House with a solar system installed

Solar Savings Calculator

Find out how much you could save with solar

Current Generation’s custom online calculator can instantly give you a ballpark of the potential savings that could be instore for you by switching to solar. Give it a go!

Once you have an idea of the potential savings you can contact us for a free, no-obligation quote and we will help you understand the return on investment timeframe of switching to solar.

 

How much can you save with solar in NZ?

Solar can reduce your power bills by offsetting the electricity you buy from the grid. The more solar energy you use on-site, the greater your savings.

Your results depend on:

  • Your current power usage
  • Your import and export rates
  • System size and setup
  • How much solar energy you use vs export

Most systems pay for themselves within 5-7 years, then continue generating savings long-term.

 

How the solar calculator works

It considers:

  • Panel direction and angle, impact on solar generation
  • Number of panels, total system size
  • Annual energy usage (kWh), your demand
  • Self-consumption, how much solar you use directly
  • Import rate, what you pay for power
  • Export rate, what you earn for excess power
  • Daily fixed charge, your base cost

You’ll get:

  • Current annual power bill
  • Estimated annual power bill with solar
  • Estimated annual savings

Savings Calculator

The direction your panels will face (from Due North). This is usually the direction your roof faces.

Angle your panels are installed at. Usually this matches the pitch of your roof but panels could be mounted on tilt frames for flatter roofs.

Estimate how many panels you can fit (panels are approximately 1.8m tall x 1.15m wide).

What is your yearly energy consumption, you can usually get an idea from your power bill.

This depends on how much power you use when the solar is working. For typical households this is 25-50% – don’t worry, you will export the rest for a credit on your power bill.

The rate you buy a 1kWh unit of electricity from your power company for.

The rate you’re paid for excess solar power you sell to your power company. Rates typically vary from 8c to 20c per kWh.

Your daily fixed charge on your power bill.

What impacts your solar savings the most?

Self-consumption

Using your own solar power gives the biggest return. Export rates are lower than what you pay to import power.

System size

More panels generate more energy, but the right size depends on your usage profile.

Power prices

Rising electricity costs increase the value of solar over time.

Panel direction and angle

North-facing panels at optimal tilt produce the most energy in NZ conditions.

Why solar is a smart investment

Why solar is a smart investment

  • Reduce power bills and protect against rising prices
  • Gain energy independence, less reliance on the grid
  • Improve resilience, optional battery storage
  • Support sustainability goals, reduce carbon footprint

For commercial sites, solar also helps stabilise operating costs and future-proof infrastructure.

Is this calculator accurate?

This calculator provides a realistic estimate, not a final quote.

Actual results vary based on:

  • Site conditions and shading
  • Roof layout and installation design
  • Equipment selection
  • Usage patterns over time

For a precise assessment, a site-specific design is required.

Next step, get a tailored solar assessment

If the numbers look promising, the next step is a detailed assessment.

We’ll:

  • Review your site and energy profile
  • Design a system to maximise savings
  • Provide clear ROI and payback
  • Handle everything from design to install

No guesswork, just clear advice. Contact us today for your free assessment.

Current Generation is a SEANZ (Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand) Authorised Provider.
With an installation from us you should have some great finance options available to you.

Giving you control and power.

switch to solar

Get a free quote

Current Generation Ltd

129 Pascoe Street, Annesbrook, Nelson 7011