When to install solar panels at school#

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, generate electricity directly from sunlight.

Solar-powered systems are most suitable for installation as part of a school’s approach to sustainability and energy efficiency.

Ideally, they would be installed after basic energy efficiency improvements have been completed.

These improvements might include:

• new or improved insulation
• installation of LED lighting
• better energy controls – for example, water heater timers, central heat pump control, thermostats, and the ability to turn off all non-essential energy
• energy efficient practices and education.

This is important, as energy efficiency initiatives generally have more cost-effective energy gains and carbon reductions than solar installation projects.

Solar on Schools Programme#

Solar on schools is a joint initiative between the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) and us. The 3-year programme will support:

• up to 500 schools to install rooftop solar
• up to 150 schools with energy management systems
• some schools with batteries where they are expected to provide the greatest savings and community resilience benefits.  

What the programme will do#

The programme helps schools:

• save on school energy bills
• have greater energy independence and resilience
• reduce carbon emissions from having a clean, renewable energy supply.

Schools that are eligible for the programme #

The programme has prioritised schools that:

• are experiencing energy or fuel insecurity
• are facing higher energy costs
• are scheduled for gas or diesel boiler replacements
• have a need for greater energy resilience. 

See the list of schools that are eligible for the Solar on Schools Programme.

Eligibility does not guarantee participation in the programme#

Eligibility does not guarantee participation in the programme, which is subject to confirmation of site suitability. 

Site suitability is determined through planning and will consider: 

• environmental impacts
• building code compliance
• electrical systems
• roof suitability
• management of any asbestos. 

On-site assessments are planned to take place from December 2026.

The programme will not fund any property upgrades or remediation work that may be needed for solar panel installation. In some cases, this may mean a school is unable to proceed with the solar on schools programme at this time.  

Solar panels will be provided at no cost to schools. The planning process will recommend the final system size, expected performance, and ongoing costs including maintenance and replacement. We anticipate energy savings from the solar systems will cover these costs. The programme is working through how those tasks and costs will be managed. Any additional savings can be redirected to other school priorities.  

Supporting resources will be available to all schools from December 2026.  

Schools that are not part of the solar on schools programme can still choose to install solar panels independently.

Talk to your school property team if you have any questions. 

Solar system sizing#

The list of eligible schools includes an indicative solar system size for each school. The final system size for each school will be confirmed through planning and design.

Most schools supported through the programme will receive solar systems between 10kW and 50kW. These system sizes will optimise schools' self-consumption, as this delivers the greatest reduction in electricity costs. 

These systems may be smaller than offerings from commercial providers, who often deliver systems tailored towards exporting surplus energy to the grid. 

Eligible schools have the choice to participate in the programme. Schools may decide to proceed with alternative commercial arrangements to install larger systems or increase the size of their solar system, battery storage or energy management system at their own cost. Systems installed through the programme will be configured to allow future upgrades and add-ons.

Next steps for the programme#

An Expression of Interest (EOI) has been released through the Government Electronic Tender Service (GETS) for the planning, design and delivery of the solar systems

School Infrastructure: Solar on Schools Expressions of Interest – GETS

There will be a separate procurement process for energy management systems and batteries.  

To deliver at scale without excluding New Zealand’s capable local delivery businesses, the services are split into 2 parts:  
•    planning and design
•    delivery.

Planning and design cover: 

• the strategic, portfolio-level work
• site assessments
• consents and approvals
• site-by-site design and cost benefit analysis, sequenced across bundles of 80 to 100 or more schools. 

Delivery covers the supply, installation and quality assurance of solar systems, school by school.

Planning at scale is deliberate. It gives the ability to standardise planning and design across the programme, combine services where appropriate, and build a repeatable planning model.

While the planning opportunity is unique, we recognise delivery should be right sized for the value of individual projects. We want to make sure capable local and regional installers are not excluded by the scale of the programme overall. This division of responsibility reflects the emphasis on supporting New Zealand businesses, driving efficiency, and right-sizing procurement to the value, risk and complexity of the work.

Tenderers that are successful from the EOI process will be added to a register of prequalified suppliers. Suppliers from the register will be invited to tender the specific school projects bundles with the potential of other tender opportunities in the future.  

We expect planning and design contracts to be awarded in December 2026. We will continue to keep eligible schools informed and supported by providing updates and information as the programme progresses.

Batteries and energy management systems#

Some schools may receive batteries in addition to solar panels. Batteries will be prioritised for schools where they provide the greatest benefits, such as addressing local electricity network constraints, improving energy resilience or supporting communities during outages.

Energy management systems help schools monitor and manage how and when they use electricity. These systems can help schools make better use of the energy generated by their solar panels and further reduce electricity costs. Up to 150 schools are expected to receive an energy management system through the programme. 

For more information about the programme, download the questions and answers document below.

How to buy or lease solar panels#

If your school is not part of the solar on schools programme you can still choose to:

• buy and own solar panels
• lease solar panels from a provider who will continue to own the panels.

You should speak with your property advisor before installing solar panels.

Existing agreements  #

Any existing agreement between schools and solar companies or providers must be honoured on the terms agreed.  

Get quotes from providers#

You should get more than one quote from solar panel providers.

Read the 'Factors to consider' document. Check that the proposals you received from solar panel providers address the questions in the document.

You should do this before talking to your property advisor about going ahead with a solar energy project. 

The approval process#

You must provide reports from suitable professionals to show they meet our requirements. These are set out in the document below.

Technical documents#

Two technical documents for the solar on schools programme have been released as part of the programme's expression of interest (EOI). The documents are:

• requirements for installers
• requirements for solar installations on existing school buildings: guidance document.

The EOI is seeking feedback on these documents from the market. When the feedback is received, we will update our requirements for all solar installed on New Zealand state schools.

This is expected to be completed by the end of September, 2026.  

Solar panels owned by us#

If your school wants to buy or replace solar panels through 5 Year Agreement (5YA) funding, it is a priority 4 item in your 10-Year Property Plan (10YPP).

This means you will only be funded through 5YA funding after all priority 1 to 3 items have been completed. 

5 Year Agreement funding

Overview of the 10-Year Property Plan

Your school’s 10YPP must be amended in agreement with us. 

Solar panels owned by a third party#

Solar panels that are owned by a third party need an energy services agreement (ESA).

We have minimum standards that providers must meet. These standards are focused on property protection. 

The providers' ESA must be approved by us before any agreement is entered into.

If a provider does not have an approved ESA, their own solicitor must review and complete our ESA template. You can get an ESA template from your property advisor. You must make sure our minimum standards can be met in the agreement.

Once this is approved, we will advise the provider and you can start negotiations.

Get approval#

Before the solar panels are installed, we must review and approve:

• the approved ESA
• evidence of approval from your school board
• compliance with our requirements.  

Maintaining solar panels#

Your school can use the Property Maintenance Grant (PMG) to maintain and repair solar panels that are owned by us if maintenance is not included in the package from your solar panel provider.

When you decide to install solar panels, your school should budget for long-term solar panel maintenance. You will not receive additional PMG funding for the panels.