Solar design and installation - Auckland based, New Zealand wide 021 24 SOLAR (76527)
Solar panels on the tiled roof of a single-storey brick house, conifers in front.
Grid-Tied Solutions

Connect & Save

Generate your own power, reduce electricity bills, and stay connected to the grid for uninterrupted supply.

What it is

The most affordable way to cut a power bill

A grid-tied system connects your solar panels to your home and to the local electricity network. Your house uses solar power first, and when the system produces more than you need, the excess may be exported to the grid - depending on your retailer and your network connection.

It is the simplest of the three system types and the cheapest to install, because there is no battery bank to buy. For a household that uses a decent amount of power during the day, it is usually where the numbers work hardest.

Grid-tied suits you if

  • You are already connected to the network and happy to stay that way
  • Someone is home during the day, or you can shift laundry, hot water and dishwashing into daylight hours
  • You want the lowest-cost route into solar
  • You would rather add batteries later than pay for them now

If keeping the lights on through an outage matters to you, read hybrid solar instead - a standard grid-tied system shuts down in a power cut, and that catches a lot of people out.

Solar panels mounted above a terracotta tile roof, with a tree and blue sky behind.
The paperwork

We handle the grid connection application

Grid-connected solar has to comply with distributed generation rules and your local network's requirements - approved equipment, inverter standards, and a connection application. We do all of it. You do not need a council consent for a standard roof-mounted install.

Approved equipment

Inverters and panels that meet the standards your lines company requires, so the application is not the thing that holds up your install.

The DG application

We complete and submit the distributed generation paperwork for your property and deal with the lines company on your behalf.

Export limits

Export limits depend on your lines company, connection type and inverter. We confirm what applies to your address before we design the system.
How it works

Five Simple Steps

From the first visit to the day your system switches on. We handle the council paperwork and the grid connection application, so you do not have to.

  1. Free Assessment

    We visit your property, check sun exposure, roof condition, and your power bills.

  2. Custom Design

    We create a system tailored to your needs, with clear savings estimates.

  3. Consent & Approval

    We handle all council paperwork and grid connection applications.

  4. Professional Installation

    Certified team installs safely and efficiently - usually 1-3 days.

  5. Handover & Support

    We explain how it works, activate your system, and provide ongoing support.

Grid-tied questions

What people ask about grid-tied solar

Do I still get a power bill with grid-tied solar?

Usually, yes. Solar reduces the amount of power you buy from the grid, but you may still have daily line charges, retailer charges, and grid electricity costs when your system is not producing enough power, such as at night or during heavy usage.

Can I sell excess solar power back to the grid?

In many cases, yes. Your electricity retailer may offer a buy-back rate for exported solar power. The rate varies between retailers and can change, so it is worth checking the latest plans before choosing a system. Exporting power also requires the system to meet network connection requirements.

Will my solar system work during a power cut?

A standard grid-tied solar system usually shuts down during a power cut for safety reasons. This protects line workers and the electricity network. If backup power is important, you may need a hybrid system with battery storage and backup capability.

Do I need approval to connect solar to the grid?

Yes. Grid-connected solar systems need to comply with distributed generation rules and local network requirements. This includes using approved equipment, meeting inverter standards, and completing the required connection application. We handle every part of the DG application for you.

Can I start with grid-tied solar and add batteries later?

Yes, but it is best to plan for this upfront. Choosing the right inverter and system design at the beginning can make it easier to add batteries, EV charging, or backup circuits later. Not all inverters are battery-compatible, so it is worth saying at the consultation if you think storage is on the cards.

All solar FAQs

Services

Our Other Solutions

Grid-tied, hybrid or fully off-grid - and, if you want it, the gas taken off the property and the electrical work done while we are there. Which combination suits you depends on how much power you use during the day, whether you want the lights to stay on when the network goes down, and what you want the system to do in ten years. That is what the free assessment is for.

Book a consultation

Your solar journey starts today

Our team are ready to muck in and help you on your path to solar freedom. Fill out the form and we will be in touch to arrange a time for a no-obligation consultation to discuss your solar options.

021 24 SOLAR (76527)
  • [email protected]
  • Auckland based - installing across New Zealand
  • Free on-site assessment, no obligation

Helpful to have on hand: a recent power bill, roughly how many people live in the house, and whether you have or are considering an EV. If you do not have those to hand, that is fine - the assessment is how we work it out.

Book your free consultation

Give us a call

021 24 SOLAR (76527)

Trust Solar New Zealand, Auckland