Choosing a solar installer can be difficult. Quotes can look very different, there are plenty of products to compare, and it is not always easy to know which companies will still be there to support their systems years down the track.
That is where SOLASSURE™ comes in.
SOLASSURE is New Zealand’s independent quality assurance programme for solar and battery installations, developed by the Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand (SEANZ). It provides homeowners and businesses with an independent way to identify solar companies that have been assessed against recognised standards.
Current Generation is proud to be a SOLASSURE Certified Provider.
SOLASSURE is a quality mark designed to help New Zealanders choose a solar or battery installer with greater confidence.
Rather than relying only on what a solar company says about itself, SOLASSURE assesses providers across areas including:
Certification is also not simply awarded once and forgotten about. SOLASSURE providers are expected to continue meeting its standards, with certification reviewed over time.
You can learn more about SOLASSURE here.
The SOLASSURE certification process has several stages.
Providers must meet defined requirements covering their installation practices, products, systems and wider business operations.
The business and its supporting documentation are assessed against SOLASSURE requirements. This looks beyond the finished solar panels on the roof and considers how the company operates and supports its customers.
Businesses that meet the requirements become SOLASSURE Certified Providers and can be listed in the SOLASSURE installer directory.
Certification comes with ongoing expectations. Providers must continue to demonstrate the quality, professionalism and transparency required under the programme.
You can read more about the process on the SOLASSURE How It Works page.
A solar and battery system is a long-term investment. The quality of the system design, the installation itself and the support available afterwards can all affect the experience you have over its lifetime.
Price alone does not necessarily tell you whether one installer is a better choice than another.
SOLASSURE was created to make that decision easier by giving consumers an independent quality mark to look for. It helps address some of the common concerns people have when buying solar, including confusing quotes, inconsistent advice, technical complexity and uncertainty about who they can trust.
For customers, choosing a SOLASSURE Certified Provider offers greater confidence that the company has been independently assessed rather than simply making its own claims about quality.
Current Generation has achieved SOLASSURE certification for both residential and commercial solar.
For us, that certification provides independent recognition of something we believe is particularly important with solar: the relationship should not end when the system is switched on.
A good solar system starts with understanding the property and how electricity is being used. It then needs appropriate system design, suitable equipment, professional installation and support after the installation is complete.
SOLASSURE provides customers with another independent measure they can use when deciding who they want to trust with that work.
You can also find Current Generation in the official SOLASSURE Certified Installer directory.
SOLASSURE certification is a useful place to start, but you should still ask questions before choosing an installer.
Understand what has been included in the quote, why particular panels, batteries or inverters have been recommended, what warranties apply and what support will be available after installation.
Most importantly, look for a company that is prepared to understand what you actually need rather than simply sell you a standard system.
At Current Generation, we design and install residential, commercial, agricultural, grid-tied, hybrid and off-grid solar systems around the needs of each site.
If you are considering solar or battery storage and would like to understand the options available, get in touch with the Current Generation team.
SOLASSURE is the name of New Zealand’s solar and energy storage quality mark. It was developed by SEANZ to help property owners identify solar providers that meet recognised quality and professional standards.
SOLASSURE was developed and is powered by the Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand (SEANZ).
A SOLASSURE Certified Provider is a solar business that has been assessed against SOLASSURE requirements covering areas such as technical quality, installation, business practices, customer service and ongoing support.
Yes. Current Generation Systems Limited is a SOLASSURE Certified Provider and is listed in the official SOLASSURE directory for both residential and commercial solar services.
Yes. SOLASSURE covers both solar and energy storage systems, including battery installations.
Posted in Miscellaneous
If you’re researching solar, you’ve probably heard that a north-facing roof is the best option.
While there’s truth to that, it doesn’t tell the whole story.
The best roof direction for solar panels depends on where your home is located, how you use electricity and the characteristics of your property. Roof direction is an important consideration, but it is only one part of the overall picture.
In New Zealand:
A roof does not need to face perfectly north to be worth considering for solar.
Solar panels generate electricity when exposed to sunlight.
The direction a roof faces influences how much sunlight it typically receives throughout the day and across the seasons.
In New Zealand, north-facing roof areas generally receive the greatest amount of direct sunlight over the course of a year. This is why north-facing roofs are often considered the preferred option.
However, that does not mean other roof directions should be ruled out.
Many homes have roofs that face east, west or a combination of both.
These roof orientations can still be suitable for solar, particularly when considered alongside a household’s electricity usage patterns.
For example, some households use more electricity in the morning, while others have greater demand later in the afternoon or evening.
Rather than focusing solely on compass direction, it is often more useful to consider how the roof and household work together.
South-facing roof areas generally receive less direct sunlight than north-facing roofs.
That doesn’t automatically mean they cannot be used, but it does mean they are usually assessed differently as part of the overall system design.
Every property is unique, which is why roof direction is considered alongside several other factors rather than in isolation.
One of the biggest misconceptions about solar is that roof direction determines whether a home is suitable.
In reality, other factors can be just as important.
A north-facing roof with significant shading may present different opportunities from an east-facing roof that receives uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day.
Roof size, available space, shading, household electricity usage and future energy plans all contribute to the bigger picture. Shading can sometimes have a greater influence than roof orientation alone. Learn more in our article How Shading Affects Solar Performance.
Looking at your roof on a map or using a compass can provide a useful starting point, but it rarely tells the whole story.
A proper assessment considers how sunlight reaches the roof and whether nearby trees or buildings create shade. It’s also worth understanding how much electricity your household uses before exploring solar options. Our guide on How to Estimate Your Household Energy Use Before Going Solar explains where to start.
