Plug-in generation
Understanding your views on plug-in generation
Most people who generate their own electricity use rooftop solar panels. But not everyone can install solar panels on their home.
If you rent, live in an apartment, or cannot install rooftop solar, new technologies could make generating your own electricity more accessible in the future.
One example is plug-in generation, sometimes called balcony solar. These small systems are designed to plug into a standard power outlet rather than being permanently installed like traditional rooftop solar.
While these products are not currently available in New Zealand, we wanted to understand how consumers might use them and what information they would need before we consider any future changes to the Electricity Industry Participation Code.
Throughout September and October 2026, we sought feedback on how people might use plug-in generation and get important information they would need. We invited people to share their views through a short survey or written submission. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback, which is informing our thinking about any future changes to the Electricity Industry Participation Code.
Survey responses and written submissions are available on our website.
What is plug-in generation?
Plug-in generation, sometimes called balcony solar, is a type of small-scale electricity generation designed to connect directly to a standard power outlet.
Unlike traditional rooftop solar, these systems could potentially be plugged in and used without professional installation.
If a system generates more electricity than a household is using, some of that electricity could flow back into the local electricity network.
Plug-in generation could make it easier for some people to generate their own electricity, particularly renters or people living in apartments who may not be able to install rooftop solar.
