New interactive Solar Installations Map tool

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko has released an online interactive map to help people get a better view of solar power in their neighbourhoods.

“New Zealanders can now check out the number, size and capacity of solar installations in their neighbourhood, right across the country, and can even zoom in on their own street,” says Zoe Priestley, GM Communications, Engagement and Data at the Authority.

“Solar installations are on the rise, but some people may still not know whether it’s right for them. The map can help people make more informed and confident choices about what will work for their household because they can see what has worked for others nearby.

“Solar can help consumers become more self-sufficient, while reducing their carbon footprint and energy costs.”

Priestley says the tool sits alongside other improvements the Authority has made for consumers considering solar.

“These include locking in higher limits for households feeding surplus solar to networks and higher buy-back rates for households feeding electricity back during peak demand times.

“We’re also considering new rules to support ‘plug in solar’, which could work well for renters or apartment dwellers.”

She says the tool is relatively easy to use and will be updated regularly with data from the Authority’s Electricity Registry. As always, care has been taken to ensure no private or identifying data about people with existing solar is made available.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), which wants New Zealanders to be world leaders in clean and clever energy use, has welcomed the Solar Installations Map.

EECA General Manager Insight, Data and Communications, Megan Hurnard, says a view of solar uptake that was consistent across the country and easily available would reduce some of the mystery around solar generation for consumers.

“The Map sits nicely alongside EECA’s broader development work to help inform consumers and encourage them to install solar if it will work for them.

“We encourage New Zealanders to try the Solar Installations Map to see what’s happening in their neighbourhood and learn more about the opportunities solar may offer.”

Priestley says once people have used the Map, EECA’s Is solar right for your home? pages would be a great next step to learn more about the process and costs involved.

The Authority acknowledges Rewiring Aotearoa, an independent organisation that encourages faster electrification, for developing the original map idea. It was passed to the Authority in late 2025 for further development based on Electricity Registry data.

View the Solar Installations Map