Taken together, these factors provide a much clearer understanding than roof direction alone.
Roof direction is an important part of planning a solar system, but it should never be viewed in isolation.
North-facing roofs often provide favourable conditions in New Zealand, yet many homes with east or west-facing roofs are also suitable for solar.
Rather than asking whether your roof points in the “right” direction, a better question is whether your property as a whole is suitable. Roof orientation, shading, available roof space and your household’s energy use all work together to shape the answer. If you’re ready to explore the wider considerations, our article What to Consider Before Installing Solar Panels brings all of these factors together in one practical guide.
No. North-facing roofs are often considered ideal in New Zealand, but east and west-facing roofs can also be suitable depending on the property and household.
East-facing roofs may still be suitable for solar. Every property should be assessed individually.
It can be. Roof direction is only one factor considered when assessing a property for solar.
South-facing roofs generally receive less direct sunlight, but they should not be assessed on roof direction alone.
One of the first things many homeowners notice when considering solar is the amount of shade around their property.
A large tree, a neighbouring house or even a chimney can raise an obvious question: does shading mean solar won’t work?
The simple answer is no.
Shading can influence how a solar system performs, but it does not automatically make a home unsuitable for solar. Every property is different, and the impact depends on factors such as where the shade falls, how often it occurs and how the system is designed.
Shading is just one of several factors that influence whether a property is suitable for solar. Roof orientation, available roof space and your household’s electricity usage are equally important. If you’re still researching whether solar is right for your home, our guide on Is Your Home Suitable for Solar? explores these factors in more detail.
Shading can affect solar performance, but it doesn’t automatically rule out solar.
Things that can create shade include:
The overall impact depends on the property and should be considered as part of a complete site assessment.
Shade is rarely constant throughout the day.
A tree may cast a shadow across part of the roof during the morning but leave it in full sunlight for the rest of the day. A neighbouring building may only create shade during winter when the sun sits lower in the sky.
Understanding when shade occurs can be just as important as understanding where it occurs. A roof that appears heavily shaded at one time of day may still be suitable for solar. It’s one reason why looking at your roof in isolation rarely tells the full story. A broader assessment considers your property’s layout, electricity use and long-term energy goals together.
Some sources of shade remain in the same place all year.
Chimneys, roof vents and nearby buildings are examples of permanent shading.
Other sources change over time.
Trees grow. Leaves appear and fall. The sun follows a different path through the sky during summer and winter.
Considering these seasonal changes helps build a more complete picture of how sunlight reaches a roof throughout the year.
It is tempting to compare your roof with someone else’s.
However, two neighbouring homes can have very different shading conditions.
The angle of the roof, the direction it faces and the location of nearby trees or buildings all influence how much sunlight reaches the panels.
That is why photographs or satellite images only tell part of the story.
A proper assessment considers the property as a whole rather than focusing on a single shaded area.
Shading should always be considered alongside other factors such as roof condition, future electricity needs and whether battery storage is part of your long-term plans. We cover these considerations in our article on What to Consider Before Installing Solar Panels.
This is a common question, and the answer depends on how a solar system has been designed.
Modern solar systems can use different technologies and equipment to suit different roof layouts and site conditions.
Rather than assuming one shaded panel determines the outcome for an entire system, it is more useful to view shading as one factor among many considered during the design process.
The equipment used within a solar system can also influence how different roof layouts are managed. If you’d like to understand the role inverters play within a solar system, our guide to Comparing Solar Inverters explains the differences.
Not necessarily.
Trees often provide privacy, shelter and cooling around a home, so removing them is rarely the first or only option.
If trees are creating shade, it is usually worth understanding the extent of that shading before making any decisions.
Every property involves different trade-offs, and those conversations are best informed by understanding the full picture rather than relying on assumptions.
Shading is an important part of planning a solar system, but it is only one part of the overall picture.
Rather than asking whether your roof has any shade at all, it is more helpful to understand where that shade occurs, when it occurs and how it fits into the design of the system as a whole.
Many homes have some level of shading. The key is understanding how it affects your particular property before making any decisions.
Solar panels can still generate electricity when parts of a roof experience shading. The overall impact depends on the amount, timing and location of the shade, along with the system design.
The effect of shading depends on the property and how sunlight moves across the roof throughout the day. Every site is different.
Not necessarily. Trees are only one factor considered when assessing whether a property is suitable for solar.
Site assessments typically consider roof layout, surrounding buildings, nearby vegetation and how sunlight reaches the roof throughout the day.
Solar has become a familiar sight across New Zealand, but deciding whether to install solar panels is not simply a matter of finding space on the roof and choosing a system.
Every home is different. The way you use electricity, the design of your property, your future plans and your expectations all play a role in determining what might be suitable.
If you’re considering solar, taking time to understand a few key factors before making any decisions can help ensure you’re asking the right questions and gathering the information that matters most.
Before installing solar panels, it is worth considering:
There is no single formula that applies to every property. The most suitable approach depends on your home, your energy habits and your goals.
One of the biggest misconceptions about solar is that the conversation should start with solar panels.
In reality, it often starts with understanding your household’s energy use.
Looking at recent electricity bills can provide useful insights into how much energy your home consumes and whether usage changes throughout the year.
A household with relatively low energy use may have different considerations from a larger family home with electric heating, a spa pool or an electric vehicle.
The more you understand your own energy habits, the easier it becomes to evaluate potential options.
How much electricity you use is important, but so is when you use it.
Some households use most of their electricity during the day. Others see their highest demand in the evening when everyone arrives home from work or school.
Understanding your usage patterns provides useful context when researching solar and battery storage.
