NZ launches 11 MW solar rollout across 500 schools nationwide

The New Zealand government has identified 500 schools across the country that will have solar panels, batteries, and energy management systems installed over the next three years as part of a $25 million (NZD 30 million) program.

The program is expected to deliver more than 11 MW of solar capacity with most of the schools to receive PV systems ranging between 10 kW and 50 kW in size, while 110 kW systems will be installed at some of the larger schools.

Battery energy storage systems will also be deployed at selected schools, and up to 150 of these schools will be fitted with energy management systems to help optimise energy use.

The government said the systems and system sizes have been designed and calculated to optimise schools’ self-consumption of on-site energy generation. 

New Zealand Energy Minister Simeon Brown said the program marks a step forward for energy affordability and resilience in the school sector with the 500 schools selected because they are experiencing energy or fuel insecurity, facing higher energy costs, are scheduled for gas or diesel boiler replacements, or have a need for greater energy resilience.

“By generating more clean, renewable energy on school rooftops, we can cut schools’ electricity use from the grid, reduce emissions, and lower their power bills at the same time,” he said.

Early government modelling shows a 30 kW solar system could enable schools to save up to $6,700 (NSD 8,000) per year on electricity bills, and that solar panels are estimated to pay for themselves within five to seven years.

The Solar in Schools program is also expected to contribute to broader electricity network resilience with the initiative forecast to generate up to 10.1 GWh of renewable energy annually.

Some of that energy will go back to the network, with Brown noting that schools will have options to sell energy back to the grid, a move that is expected to generate an estimated $5.58 million (NZD 6.7 million) in revenue over 10 years.

Brown also said the program would support regional and local businesses and present “a significant opportunity” for the industry to build capability.

“There’s work in it for regional and local businesses too, giving the solar industry a real chance to build capability and show what smart energy tech can do,” he said.

An Expression of Interest is now live on the New Zealand Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS) seeking solar system planners, designers and installers to deliver the program nationwide.

The Solar on Schools program will be delivered through a phased rollout starting this year and finishing in 2028. The first 100 installations are expected to be completed by mid-2027.