAS) a couple of weeks ago, I said it was one of the best days of my life because we had been advocating for it for so long,\u201d Casey said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, today\u2019s topped it, because Labour\u2019s policy is even more comprehensive and will help even more New Zealanders go electric.<\/p>\n
Casey said the gap between the two ends of the spectrum \u2013 all-electric homes and cars versus fossil fuelled equivalents \u2013 \u201chas doubled since 2024 and our research shows that an all-electric home is now around $3000 net better off per year, including upfront costs and interest, and a net $45,000 better off over 15 years\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cSolarSaver\u201d will cost $160 million over four years, Labour says, with the party saying it will repurpose the Government\u2019s Gas Security Fund.<\/p>\n
Energy Minister Simeon Brown. Photo \/ Anna Heath<\/p>\n
Brown says Labour is copying National with its policies \u2013 making it a \u201cgood day for solar\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe way they intend to pay for it is to raid the gas Security Response Fund, which is critically important to make sure we keep our lights on, and keep businesses, operating in New Zealand,\u201d Brown said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the same Labour Party, which has been going up and down the country complaining about the fact that many major industrial businesses have been shutting their doors due to energy security issues, but now it\u2019s going to raid that very fund, in order to pay.\u201d<\/p>\n
A solar and battery system costs around $20,000.<\/p>\n
Labour wants to introduce a new Government-backed, long-term, low-interest loan for some households.<\/p>\n
Woods, the party\u2019s energy spokeswoman. said: \u201cLines companies will be able to offer low-cost loans where solar installations benefit the local network, while a new property-linked finance scheme will allow households to repay costs gradually through their rates bill.\u201d<\/p>\n
The package also includes:<\/p>\n
A $30m community battery fundHelp to find the best option through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)More support for secure, well-paid careers installing solar<\/p>\n
Labour says the kickstart subsidy will cover a plug-in system in full.<\/p>\n