It can also help shape future conversations around system design and energy management.
Not every roof looks the same.
Roof size, roof shape, shading and orientation can all influence the available options for a property.
A large roof with plenty of usable space may offer different possibilities than a roof with multiple levels, skylights or nearby trees creating shade.
This does not mean a complex roof cannot support solar. It simply means each property should be considered individually rather than relying on assumptions.
Suitability is usually determined by a combination of factors rather than a single characteristic.
One of the most common mistakes people make is focusing entirely on current electricity usage.
Life changes.
You may be planning to purchase an electric vehicle. Someone may begin working from home more often. A home extension, pool, spa or new heating system could increase electricity demand in the years ahead.
Thinking about future energy use can often provide a more complete picture than looking only at today’s power bill.
Solar batteries are becoming a common part of conversations about home energy.
Some homeowners are interested in storing solar energy for later use. Others are focused solely on solar generation and have no immediate plans for battery storage.
Neither approach is inherently right or wrong.
The important thing is understanding your goals before making decisions.
Even if battery storage is not something you are considering today, it may still be useful to understand how batteries fit into a modern solar system and whether future flexibility is important to you.
It can be tempting to compare solar systems purely by price, panel count or system size.
The reality is usually more nuanced.
Different homes have different energy requirements. Different roofs present different opportunities and challenges. Different equipment can offer different features and capabilities.
That is why two neighbouring properties can end up with very different solar solutions despite looking similar from the street.
Solar is rarely a one-size-fits-all decision.
Installing solar panels is only one part of the journey.
Many homeowners spend considerable time researching the installation itself but less time thinking about how they want their home energy system to function over the coming years.
Questions such as future electricity demand, battery storage, electric vehicles and long-term household changes can all influence decision-making.
Taking a broader view often leads to a more informed understanding of the options available.
People often rule solar in or out too quickly.
Some assume their roof is unsuitable because it is not perfectly north-facing. Others assume batteries are essential. Some believe solar only works in the sunniest parts of the country.
The reality is usually more complex.
Every property is unique, which is why understanding the full picture is often more valuable than relying on a single assumption or online rule of thumb.
The best solar decisions are usually made before any equipment is selected.
Taking time to understand your electricity use, your property, your future plans and your goals provides a stronger foundation for any conversation about solar.
Rather than asking, “What solar system should I buy?”, a better starting point is often, “What do I want my home’s energy future to look like?”
Once you understand that, the next steps become much clearer.
Not necessarily. Many solar systems operate without battery storage. Whether a battery is worth exploring depends on household goals, energy use and future plans.
North-facing roof areas often receive strong sun exposure throughout the year, but roof orientation is only one factor considered when assessing solar suitability.
Many homeowners consider future energy needs when researching solar. Planning ahead can help ensure future electricity requirements are taken into account.
Suitability depends on factors such as roof characteristics, shading, electricity usage and household objectives. Every property should be assessed individually.
Future plans are often worth considering alongside current energy usage, particularly if household energy demand may change over time.
If you’ve been researching solar, you’ve probably come across solar batteries.
They are often talked about alongside solar panels, but many homeowners are not entirely sure what they actually do, how they work, or whether they need one.
The short answer is that a solar battery stores electricity generated by your solar system so it can be used later. Rather than sending all unused solar energy elsewhere when it is produced, a battery can hold some of that energy for future use.
Whether a battery is right for your household depends on your energy habits, goals and circumstances.
A solar battery may be worth exploring if:
Not every solar system includes a battery, and many households choose to start with solar panels alone.
A solar battery is a device that stores electricity.
When solar panels generate more electricity than a home is using at a particular moment, some systems can store that excess energy in a battery rather than using it immediately.
That stored energy may then be available later when household demand increases or solar generation decreases.
You can think of a solar battery as a reservoir.
Just as a water tank stores water for later use, a battery stores electricity for later use.
Solar panels generate electricity whenever they receive sunlight.
During the middle of the day, many homes produce more electricity than they are using at that exact moment. Without battery storage, that excess energy is generally used according to the system’s design and grid connection arrangements.
With a battery installed, some of that unused electricity may be stored for later use.
As daylight fades and solar generation reduces, the battery can potentially provide stored energy back to the home.
The exact operation varies depending on the battery, inverter and overall system design.
Every household has different reasons for exploring battery storage.
For some, it is simply about making greater use of the solar energy generated on-site.
Others are interested in understanding their options for energy independence or future energy resilience.
Many homeowners are also thinking ahead.
Electric vehicles, home offices, increased heating requirements and changing household needs can all influence how energy is used over time.
A battery can become part of a broader conversation about how a home manages and stores energy.
One of the most common misconceptions about solar is that batteries are required.
In reality, many solar systems operate without battery storage.
Solar panels can generate electricity regardless of whether a battery is present.
For some households, starting with solar panels and considering battery storage later may be an option worth exploring. For others, battery storage may form part of the initial system design.
There is no universal approach that suits every home.
There is no standard answer because every household uses electricity differently.
A family with high evening electricity use may have different requirements from a smaller household that uses most of its electricity during daylight hours.
Future plans can also influence battery considerations.
Someone planning to purchase an electric vehicle may have different priorities from someone focused primarily on current household usage.
This is why understanding your electricity consumption patterns is often one of the most useful starting points before exploring battery options.
Battery lifespan depends on a variety of factors including technology, usage patterns, operating conditions and manufacturer specifications.
Like most technology, batteries change over time and manufacturers continue to develop new products and features.
For homeowners researching battery storage, it is often useful to look beyond lifespan alone and understand the overall role a battery may play within a home energy system.
This is a common myth.
