New Zealand’s solar generation hit a new peak on 6 March 2025, with 128 megawatts (MW) produced, setting a national record.
The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko reported that this historic achievement signals a continued shift toward solar energy in the country’s electricity grid.
A Record-Setting Achievement
New Zealand’s solar generation reached a historic 128 MW, the highest level ever recorded. During the same week, the country averaged 69 MW of daytime solar generation and achieved a total weekly output of 5.5 gigawatt-hours (GWh)—enough to power 795 households for a full year.
This record follows a previous achievement in December 2024 when solar generation surpassed thermal generation for the first time. Experts attribute the continued growth in solar output to the rise in both large-scale projects and smaller residential and commercial installations.
More Solar Power Coming in 2025
The recent record is expected to be surpassed soon, as several major solar projects are set to come online in 2025. These include:
- Te Rahui Solar Farm (400 MW) – A joint project by Meridian Energy and Nova Energy
- Kowhai Park Solar Farm (168 MW) – Developed by Contact Energy and Lightsource
- Lodestone Energy’s 32 MW Solar Farm in Whitianga
New Zealand’s committed future solar generation capacity will increase by 652 MW with these projects, reinforcing the country’s move toward a cleaner, renewable energy system.
The Growing Role of Residential and Commercial Solar
Smaller-scale solar systems in residential, commercial, and small business sectors are rapidly increasing their contribution to New Zealand’s renewable energy efforts. The combined capacity of these systems had reached 408 MW by December 2024, underscoring the growing adoption of solar energy across the country.
Policy Changes to Support Solar Growth
The Electricity Authority is considering changes to energy market regulations in an effort to promote solar adoption.
According to the Authority, “it is currently proposing rule changes that better reward households and small businesses for supplying electricity to the network at peak times, typically through their own solar and battery systems.”
These revisions are expected to enhance overall efficiency and drive further adoption of solar energy.
Conclusion:
New Zealand’s solar energy sector is growing at an accelerated pace, fuelled by large-scale projects, a rise in small-scale installations, and favourable policy developments.
With additional projects scheduled for launch in 2025, the country is poised to break more records, further decreasing its reliance on fossil fuels and advancing toward a fully renewable energy grid.