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From October 23, homeowners and businesses across New Zealand will no longer need building consents to install most rooftop solar panels, as the Government’s latest sustainable construction reforms take effect.
In a statement today, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk said the change will make it easier and cheaper for Kiwis to switch to solar energy.
He said removing the need for a consent on existing homes and commercial buildings would save an estimated $1,200 per application and reduce unnecessary delays.
“By supporting sustainable building practices, we can create warmer, healthier homes, reduce power bills and build stronger, more resilient communities,” Penk said.
Most residential rooftop solar arrays, typically between 25 and 30 square metres, will fall under the new exemption. Installations larger than 40 square metres, or those in very high wind-speed areas exceeding 44 metres per second (around 158 km/h), will still require design review by a chartered professional engineer.
However, Penk said many installers use pre-engineered kitsets already signed off by engineers, which means most systems will qualify under the new rules without extra approvals.
The Government is also expanding its fast-track consent pathway to include “sustainable buildings” that meet high standards of energy efficiency, low embodied carbon, water efficiency, or climate resilience.
Legislation to formalise the process will be introduced early next year.
Penk said accelerating rooftop solar generation and cutting regulatory barriers would help Kiwis lower their energy costs and support the shift to cleaner, more efficient homes.
