Hey solar saver
Don’t waste your excess solar power, sell it to us and save on your power bill.*
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Sweet buy-back rates
We’ll give you 13 cents per kWh^, the flexibility of an open term plan, plus all the fab benefits of being a Powershopper. You’ll also get $150 power credit over your first year when you sign up.*
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Winter peak bonus
We’ve got you covered with extra winter savings
During our winter season we’ll crank up the savings to 23c/kWh exported^ if you export during winter peak hours – being weekdays between 7am–11am & 5pm–9pm from July through September.
Why choose Powershop for solar
Setting up solar is a big commitment, that's why we'd never lock you into a fixed term contract or charge you an exit fee. We empower you to make savings, on your terms. Our solar buy-back is a chill way to reduce your power bill, and our exclusive Shop is the perfect way to help reduce your bill even further. On top of that, we deliver award winning customer service, voted by Kiwis like you.
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Competitive buy back
Score a sweet solar buy-back rate of 13c/kWh all year, with no cap and earn even more at 23c/kWh for export during winter peak times. Plus no fixed contract, so you can leave anytime with no fees.
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Shop for power deals
You’ll get exclusive access to our Shop, where you can shop for special Powerpacks to help you save even more cash.
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Get shifty with off peak rates
Access great off-peak rates on Get Shifty. Shift your power usage into off peak hours for even more power savings!
Selling solar FAQs
Does Powershop offer buy-back rates for solar?
Does Powershop offer buy-back rates for solar?
Absolutely. Wherever Powershop is available, we pay a buy-back rate to solar customers for excess generation exported into the grid. You'll earn 13c/kWh^ all year round with no buy-back cap — and during winter peak times (weekdays 7am–11am & 5pm–9pm, July through September), that jumps up to 23c/kWh^, so you earn even more when the grid needs your power the most. All you need is a solar setup and an approved import/export meter.
How do I sign up to solar?
How do I sign up to solar?
If you already have solar and an approved import/export meter – you can sign up here! We’ll check if you meet all our eligibility criteria (see our Standard Terms).
How much solar am I exporting?
How much solar am I exporting?
Provided you are eligible, we’ll receive data on your usage, just as we do with the electricity you use. This will display on your mobile app as a new ‘Daily export’ graph and in your desktop account as an extra heat map under the ‘Usage’ tab.
Your monthly Account Review will also show the dollar value of the solar power we’ve bought back.
Is there a buy-back cap?
Is there a buy-back cap?
Nope! We don’t think it’s fair to cap it. We want you to make the most of the solar panels you've installed and generated from.
Do you work with other generation sources?
Do you work with other generation sources?
Solar is the most common form of ‘distributed energy’ we support, including systems with battery storage that export excess energy back to the grid.
The same deal applies to excess power generated by micro-hydro or wind systems.
Is solar right for me?
Is solar right for me?
Installing a solar system is a big decision – the upfront cost is high, so it’s not for everyone. There’s some helpful information on these websites:
Metering requirements and installation fees vary by network region, so please contact us before you install your own system.
Will I always get the higher winter peak rate?
Will I always get the higher winter peak rate?
Not quite – it depends on when your solar is exporting. You’ll earn 23c/kWh during winter peak times (7am–11am & 5pm–9pm from July through September), with everything else ticking along at the 13c rate.
Because most solar is generated during the day, peak earnings will vary - but when things line up, you’ll get a nice little boost.
Do I need a battery to get the most out of peak rates?
Do I need a battery to get the most out of peak rates?
Nope - you don’t need a battery to join. But if you’ve got one, it can help you make the most of peak pricing - especially in the evening by storing power during the day and exporting it later.
When will I see my winter peak credits?
When will I see my winter peak credits?
Peak credits are added separately from your bill.
Your exports will show at the standard rate, and any credits topping you up to 23c/kWh exported will land in your account afterwards, usually by the 10th business day of the following month.
What makes Powershop's EV offer so different?
What makes Powershop's EV offer so different?
The EV Powerpack is an exclusive offer for residential Powershop customers who own an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (EV). With the EV Powerpack, you get $14 worth of power for just $10. It's delivered to your shop every fortnight, starting from the date you purchase your first EVPowerpack purchase. And here's the best part – buy the EV Powerpack each fortnight and you’ll save an extra $100 on top of your sign-up offers ($150 Free Power* OR 12 Free Weekends*) all without a fixed-term contract. It's a win-win for your wallet and the environment!
*$150 credit over 12 months. T&C, fair use and eligibility criteria apply.
Do I need a smart meter for peak rates?
Do I need a smart meter for peak rates?
Yep - you’ll need a smart communicating meter so we can see when your energy is exported.
That’s what lets us apply the higher rate during peak times.
No smart meter yet? No stress, you’ll still earn the standard buy-back rate in the meantime.
How long does the EV experience take to get set up?
How long does the EV experience take to get set up?
To get started, we'll need your EV registration number. Just submit your details here, and within up to 7 working days, your EV Powerpack will be loaded into your shop. Once it's in your shop, we'll send you an email notification. Please note that only customers with eligible EVs will receive the EV Powerpack. Please note that hybrid electric vehicles (the non-plug-in version), e-motorbikes, e-bikes and e-scooters are not eligible. Let's get you charged up and ready to go!
Who is eligible for the EV Powerpack?
Who is eligible for the EV Powerpack?
The EV Powerpack is exclusively available to our awesome residential Powershop customers who have access to the Shop and who own an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (EV). You'll need to provide us with the registration number of your EV. Please note that hybrid electric vehicles (the non-plug-in version), e-motorbikes, e-bikes and e-scooters are not eligible. Also, the ICP linked to your Powershop account must be where you primarily charge your EV. So, if you meet these criteria, let's power up your EV with the EV Powerpack!
I've bought an EV, but it hasn't arrived yet. Can I apply for the plan now?
I've bought an EV, but it hasn't arrived yet. Can I apply for the plan now?
We're thrilled to hear that you're joining the EV revolution! However, we'll need your EV registration number before you can sign up for the EV Powerpack. We can't wait to have you on board and supercharge your EV experience!
I own two EVs, can I get two packs?
I own two EVs, can I get two packs?
We love your enthusiasm! However, the EV Powerpack offer is limited to one pack per eligible customer, regardless of the number of electric vehicles owned.
Keen to learn more about solar?
The sun is a massive renewable energy source, that’s unlikely to run out – so it’s no surprise that solar power systems are growing in popularity. There’re loads of reasons to investigate solar energy.
Check out our Solar power hub, where you can get some tips and tricks for making the most of power from the sun.
solar power learning hub
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How does solar power work?
Solar is energy harnessed from the sun in two forms, Photvaoltaic (or PV) Systems and Thermal Solar Systems ... sound complicated? We explain it simply - with a diagram.
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Solar power systems
Get to know the common pieces of equipment in a solar power system, including handy advice on choosing a system and a provider.
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The pros and cons of solar power
We walk you through solar power considerations - like the intital investment, the environment, your power habits, your property and more.
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The best spots in New Zealand for Solar power
Discover the best places in in Aotearoa to harness the power of the sun for solar generation. Are sunshine hours a deal breaker? Find out more!
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Choosing the right solar power installation company
Ready to embrace that solar powered life? Your next step is to find an installation company – which can be daunting. Here’re some key things to consider when making your choice.