Many people assume batteries exist purely as backup systems.
While some battery systems can play a role in backup power solutions, batteries are also used as part of broader energy management strategies.
The capabilities of a battery system depend on its design, configuration and intended purpose.
Understanding those differences is often more important than focusing on a single use case.
A solar battery is only one part of a larger system.
A typical home solar setup may include:
Each component performs a different role.
The panels generate electricity. The inverter helps manage how that electricity is used. Monitoring tools provide visibility into system performance. The battery stores energy for later use.
Together, these components form a complete energy system tailored to a household’s needs.
One of the most useful questions homeowners can ask is not whether they need a battery today, but how their energy use may change in the future.
Electric vehicles are becoming more common. More people are working from home. Heating and cooling requirements continue to evolve.
Understanding future energy habits can help provide context when exploring battery storage and other energy technologies.
Solar batteries are often one of the most talked-about parts of a modern solar system, yet they are also one of the most misunderstood.
At their core, batteries simply store electricity for later use. Beyond that, their role depends on how a household uses energy and what its future goals look like.
For some homeowners, battery storage may be an important consideration from the beginning. For others, it may be something to explore later as their energy needs evolve.
The best place to start is understanding how your home uses electricity today, while also considering how that might change in the years ahead.
Yes. Many solar systems operate without battery storage.
In some situations, battery storage may be added after the initial solar installation. The suitability of this approach depends on the system design and equipment involved.
No. Different batteries can vary in capacity, technology, features and intended use.
Battery storage capacity varies between products and system designs.
Not necessarily. The suitability of battery storage depends on household energy use, goals and future plans.
One of the first questions people ask when researching solar is also one of the hardest to answer:
“How much does solar cost?”
The challenge is that there is no single price for a solar system.
Every home is different. A small household with modest electricity use will likely have different requirements from a large family home with electric heating, a spa pool and an electric vehicle. The roof, the property’s location, and even future plans can all influence what a solar system might look like.
That is why you’ll often see a wide range of prices discussed online.
Rather than focusing on a single number, it is usually more useful to understand the factors that influence the overall cost of a solar installation. Once you know what drives the cost, it becomes much easier to understand why one system may differ from another.
The cost of solar in New Zealand is usually influenced by system size, roof layout, equipment choice, battery storage, installation requirements and household energy use. Because every property is different, the most useful starting point is understanding what factors shape the cost, rather than looking for one fixed price.
In simple terms, larger solar systems generally cost more than smaller ones.
A home that uses relatively little electricity may only require a modest number of solar panels. A household with higher energy demands may require a larger system to support its goals.
The number of panels, the size of the inverter, mounting equipment and installation requirements can all change as a system grows.
That does not necessarily mean a larger system is the right choice. The most appropriate system depends on the property’s energy use, goals and circumstances.
This is one reason why understanding your household electricity usage before exploring solar can be so valuable.
Not all roofs are created equal.
A simple roof with plenty of clear space is often easier to work with than one that has multiple levels, skylights, chimneys, vents or complex angles.
Roof access can also play a role. Some properties are straightforward to install on, while others require additional planning and equipment.
The condition of the roof may also be considered. If a roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, some homeowners choose to address roofing work before installing solar panels.
These factors do not determine whether a home is suitable for solar, but they can influence the overall scope of a project.
Trees, neighbouring buildings, chimneys and other structures can create shading across a roof.
The impact varies considerably from property to property.
A roof that receives uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day may require a different design approach from one that experiences varying levels of shade.
Modern solar systems can be designed to accommodate many different site conditions, but shading often becomes an important consideration during the planning process.
Not all solar systems use identical components.
Solar panels, inverters, mounting systems and monitoring technology come in a variety of configurations.
Different products may offer different features, warranties, monitoring capabilities and installation approaches.
For this reason, comparing systems purely on price can sometimes overlook important differences in design, functionality and long-term support.
One of the biggest decisions homeowners face is whether to include battery storage.
Some households choose solar panels without batteries. Others are interested in storing energy for later use or increasing their energy independence.
Adding battery storage introduces additional equipment and installation requirements, which can influence overall project costs.
For homeowners considering batteries, it is often useful to think about both current needs and future plans.
Many people research solar based on their current electricity bills.
While that is a sensible starting point, it is also worth thinking about what might change in the coming years.
Perhaps an electric vehicle is on the horizon. Maybe someone will begin working from home more often. A home extension, pool, spa or additional heating could all increase electricity usage over time.
Planning for future energy needs can sometimes influence system design decisions and help ensure a solution remains suitable as household requirements evolve.
No two homes are exactly alike.
Factors such as roof layout, switchboard configuration, cable runs and site access can all differ from one property to another.
These considerations are typically assessed during the design and planning process.
This is one reason why online solar cost estimates should be viewed as general guidance rather than an exact reflection of what a particular property might require.
Homeowners are sometimes surprised when quotes differ between providers.
In many cases, the difference is not simply about the number of panels being installed.
System design, equipment selection, warranties, monitoring features, installation methods and ongoing support can all influence the final proposal.
Looking beyond the headline price often provides a more complete understanding of what is being offered.
A common myth is that every solar system costs roughly the same.
Another is that the cheapest quote automatically represents the best value.
In reality, solar systems are customised to suit individual properties and objectives. What works well for one household may not be the right fit for another.
Understanding the factors behind the cost often provides a clearer picture than focusing solely on a final figure.
There is no universal answer to the question of how much solar costs in New Zealand.
The cost of a solar system is influenced by a combination of factors, including system size, roof characteristics, equipment selection, battery storage, installation requirements and future energy needs.
