Solar can improve energy resilience and affordability, but consumers often report feeling overwhelmed by conflicting or technical information.
Accreditation supports industry and consumers
Trust in solar installer capability and system performance is a key barrier to uptake.
Our goal is to strengthen confidence in solar quality, support consistent best practice, and help more New Zealanders adopt renewable energy safely and effectively.
You can read our draft approach below.
What will EECA endorse?
EECA will endorse accreditation programme providers (not individual installers). Endorsed programmes must be able to demonstrate that their criteria and processes meet EECA’s key requirements.
By endorsing robust accreditation programmes, EECA aims to:
- enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of installations
- promote best practice in system design and installation
- support a qualified network of skilled designers and installers
- increase customer confidence and support wider solar adoption
Key criteria areas
To be endorsed, an accreditation programme must cover three key areas:
How will endorsement work
Accreditation programme providers will be invited to apply for EECA endorsement. Applications will need to include evidence showing how the programme meets the minimum criteria.
To remain endorsed, programmes will need to support ongoing assurance, including being open to independent, third-party auditing.
Submissions and expressions of interest
We’re working with industry to ensure the approach is practical, credible, and supports a strong, high-quality solar market in Aotearoa New Zealand. We’re inviting feedback on the draft criteria to ensure it’s fit for purpose for the New Zealand market.
We also invite expressions of interest from any solar installer accreditation programme provider operating in New Zealand, provided they can demonstrate alignment with the minimum requirements.
Submissions and expressions of interest can be provided to star@eeca.govt.nz and are subject to the terms below.
Key dates |
|
| Open for feedback | 13 April 2026 |
| Deadline for feedback | 15 May 2026 |
| Draft paper | Download document [PDF 212 KB] |