What is this guidance about?

Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) are best practice documents developed by Standards New Zealand along with EECA, industry, and other experts. This best practice guidance will help you understand the benefits of solar technology and maximise the performance of your solar installation. 

Whether you’re wanting to understand more about the technology, how to participate in the electricity market, or different types of systems, this information can help homeowners and installers select a solar PV system that is aligned to the household’s specific needs.  

This guidance will also help you understand how solar technology can support demand flexibility, when used with a home energy management system (HEMS). 

Benefits of using solar technology 

Solar technology can: 

  • Save you money on power bills and avoid some effects of rising electricity prices by drawing less electricity from the grid. 
  • Reduce reliance on the grid and provide backup power during outages or extreme weather events (if the home has battery storage). 
  • Reduce the need for electricity infrastructure upgrades due to reduced demand. 
  • Help the environment with increased use of renewable energy. 

Key features of solar products 

As explained in the PAS, to get the most out of your solar system consider products that: 

  • include a battery, so you can store and use more of your own solar power, especially in the evening 
  • are grid connected, so you can export excess power and still draw from the grid when needed 
  • support smart energy use by working with timers for other products (e.g. hot water systems), apps, or home energy management systems 
  • are sized to match your household’s energy use. 

Tips for your solar installation: 

  • Understand your needs – determine if rooftop solar is right for you and consider what size and type of system you would need. 
  • Do your research – look for products that meet the technical specifications (outlined in Appendix B of the PAS). 
  • Plan for the future – consider what your future electricity usage will look like and discuss potential upgrades with your installer from the start. 

Ready to get started?

Begin with the residential solar PV system purchasing checklist to help guide you through the key things to consider before choosing and installing a solar PV system. It will help you make sure you get the right solution for your home, energy needs, and lifestyle.

It also covers key questions and considerations to discuss with your installer, so you can plan confidently for the future.

Residential solar checklist [PDF 217 KB]