Understanding these factors helps explain why solar systems can vary from one property to the next and provides a more useful foundation than focusing on a single price alone.
The best place to start is understanding your home, your electricity usage and your long-term goals. From there, it becomes much easier to explore the options that may suit your situation.
Every property has different energy needs, roof characteristics and installation requirements. These differences can influence system design and overall project scope.
Generally, larger systems involve more equipment and installation work than smaller systems. However, the most appropriate system size depends on the property and household’s energy requirements.
No. Some households install solar panels without batteries, while others choose to include battery storage as part of their overall energy strategy.
Roof orientation may influence system design, but it is only one of several factors considered during the planning process.
One of the most common questions people ask when considering solar is surprisingly simple:
“Will solar actually work on my home?”
Before assessing suitability, it can also help to understand the basics of how solar power systems work in New Zealand.
The good news is that many New Zealand homes can support solar panels. However, every property is different. Factors such as your roof, surrounding environment, electricity usage, and future plans can all influence whether solar is a good fit.
Before diving into quotes, system sizes, or battery options, it helps to understand the key factors that affect solar suitability.
A home may be suitable for solar if it has enough usable roof space, reasonable sun exposure, limited shading, and electricity usage that makes solar worth exploring. Roof direction, roof condition, energy habits, and future plans such as EV charging or battery storage can all influence suitability.
Your home may be worth assessing for solar if:
When most people think about solar, they immediately think about the roof, and for good reason.
Your roof is where solar panels will usually be installed, so its size, shape and condition can influence the available options.
A large, unobstructed roof area generally provides more flexibility than a roof with multiple angles, dormers, skylights or other features competing for space.
That does not mean a complex roof rules out solar. Many systems are installed on homes with challenging roof layouts. It simply means the design process may require a little more consideration.
If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, it may also be worth discussing future roofing plans before installing any solar equipment.
Roof orientation is another factor that often comes up during conversations about solar.
In New Zealand, north-facing roof areas typically receive the most sunlight throughout the year. East and west-facing roofs can also be suitable, depending on the property and how electricity is used throughout the day.
Many homeowners assume that if their roof is not perfectly north-facing, solar is not worth considering.
That is rarely the case.
Modern solar system design takes many variables into account, and orientation is only one part of the picture.
The inverter selected for a system can also play an important role in how a system performs across different roof layouts and conditions.
Shading is one of the easiest factors to overlook.
A roof may look ideal at first glance, but nearby trees, neighbouring buildings, chimneys or other structures can affect how much sunlight reaches the panels during different times of the day.
The impact of shading varies from property to property.
A small amount of occasional shading may have little impact, while significant shading throughout the day could influence system design decisions.
If you are unsure, taking note of how sunlight moves across your roof throughout the day can be a useful starting point.
Solar is not only about the roof.
Your household’s electricity usage is equally important.
Two homes with identical roofs may have very different energy needs.
A household that uses relatively little electricity may have different goals from one with electric heating, a spa pool, a large family or an electric vehicle.
Looking at your recent power bills can help you understand:
Understanding your energy use helps create a clearer picture of your situation before exploring potential solutions.
Your current electricity usage only tells part of the story.
Many households are changing how they use energy.
Maybe someone is starting to work from home full-time. You may be considering a pool, spa, extension, or additional heating. Perhaps you are planning to purchase an electric vehicle. Future electricity demand often changes when households add technologies such as electric vehicles.
These changes can influence future energy requirements.
Thinking ahead often provides a more complete picture than looking only at today’s electricity use.
Not every solar system includes batteries, but it is worth considering your future plans.
Some homeowners are primarily interested in reducing reliance on grid electricity during daylight hours.
Others are interested in battery storage, backup power, or increasing energy independence.
Understanding your goals early can help shape future discussions and ensure any recommendations align with your priorities. If battery storage is part of your future plans, it can be useful to understand how modern lithium battery systems work and where they fit within a solar setup. Check out this piece we put together recently on BYD batteries
New Zealand receives varying levels of sunlight depending on location, season and weather patterns.
One of the most common myths about solar is that it only works in the sunniest parts of the country.
In reality, solar systems are installed throughout New Zealand, from the Far North through to the lower South Island.
Every property is unique, which is why a site-specific assessment is usually more valuable than broad assumptions based solely on location.
People often assume their property is unsuitable for solar because of one factor.
Perhaps the roof is not north-facing. Maybe there is some shading. Or perhaps the home experiences cloudy weather.
Solar suitability is rarely determined by a single factor. It is the combination of roof characteristics, shading, energy use, goals and site conditions that creates the full picture.
That is why it is difficult to determine suitability based on a single photograph or a quick glance at a roof.
There is no single checklist that determines whether a home is suitable for solar.
The answer depends on a combination of factors including roof characteristics, shading, electricity usage, future plans and personal goals.
The encouraging news is that many homes are suitable for solar in some form.
The best place to start is by understanding your property, reviewing your energy usage, and gathering information. Even a basic understanding of these factors can help you have more informed conversations and make better decisions about your home’s energy future.
To understand whether solar could suit your property, Current Generation can assess your roof, usage patterns and energy goals before recommending next steps.
If you’re still in the research phase, learning more about solar system components, batteries, and inverters can help you better understand the options available.
No. North-facing roofs often receive the most sunlight throughout the year, but east and west-facing roofs can also be suitable depending on the property and household energy patterns.
It may be possible, depending on the amount and timing of the shading. Every site is different and should be assessed individually.
Is an older home suitable for solar?
Many older homes can support solar installations. Factors such as roof condition and electrical infrastructure may need to be considered as part of the planning process.
