About the consultation
The new publicly available specification (PAS) for residential solar photovoltaic and battery storage has been developed to help consumers navigate the different types of solar systems and technologies, key components and how they interrelate.
The first draft is now open for public comment.
The guideline provides valuable advice for:
- Consumers choosing an appropriate solar and/or battery-storage system aligned with specific needs, and understanding what’s required to sell surplus electricity back into the system.
- Government agencies, suppliers and installers of solar PV and distributed generation equipment and energy service retailers. The PAS explains the regulatory requirements for installing and/or connecting a solar system to the electricity grid.
Developed to help solar users make the right decisions
The PAS is sponsored by EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) to help consumers and those in related industries adopt and use the best technology and avoid less efficient products. With greater uptake of home solar PV technology this could also benefit New Zealand through reduced demand on the electricity network, lowering the need for infrastructure upgrades.
At the core of the PAS is guidance to help homeowners understand the benefits of solar energy affordability and security. It will aim to help inform consumers on how to maximise the performance of their solar installation, how to best save money, reduce their carbon footprint and avoid common pitfalls.
The PAS will explain common terminology, pricing plan options and solar panel construction. It will also cover more complex issues like understanding and participating in the electricity market, supply and demand, home energy management systems, smart grids and demand-response flexibility.
Find out how solar PV technology would work on your property:
Rooftop solar — benefits and tips for your home | Gen Less (external link)
What is a PAS?
Publicly available specifications are documents that are not national standards, but which are produced by a national standards body to respond to a particular market need. PAS requires consensus of the experts within the technical working group.
This PAS was developed by the P4790 technical advisory group, who represent a range of electrical-related associations, technology and installers, electricity providers and health and safety.
The guidance references and draws upon a number of Australian/New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards as well as legislation to ensure it reflects latest good practice. The guide will also work in conjunction with advice in Standards New Zealand’ smart homes guidelines (below) to enable demand flexibility opportunities.
They are reviewed after three years and can be extended to six years - after which they normally become a standard, so adhering to the guidance they provide can help anticipate and future-proof any investments.
Help shape the final draft
This comprehensive draft version is the result of the technical advisory group’s combined knowledge, experiences and input. Now is your opportunity to help shape the final version. Public consultation allows anyone with an interest to provide feedback or suggestions to help shape the final version.
You can review the draft version on Standards New Zealand’s Consultation hub, where you will also find a form for feedback submissions. Once public consultation closes on 07 May 2025, the technical advisory group will review all feedback and make any changes they consider appropriate, before the final version is voted upon to obtain ensure consensus - so that the PAS works for all those who are likely to use or be impacted by it.
Have your say and help shape tomorrow’s best practice guidance: