SolarSaver, explained
SolarSaver is a $160 million, four-year package with four parts: two government-backed low-interest loan routes, kickstart subsidies of up to $3,000 for low and middle income households, rule changes so renters can use plug-in solar panels, and a $30 million community battery fund.
Unlike National's policy, it includes direct cash subsidy rather than finance alone, and it is the only one of the two that attempts to reach renters. Labour says it would fund the package by repurposing the current government's gas security fund.
What is actually in the package
1. Two low-interest loan routes
A Ratepayer Assistance Scheme offering long-term low-interest loans secured against the property and repaid through rates, the same model National proposes. Plus a second option: Crown-underwritten loans through lines companies, repaid through your power bill instead.
2. Kickstart subsidies up to $3,000
Direct grants for low and middle income households. This is the clearest difference from National's policy, which contains no subsidy. Income thresholds have not yet been confirmed.
3. Plug-in solar for renters
Rule changes so renters can use plug-in solar panels, with the kickstart subsidy extended to cover a kit of roughly $1,500. Labour estimates savings of $300 to $400 a year, with the kit paying for itself in four to five years.
4. A $30m community battery fund
Funding for neighbourhood-scale batteries so groups of households can store and share power together, rather than each installing their own storage. Labour has also signalled support for solar installation careers and fairer time-of-use export rates.
Plug-in solar is currently illegal in New Zealand
The renter-focused part of SolarSaver has a real obstacle. Plug-in solar kits are currently prohibited in New Zealand under a WorkSafe inverter ban. Labour has conceded that changing those rules could hold up the rollout of this part of the package.
It is worth noting this is not a purely partisan issue. National's energy minister has asked officials to explore legalising plug-in solar, so the regulatory change may happen regardless of the election result. But as things stand today, a renter cannot legally buy and use a plug-in kit in New Zealand, and any timeline for that changing is uncertain.
What else is unconfirmed
- Income thresholds for the $3,000 kickstart. “Low and middle income” has not been defined, so most households cannot yet tell whether they would qualify.
- Whether existing solar systems qualify. Not addressed by either party.
- The community battery fund figure. Widely reported as $30 million, though Labour's own policy page has stated $26 million.
- Council participation. As with National's policy, the rates-based route depends on councils opting in.
SolarSaver versus the Home Energy Fund
The two policies are closer than the political debate implies. National has characterised Labour's package as essentially its own policy with a bigger price tag. The substantive differences are subsidy, renters and scale.
| Labour — SolarSaver | National — Home Energy Fund | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | $160m over four years | $7m Crown equity, councils fund the balance |
| Cash subsidy | Up to $3,000, low and middle income | None |
| Loan via rates | Yes | Yes |
| Loan via power bill | Yes, through lines companies | No |
| Renters | Yes, via plug-in solar | No |
| Community batteries | Yes, $30m fund | No |
| Removes council consent | Yes | Yes |
| Equity requirement | Not specified | Roughly 20% |
Read both sides
Common questions
Sources: RNZ, 1News, interest.co.nz, NZ Labour.
This page summarises publicly announced political party policy for general information. It is not political endorsement, financial advice or a guarantee that any scheme will proceed. Policy details may change. Finance is subject to lender approval, and green loan rates and terms are set by the lender, not by Solar.co.nz.
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