Many homeowners consider future electricity needs when exploring solar. Planning ahead can help ensure future requirements are taken into account.
As electric vehicles become more common, charging has started to become part of a wider conversation around energy use at home. For households with solar, battery storage, or plans to reduce reliance on the grid, charging a vehicle is no longer just about plugging in and topping up.
This is where Victron takes a slightly different approach.
Rather than treating EV charging as a standalone product, Victron sees it as one part of a broader energy system. For homes already using solar, batteries, or backup power, this can create opportunities to better manage where energy comes from and how it is used.
Victron Energy is a Dutch company with a long history in off-grid power, battery systems, inverters, and energy management. Its products are commonly used in rural homes, marine systems, farms, and remote installations where reliability matters.
That background shapes how Victron approaches EV charging.
While many EV chargers focus mainly on charging speed and convenience, Victron’s products are designed to work alongside solar systems, batteries, and broader site energy management.
For many homes, an EV quickly becomes one of the largest users of electricity.
Charging a vehicle overnight can significantly increase household energy demand, and for properties with solar systems there can be a big difference between charging at the right time and simply charging whenever the vehicle is plugged in.
This is one of the areas where smarter charging systems can become useful. Rather than acting independently, some systems can respond to available solar generation, battery storage, and household energy use.
Victron chargers are designed to work within a connected energy system.
In a properly configured setup, charging behaviour can respond to wider conditions across the property. For example, charging rates may adjust depending on solar generation or changes in household energy demand.
This does not necessarily mean a vehicle runs entirely on excess solar power. Real-world charging demand often exceeds available solar generation. However, integrating charging into the wider energy setup can help improve self-consumption and reduce unnecessary grid use.
This approach is often most relevant for homes with:
One of the themes that regularly appears in installer feedback is that Victron focuses heavily on control and flexibility.
For example, owners can use Victron VRM (Victron Remote Management) to view charging activity alongside solar production, battery performance, and overall energy use.
For some homeowners this level of visibility can be useful, particularly for remote properties or sites with more complex energy requirements.
Others may never need this level of detail.
Victron chargers are generally aimed at users already thinking about energy management as a whole rather than simply wanting a charger for their vehicle.
That flexibility does come with some trade-offs. Installation and configuration can be more involved than some consumer-focused chargers, and the greatest benefits are often seen when paired with other Victron equipment.
For homes wanting a simple plug-in charger with minimal setup, there may be simpler alternatives available.
Victron EV chargers are unlikely to be the right fit for every property.
Their strengths are less about charging speed or visual design and more about how charging fits into the wider energy picture.
For homes already using solar, batteries, or backup systems, that approach may offer greater flexibility and control over time.
If you are thinking about solar, it’s easy to jump straight to questions like How many panels do I need? or How much could I save? But before getting that far, there is a more useful place to start: understanding how much electricity your household actually uses.
Many people are surprised by what they find. Some homes use less electricity than expected, while others discover that a few appliances or habits are driving a large share of their power use.
The good news is you do not need spreadsheets, technical knowledge or specialised software. In most cases, your power bills already tell you a lot.
One of the biggest assumptions people make is that two households of similar size will use electricity in the same way. In reality, usage can look completely different.
A family of five might use less electricity than a couple working from home. A home with electric hot water, underfloor heating or a spa pool will often look very different from one using gas or wood heating.
It is not only about how much electricity you use either. When you use it can matter too.
Some households use most of their electricity during the day. Others see their highest usage in the evenings when everyone gets home, turns on heating, cooks dinner and starts charging devices.
Getting a clearer picture of your usage patterns gives you a better understanding of how your home operates before exploring any future energy options.
The simplest place to begin is your electricity bill.
Most bills already include the information you need. Somewhere on the statement you will usually find your total electricity use measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
If that term sounds technical, it is not as complicated as it appears.
A kilowatt-hour is simply a way of measuring electricity over time. Think of it as the unit used to track how much power your household consumes.
Rather than worrying too much about the technical definition, focus on the number itself.
Take a look at a few recent bills and see whether usage changes month to month.
Winter often tells a different story from summer.
Heating systems, shorter daylight hours and spending more time indoors can push household electricity use much higher during colder months. Some homes also see seasonal spikes from irrigation systems, pools or changes in daily routines.
Looking at one month in isolation can sometimes give a misleading picture. If possible, reviewing six to twelve months of history gives a much better understanding of your overall energy use.
Once you have a bill in front of you, there is a simple way to estimate your typical daily use.
Take the total kWh on your bill and divide it by the number of days in the billing period.
For example, if your statement shows: 1,200 kWh used over 60 days
Your average would be: 20 kWh per day (1,200 / 60)
You do not need exact precision here. The goal is simply to establish a baseline and understand whether your home uses relatively low, moderate or high amounts of electricity.
People often assume televisions, phone chargers and lights are responsible for huge power bills.
Usually, the bigger contributors are less obvious.
Hot water systems often account for a significant share of household electricity use. Heating can also become a major factor during winter, particularly in larger homes or properties using electric heating systems.
Then there are the additions people sometimes forget about entirely. Spa pools, pumps, home workshops, electric vehicle charging, extra fridges in garages, and heated towel rails can quietly add up over time.
The goal is not to audit every appliance in your home. It is simply about identifying anything that might explain unusually high or changing electricity use.
Power bills show the total picture, but many electricity retailers now provide apps or online dashboards that break usage down further.
These can sometimes reveal patterns that are difficult to spot from monthly bills alone.
You might discover that electricity use spikes every evening at the same time. Or perhaps your home has a surprisingly steady level of daytime usage.
For households where people work from home, have young families, or spend long periods at home during the day, these patterns can look very different.
