Labour wants solar 'for all' with $160m policy aimed at power bills

<p>Labour says it wants to help New Zealanders slash their power bills by removing the upfront cost of solar, pledging to roll out subsidies of up to $3000 and make it easier for renters to have plug-in panels — if elected at November's election. </p> <p>National hit back at the announcement, with the party accusing the opposition of copying the party's own solar policy at a greater cost to taxpayers.</p> <p>Labour's SolarSaver package, announced today, would cost $160 million over four years, which the party says it will fund by repurposing the coalition's gas security fund.</p> <p>It includes two Government-backed, low-interest finance options, kickstart subsidies for low- and middle-income households, a $30 million community battery fund, and support for solar installation careers.</p> <p>Leader Chris Hipkins said it targeted families locked out of solar by the initial cost.</p> <p>"Renewable energy is the cheapest form of electricity available, but too many households are locked out by the initial cost," he said.</p> <p>"There's something for everyone. Low- and middle-income households will be eligible for subsidies of up to $3000. We'll change the rules so renters can use safe plug-in solar panels, saving an estimated $300 to $400 a year.</p> <p>"And we'll establish a community battery fund so whole neighbourhoods can share in the benefits of cheaper, cleaner energy."</p> <p>Labour energy spokesperson Megan Woods said four out of five households currently could not access a standard bank green loan.</p> <p>"Lines companies will be able to offer low-cost loans where solar installations benefit the local network, while a new property-linked finance scheme will allow households to repay costs gradually through their rates bill," she said. </p> <p>"Renters deserve lower power bills too. We'll modernise the rules for plug-in balcony solar so renters can start saving, and we'll invest in community batteries to help neighbourhoods, marae, and community organisations reduce electricity costs."</p> <p>A two-panel plug-in kit is expected to cost about $1500, with the $3000 subsidy enough to cover it in full, according to a party fact sheet. </p> <p>Woods added: "We'll also introduce grants of up to $3000 for households that need the most help getting started. </p> <p>"The solar rollout will create local jobs for electricians, installers, and roofers. Alongside our expanded Apprenticeship Boost scheme, Labour will support thousands of young tradies to build careers in a growing industry."</p> <h2>How does it compare with National's Home Energy Fund?</h2> <p>The announcement comes two weeks after <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/06/25/national-pledges-solar-loans-for-homeowners-planning-reforms/" target="_blank">National unveiled its own household solar policy</a>, a Home Energy Fund offering low-interest loans secured against property and repaid through rates – a mechanism Labour's package also adopted.</p> <p>National's campaign chairperson Simeon Brown seized on that overlap today, saying Labour had simply reproduced National's plan at greater expense.</p> <p>"Labour's announcement is essentially National's policy with a bigger price tag. They've managed to take the same idea and make taxpayers pay more for it," Brown said.</p> <p>Both parties credit the Ratepayer Assistance Scheme championed by Local Government New Zealand and Rewiring Aotearoa as helping to design the model.</p> <p>As a low-interest loan attached to a property, it would cover solar, batteries and other home electrification like hot water heat pumps. </p> <p>Labour says its proposed subsidies, loan schemes and a new EECA advisory service would be running "within 12 months of taking office".</p> <p>Labour's Woods took aim at the Government's energy record.</p> <p>"While National is doubling down on expensive fossil fuels, Labour is focused on helping New Zealanders take control of their power bills through cheaper, cleaner energy."</p> <p>Brown, however, said Labour's promise to ban oil and gas exploration would undermine energy security and this meant "less energy supply, higher electricity prices, and more pressure on households and businesses". </p> <p>He also renewed National's attack on Labour's spending, questioning how the policy could fit within what he called a "$18 billion elephant in the room".</p>