Solar Finance & 2026 Election Update NZ

What's actually available right now

You don't need to wait for the election to get solar advice.

Bank green loans are already available in New Zealand today, while National's Home Energy Fund, Labour's SolarSaver and the Greens' proposed loan scheme are still election promises, not law.

Here's what's confirmed, what's proposed, and how to plan either way.

What's confirmed and available now

Several major New Zealand banks currently offer green home loans for solar, batteries and other energy upgrades, typically at lower rates than standard lending.

Rates and terms vary between banks and change over time, so we'd always recommend speaking directly with your bank or financial adviser for current figures rather than relying on a headline number.

What we can help with is the technical side, sizing the right system for your property so you know exactly what you're financing.

For more detail on how green loans work, read: Solar Finance in NZ right now: Bank green loans explained.

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What each party has promised for the 2026 Election

Election policy isn't law until it's passed, but it's worth understanding what's on the table so you can make sense of the coverage.

Party: National

Policy: Home Energy Fund.

How it's proposed to work: Long-term, low-interest loans secured against the property, repaid through rates, no council consent required.

Status: Proposed, not yet law.

Party: Labour

Policy: SolarSaver.

How it's proposed to work: Similar rates-linked loan model, plus a proposed kick-start payment for low-to-middle income households.

Status: Proposed, not yet law.

Party: Greens

Policy: Solar and battery loan scheme.

How it's proposed to work: A council-based loan model, extended to include community buildings such as marae.

Status: Proposed, not yet law.

These policies may change, combine, or disappear entirely depending on the election result and any coalition negotiations that follow. We'll keep this page updated as things become clearer.

For the full party-by-party breakdown, read: Solar and the 2026 Election: What National, Labour and the Greens are actually promising.

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Should you wait until after the election to go Solar?

It's a fair question, and the honest answer is no, not if you're serious about solar. Getting your property properly assessed now, understanding your roof space, power use and switchboard capacity, doesn't commit you to anything.

It simply means that whatever happens on election day, you're ready to move straight to a real decision instead of starting from scratch.

Read our full breakdown: Should you wait until after the Election to go Solar?

How to prepare now, whatever happens after November

Get your property assessed

Understand what system your home or business actually needs, independent of any funding scheme.

Check your current finance options

Bank green loans are available now, ask your bank what you could access today.

Stay informed, not distracted

We'll update this page as election policy becomes clearer.

Be ready to act

Once your finance path is confirmed, whether that's a bank loan or a new scheme, you won't be starting the technical planning from zero.

A note on financial advice

Astech Solar can give you clear, practical technical advice about the right system for your property. We're not financial advisers, so for decisions about loans, rates or what's right for your personal finances, please speak with your bank or a licensed financial adviser.

Frequently Asked Questions

No direct government subsidy is currently in place. What is available now are green loans offered by major banks. Proposed schemes from political parties are election policy, not confirmed government programmes, at this stage.

It's a proposed policy for long-term, low-interest loans to help households install solar, repaid through rates rather than a traditional bank loan. It has not been legislated.

It's a proposed scheme similar in structure to National's proposal, with an additional proposed kick-start payment aimed at low-to-middle income households. It has not been legislated.

You don't need to. Getting a proper assessment now means you understand your options and are ready to act as soon as your finance path is clear, rather than waiting and then rushing.

Yes, several major banks offer green loans for solar and other energy upgrades today. Speak to your bank for current rates and terms, and we can help with the technical side of sizing the right system.

Solar Finance and the 2026 Election

What's actually available right now

What's confirmed and available now