Understanding your routine often provides useful context.
Your current electricity use only tells part of the story.
Many households are not standing still.
Perhaps an electric vehicle is on the horizon. Maybe someone is beginning to work from home full time. Renovations, a growing family or installing a spa pool can all change electricity use over time.
Future changes are worth considering because your household in two years may look different from your household today.
Most people do not need highly detailed calculations, but there are a few traps worth avoiding.
The first is relying on a single power bill. One month rarely tells the whole story.
The second is overlooking seasonal changes. Winter and summer can look very different.
The third is guessing. Many homes already have enough information available without making assumptions.
The aim is not perfect forecasting. It is simply building a clearer understanding of how your household uses electricity today.
Once you know your average daily electricity use, you begin to build a clearer picture of how your home operates.
For example, a household using 10 kWh per day may have very different needs from one using 40 kWh per day. A home with relatively low electricity use may approach energy planning differently from a larger household with electric heating, a spa pool or an electric vehicle.
But total usage is only one piece of the puzzle.
The bigger question is often when electricity is being used.
If most of your power use happens during the day, your energy patterns may look very different from a household where usage peaks in the evenings after everyone gets home.
Understanding these patterns creates a more informed starting point and can help guide future conversations.
Looking at electricity usage can also uncover habits that often go unnoticed.
You might discover:
These insights are useful even outside of solar discussions because they help explain where energy is being used around the home.
People often begin by asking:
“How many panels do I need?”
In reality, that question usually comes later.
Understanding your electricity use is more like gathering the information that helps create a clearer picture of your household before exploring options.
You do not need perfect numbers. You simply want a practical understanding of how your home uses energy.
Before thinking about panels, batteries or system sizes, understanding your own electricity use is one of the most practical places to start.
A few minutes looking through old power bills can often reveal more than people expect.
You do not need perfect data or complex calculations. The goal is simply to understand your household a little better and build a clearer picture of how energy fits into everyday life.
Electricity use varies widely depending on the number of people in the home, heating systems, appliances and lifestyle. Looking at your own usage history is usually far more useful than comparing yourself to averages.
Not necessarily. Total usage is only one part of the picture. Usage patterns and timing can also influence decisions.
Not always, but a longer history can make seasonal patterns easier to understand.
Adding a battery to a solar system lets you use more of your own power and gives you some protection during outages. BYD batteries are widely reviewed across Australia, Europe, and New Zealand, and have built a solid reputation for reliability, safety, and long service life.
BYD (Build Your Dreams) is a global clean-energy leader founded in 1995 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China. Known for innovation in electric vehicles, energy storage, and solar technology, BYD manufactures everything in-house — from battery cells to final systems — ensuring total quality control. It has now grown to an international group with 180,000 employees.
The BYD Battery-Box range uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which is commonly recognised for its stability, safety, and long cycle life. Because of this, many reviewers and installers consider BYD to be a solid option for residential and commercial (as well as agricultural) storage.
A point raised often in independent reviews is that BYD makes its own cells and assembles its own battery modules rather than outsourcing. This approach gives more control over quality and consistency.
The process includes:
These steps are often highlighted in third-party reviews because they contribute to the Battery-Box reputation for consistency and safety. BYD has shared footage of its production lines, which provides insight into how these units are built.
The BYD Battery-Box is a modular lithium iron phosphate energy-storage system that can be used to store excess solar power for later use, or other situations where the functionality provided by battery storage is required. Each “box” contains stackable battery modules with a built-in Battery Management System (BMS), allowing capacity to grow as your energy needs increase. BYD’s design is fully scalable — from a few kilowatt-hours for a home to nearly a megawatt for commercial and agricultural operations.
Current Generation installs the following BYD models:
These units work with inverter brands such as Fronius and Victron, which Current Generation also supplies.
The LVL is BYD’s larger 48V option. Reviewers usually highlight its size, weight, and capacity, noting that it suits commercial or high-demand sites rather than smaller homes.
BYD LVL
The LVS is widely regarded as the most flexible model. It is commonly listed on “recommended battery” lists because it is simple to install and easy to expand in 4 kWh steps.
BYD LVS
The HVS and HVM are high-voltage versions designed for hybrid systems. Review sites often discuss these in relation to the Fronius GEN24 inverter, as the combination is common and well supported.
BYD HVS
BYD HVM
Choosing the right model depends on load size, inverter type, and how much storage is needed.
For larger systems or sites with unusual loads, getting the system designed is recommended.
One thing reviewers often highlight is the strong integration between BYD’s high-voltage batteries and the Fronius GEN24 inverter range. This pairing is DC-coupled, which means power goes straight from panels to the battery without extra conversions. This usually improves efficiency and reduces energy losses.
AC-coupled batteries (such as Tesla Powerwall or GivEnergy) work well too, but do involve more conversion steps.
BYD batteries have built a reputation for reliability, strong safety performance, and flexible system design. They suit a wide variety of homes, farms, and commercial sites, and work well with modern hybrid inverters such as Fronius GEN24.
If you’re considering battery storage or upgrading an existing setup, the Current Generation team can provide system design and installation across the South Island.
Or, talk to our team about the right BYD system for your property.
Major power cuts can arrive suddenly, particularly following storms, earthquakes, infrastructure failures, even the inadvertent removal of a few too many bolts in a critical pylon. When the lights go out, businesses face immediate disruption: production lines halt, cooling systems shut down, tills go dark, and, critically, your ability to communicate with and update your customers and suppliers and access your data can all but disappear.
Here are some practical ways you can keep your business’s critical functions running when the grid goes down.
