Solar panels
Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, generate electricity directly from sunlight. Installing solar panels at your school may help reduce your overall carbon emissions and energy bill.
| Level of compliance | Main audience | Other |
|---|---|---|
|
Inform
|
|
|
- Introduction
- Making installation decisions
- The approval process
- Ministry-owned and third-party-owned panels
- Solar panel installation
- Maintaining solar panels
- More information
Introduction
Solar-powered systems are most suitable for installation when they are 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, the ability to turn off all non-essential energy)
- energy efficient practices and education.
This is important as energy efficiency initiatives generally deliver more cost effective energy gains and carbon reductions than solar installation projects.
Energy use and conservation in schools
You may choose to purchase and own solar panels at your school or you may enter into a lease arrangement with a solar provider who will continue to own the panels. In either case, you should speak with your property advisor before installing solar panels.
Making installation decisions
Before you contact your property advisor about proceeding with a solar energy project, consider the following factors.
Make sure they have been addressed in the package/proposal you receive from a solar panel provider.
Schools should get more than one quote if possible.
Factors to consider [PDF, 158 KB]
The approval process
Solar panel installation must meet the structural and electrical requirements outlined in the following guidance document. The Structural and Electrical reports required in the guidance must be completed by suitable professionals for the Ministry's review. Solar panel providers are responsible for obtaining the reports.
Installation requirements from the Ministry [PDF, 196 KB]
Ministry-owned and third-party-owned panels
Ministry-owned solar panels
If your school is considering purchasing or replacing solar panels through your 5 Year Agreement (5YA) funding, this 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 1-3 items have been completed.
Solar panel installations require that your school’s 10YPP is amended in agreement with the Ministry because most solar panel installations have an impact on existing infrastructure.
5 Year Agreement (5YA) funding
Third-party ownership of solar panels
Solar panels that are owned by a third-party require an Energy Services Agreement (ESA) that incorporates property related aspects of the panel’s installation.
The Ministry has minimum standards that the providers (ESA) must meet. These standards are focussed on property protection and not whether the proposed installation is a good deal.
- The providers' ESA must be approved by the Ministry before any agreement is entered into.
- If a provider does not have an approved ESA, they must engage their own solicitor to review and complete the Ministry's ESA template (request an ESA template from the Property Advisor) and make suree the Ministry's minimum standards can be met in the agreement.
- Once this is approved, the Ministry will advise the provider and you will be able to commence negotiations.
- The approved ESA and the evidence of the approval from School Board must be reviewed and approved by the Ministry's leasing team leasing@education.govt.nz before the installation can proceed.
- The provider must also supply:
- a structural report (for all roofs panels are to be installed on)
- an electrical schematic (including any penetrations).
Solar panel installation
The Ministry requires that all solar panels are installed by the Sustainable Electricity Association of New Zealand (SEANZ) member installers to ensure compliance with all relevant standards and requirements.
It is a requirement regardless of whether the solar panels are owned by the Ministry, the school or a third party.
Professionals directory – SEANZ(external link)
This is in part because SEANZ members are required to complete an inspection/installation checklist and also provide equipment and workmanship warranties.
This is also because solar panels have the potential to change or damage electrical systems and roofs if they are not installed properly. Schools installing solar panels need to confirm with the appropriate suppliers if this will affect their roofing product warranties.
SEANZ installers must comply with:
- the NZ Metal Roofing and Wall Cladding Code of Practice, especially section 2.6, 2.7, 2.6.9, and any additional recommendations on the New Zealand Metal Roofing Manufacturers Association (MRM) website and,
- the Ministry’s weathertightness and durability requirements – detailed drawings should be provided for sign off by a Building Enclosure Specialist.
Solar energy panels and metal roofing – MRM(external link)
Weathertightness design requirements for new school buildings
After installation
MBIE must receive documented evidence for registration into their database.
Electricity and gas high-risk database – WorkSafe(external link)
Maintaining solar panels
Schools can use their Property Maintenance Grant (PMG) to maintain and repair solar panels that are owned by the Ministry if the maintenance is not included in the package from their provider.
Schools should budget for the long-term solar panel maintenance when making the decision to install the panels, as they will not receive additional PMG funding for the panels.
Property Maintenance Grant for state school maintenance work
Last reviewed: Has this been useful? Give us your feedback