\u201cHouseholds must notify their network operator if using plug-in solar, but there is not a full approval process required before using. Plug-in systems are particularly popular with renters and people living in apartments who cannot access traditional rooftop solar.\u201d <\/p>\n
It said work on this recommendation could take place over nine to 12 months and be allowed through secondary legislation. <\/p>\n
Regulation Minister David Seymour said the report recommended allowing plug-in solar as \u201cthere was no good reason for preventing Kiwis using it\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cPlug-in systems can be used by renters and people living in apartments who can\u2019t access traditional rooftop solar. If they\u2019re good enough for Germany and the UK, they\u2019re good enough for us.\u201d <\/p>\n
The Ministry for Regulation report makes recommendations to simplify solar installation rules. Photo \/ 123rf<\/p>\n
He said the ministry had heard about problems with small-to-medium scale solar through the red tape tip line. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe ministry went straight to the source to understand the problem. They engaged with installers, industry participants, regulators and other stakeholders. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe ministry found that in some cases, installing a small-scale solar system can involve up to six separate sign-offs and five site visits from four different entities before it can be switched on. All of this can take months. Most of it is unnecessary.\u201d <\/p>\n
Seymour said by implementing the recommendations in the report, installation approval for residential solar would drop \u201cfrom about $640 and three months, down to $200 and six days\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cFor small-medium scale solar, such as a farmer installing panels on a milking shed, it would take installation approval from up to $11,000 and six months, down to $1300 and one month. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe ministry estimates that the recommendations could deliver net benefits of between $28 million and $50m over 10 years. This is through lower compliance costs, reduced delays, and the use of plug-in solar.\u201d <\/p>\n
There were other recommendations related to inspections and processing times for line companies to deal with requests to install solar. <\/p>\n
Energy Minister Simeon Brown welcomed the proposals, which he believed would \u201cgive power back to the people by making solar uptake cheaper and faster\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Government is focused on ensuring NZ has access to affordable and reliable power with these proposals building on what the Government is already delivering, from fast-track consenting big renewable projects, to doubling the export limits for households exporting power back to the grid. This Government is delivering on that agenda.\u201d<\/p>\n