For most businesses, power is something that’s easy to take for granted—until it isn’t there. An unexpected outage doesn’t just mean lost time; it can lead to costly spoilage, unfulfilled orders, and, ultimately, disappointed customers. Backup power systems ensure that even when the grid fails, your critical operations continue without missing a beat.
Battery backup systems are becoming more popular because they’re effective, quiet, and can also provide other financial benefits when the grid is up, particularly if coupled with solar. Unlike generators, they don’t rely on fuel, making them clean and quiet to run. Here’s why batteries might work well for your business:
The best way to determine if a battery system is right for you is to look at your business’s energy needs. A backup battery can be sized to support critical systems although if you have very high-power needs in an outage, a generator is likely to be required to supplement the battery. Battery is often coupled with solar as this gives you free charging and allows you to reap other financial benefits of having power storage onsite.
While battery systems are a great fit for certain needs, generators offer reliable, heavy-duty power and are often a good choice for businesses that need to keep heavier equipment running. Diesel generators are particularly popular because they’re robust, fuel-efficient, and dependable during long outages.
Putting backup power in place doesn’t have to be complicated, and it can make all the difference when it matters most. Here’s what you need to know about getting started:
Nobody likes to imagine worst-case scenarios, but having a solid plan in place provides peace of mind. A dependable backup power solution is an investment in your business’s resilience, helping you weather power cuts and keep serving your community. Whether you’re leaning toward a quiet battery system or a traditional generator, taking steps now ensures your business stays prepared, come what may.
A grid-tie solar system is an alternative power system designed for homes and commercial buildings that are connected to the electricity grid. It allows you to produce your own power, thereby reducing your electricity bill by needing to import less power from the electricity grid. Any excess power is fed back into the electricity grid with the system switching seamlessly between exporting and importing power to and from the grid depending on what is needed.
Grid-tie solar systems are a popular and efficient solution for homeowners in New Zealand looking to harness the power of the sun and reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources. In the following article, we will dive into the details to help you understand the workings of grid-tie solar systems, their benefits, and what you need to know before installing this type of solar system in your home.
A grid-tie solar system, also known as an on-grid or grid-connected solar system, is a type of photovoltaic solar setup that is directly connected to the electricity grid. The key components of a grid-tie solar system include:
When sunlight hits the solar panels, they generate DC electricity. This is transmitted to the inverter which converts this DC electricity into AC electricity. The AC electricity is then fed into your home’s switchboard. Any excess electricity generated by your solar system is sent back to the electricity grid with the electricity meter measuring it so it can be credited against your power bill.
During times when your solar system is not producing enough electricity to meet your household’s needs, such as at night or on cloudy days, your home automatically draws electricity from the electricity grid to make up the difference.
Grid-tie solar systems offer numerous advantages for New Zealand homeowners:
Installing a grid-tie solar system involves several steps:
Once installed, grid-tie solar systems require minimal maintenance. It is recommended that you clean the solar panels annually.
Many New Zealand homeowners have already made the switch to grid-tie solar and are reaping the benefits. For example, a family of four in Nelson installed a 6kW grid-tie solar system on their home in January 2025. While they also have a solar hot water system, they have seen their energy bills decrease markedly. They are currently expecting to have power bills which average just $13 per month over the first year based on performance to date. They also enjoy the peace of mind knowing that they are contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future for their children.
Another Tahunanui family with a 5kW grid-tie solar system have seen 53% of the output of the system self-consumed through their own usage. This has equated to 48% of their total power usage while still exporting 3,900kWh to the grid for a credit over the last 12 months.
The size of the grid-connected solar system you install is only constrained by your budget and the space available for mounting panels, whether that be on your roof or a ‘ground mount’. In saying that, there will be an optimum size of system depending on how much power you use and when.
Systems are often talked about as being XkW in size. This can refer to one of two things; the ‘peak’ output of the solar panels installed (denoted kWp) or the power rating of your inverter (generally measured in kW). Most systems are designed to have more potential peak solar output from the panels than inverter capacity (e.g. a system could have 12kWp of PV solar panels with a 10kW inverter). This is usually the most efficient and effective arrangement when considered from a return on investment as while some of the panels generating potential could be ‘clipped’ by the inverter in the middle of a summer’s day, the majority of the time the panels will be producing below peak and having higher overall generation in the darker months of the year and either end of the day results in better overall performance.
Typically, homeowners will install a system with an initial capacity of between 5kW and 15kW. Small businesses might be looking at 10 to 25kW. For larger commercial or industrial property owners, bigger systems that could be anything up to 1 MW could be the best fit. System can be single, two or three-phase, with the number of phases usually set by the number of supply phases to the property.
Often, owners choose to install a larger system as they are believe there is a likelihood of their power needs increasing in the near future (heat pumps, EVs, pool or spas being the usual suspects). Looking for an inverter that has ‘hybrid’ capability, the ability to integrate battery at a later date, is also high on the list for most people. The cost of the system is dependent on system generating capacity and ease of installation.
At Current Generation we are a one-stop shop, supplying a complete range of quality components, consulting with you, designing, and installing your grid-tie system. We will also liaise with the network company and electricity retailer. This makes the whole process easier for you. Ask us about designing and installing your system today!
Grid-tie solar systems offer a compelling solution for New Zealand homeowners looking for a great return on a financial investment, to minimise their environmental impact, and to increase the value of their homes. By understanding how these systems work, their benefits, and the installation process, you can make an informed decision about whether a grid-tie solar system is right for you.
To learn more about grid-tie solar systems and how they can benefit your home, come and talk to us at Current Generation for a consultation and personalised assessment of a solution that fits your situation.
