When to install solar panels at school

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, generate electricity directly from sunlight.

Solar-powered systems are most suitable for installation as 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.  

How to buy or lease solar panels

Your school can choose to:

• buy and own solar panels
• lease solar panels from a provider who will continue to own the panels.

You should speak with your property advisor before installing solar panels.  

We do not have a preferred solar panel provider and we are not running a solar panel installation programme.

Get quotes from providers

You should get more than 1 quote from solar panel providers.

Read the below 'Factors to Consider' document. Check that the proposals you received from solar panel providers address the questions in the document.

You should do this before talking to your property advisor about going ahead with a solar energy project.

The approval process 

You must provide reports from suitable professionals to show they meet our structural and electrical requirements. This is set out in the document below.

Solar panels owned by us

If your school wants to buy or replace solar panels through 5 Year Agreement (5YA) funding, it 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 to 3 items have been completed. 

5 Year Agreement funding

Overview of the 10 Year Property Plan

Your school’s 10YPP must be amended in agreement with us because most solar panel installations have an impact on existing infrastructure.

Solar panels owned by a third party

Solar panels that are owned by a third party need an Energy Services Agreement (ESA).

We have minimum standards that providers must meet. These standards are focused on property protection. 

The providers' ESA must be approved by us before any agreement is entered into.

If a provider does not have an approved ESA, their own solicitor must review and complete our ESA template. You can get an ESA template from your property advisor. You must make sure our minimum standards can be met in the agreement.

Once this is approved, we will advise the provider and you can start negotiations.

Get Ministry approval

Before the solar panels are installed, our leasing team must review and approve:

• the approved ESA
• evidence of approval from your school board
• a structural report from the provider (for all roofs that panels will be installed on)
• an electrical schematic from the provider (including any penetrations).

Email: [email protected] 

Solar panel installation 

All solar panels must be installed by Sustainable Electricity Association of New Zealand (SEANZ) member installers.

Professionals directory – SEANZ

It applies to solar panels owned by us, your school or a third party.

We require SEANZ members to install solar panels because:

•  we must make sure all relevant standards and requirements are complied with
• SEANZ members complete an inspection and installation checklist and provide equipment and workmanship warranties
• solar panels can change or damage electrical systems and roofs if they are not installed properly.

Schools installing solar panels must confirm with their suppliers if it 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
• our weathertightness and durability requirements – detailed drawings should be provided for sign off by a building enclosure specialist.

Solar energy panels and metal roofing – MRM

See our roofing guidance in the product guidelines document on the below page.

Designing Schools in Aotearoa New Zealand standards - Ministry of Education

After installation 

Worksafe must receive documented evidence for registration into their database. 

Electricity and Gas High-risk Database – Worksafe

Maintaining solar panels

Your school can use the Property Maintenance Grant (PMG) to maintain and repair solar panels that are owned by us if maintenance is not included in the package from your solar panel provider.

When you decide to install solar panels, your school should budget for long-term solar panel maintenance. You will not receive additional PMG funding for the panels.