William SmithOne time my friend thought he could DIY his home with solar panels. But he isn’t exactly Mr. Fix-It. Cables ended up in a tangled mess, and to make matters worse, he managed to short out his house’s electricity in the process.
This little solar panel fiasco got me thinking: surely, Auckland has reputable professionals who can get this right without the drama. \=
Wanting to spare anyone else from a solar panel disaster, I had some help from the rest of the Auckland Magazine team in looking into the top solar panel companies in the city.
Through methodical research and rigorous legwork, we’ve curated a list of Auckland’s best solar panel providers, ensuring you can have a proper solar-panelled home (or business).
| How much does it cost to install solar panels in Auckland? Installing solar panels in Auckland costs at least 5 NZD per square foot. This price is just an estimate. The actual price will vary depending on the panel size, the system specifics, and the labour fees. |
How We Chose
1. Future Energy Auckland
Address: 29 Olive Road, Penrose, Auckland 1061, New Zealand
Contact Details: +64800338363
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Future Energy is known for being a carbon-zero sustainable solar panel business. Several customers shared that it felt good to know that the company practices what they preach about environmental responsibility.
People also really appreciated the thorough consultation and site assessment. Many mentioned how the team took the time to explain everything in detail, which made them feel more confident in their decision.
Plus, with SEANZ-certified installers, people felt assured that they were getting quality installation. Many remarked that they could tell they had done this a million times because of how smooth the process was.
We also love the cloud monitoring portal the company sets up after installation. It allows clients to see their system working in real-time, giving them a sense of how much they’re saving on electricity costs daily.
People also commended Future Energy for completing the process with a detailed handover document. This document includes everything you need to know about your system and ongoing maintenance.
That being said, a few customers mentioned delays in communication after signing the initial contract.
Pros
- A carbon-zero business
- Thorough site assessment
- SEANZ-certified installers
- Cloud monitoring portal
- Detailed handover document
Cons
- Occasional communication delays
Very helpful and informative and gave us good advice
“It was a pleasure to meet Jarrod at the outset. He was very helpful and informative and gave us good advice about what system would suit our needs best. Heath was also very helpful and the installing team were friendly and efficient. We have also appreciated the support from Dejana in the office who has responded to questions rapidly and clearly.
We are very pleased to have had our solar panels installed quickly and without any inconvenience.
Thank you to the team.”
– mimi irwin Google Review
They had great attention to detail and thoroughly cleaned up after themselves
“Great service! Chris and the team were total pros. They installed an air conditioning system for us and we were impressed with the care they took. They were respectful of our home and one another, with good communication and a safety first attitude. They had great attention to detail and thoroughly cleaned up after themselves, even vacuuming the garage which they used to lay out their materials. We’re delighted with the result and highly recommend Future Energy – they’re great to work with!”
– Cathy Stinear Google Review
2. Vital Solar
Address: 5a Tony Street, Henderson, Auckland 0610, New Zealand
Contact Details: +64800848251
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
If you’re looking for support and quality, Vital Solar is a solid choice. They tailor systems for each customer after a detailed analysis. For businesses, they do a full energy audit and design custom solutions.
This personalised service really struck a chord with their customers. People mentioned how the company walked them through the whole process. They didn’t just dump the panels on the roof and leave. They kept in touch and answered any questions.
Plus, they’ve got licenced electricians and a 25-year warranty, which gives that extra peace of mind.
Their SunPower solar panels and Enphase microinverters are also impressive. Many of their clients were able to reduce their power bills by up to 80% because of them.
One common downside, though, was the initial cost. While many appreciated the green loan options with low interest rates, some still felt the upfront expense was hefty.
Pros
- SunPower solar panels
- Enphase microinverters
- Reduces power bills by up to 80%
- 25-year warranty
- Green loan options
Cons
- High upfront cost
Vital uphold themselves to high values and deliver on them
“It can be hard to find a premium service these days, Vital Solar are exactly that.We have referred some work to Vital from customers of ours. We have always had great feedback passed back to us.
After some time now, it’s clear to us Vital uphold themselves to high values and deliver on them.
We are happy to keep recommending Vital to our customers and wish them all the best!
Cheers from Eco Shine Solar”
– Edwin O’Dea Google Review
His workmanship was outstanding and he made the job look really simple
“If I could give this firm ten stars I would. I’ve had an Enphase solar system for nine years now and the monitoring unit failed three years ago. No one was interested in helping me rectify the problem. After nearly giving in altogether I found Vital Solar and decided to contact them as a last resort.
Maryann is a priceless diamond when it comes to service and action and did more for me in two days than I had achieved in three years. Inside a fortnight my system is fully operational once again. Cameron who was the installer was punctual and a true professional. His workmanship was outstanding and he made the job look really simple. Explained in detail at every step what was going on and left the work site spotless. If one wants first class service and top quality workmanship you can’t go past this firm.”
– Geoffrey Voice Google Review
3. Solarcraft
Address: 6/4 Manga Road, Silverdale, Auckland 0932, New Zealand
Contact Details: +64274677279
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
If you value a system particularly designed for your home, you might want to check out Solar Craft. People really like Solar Craft’s flexibility, with many telling us they felt genuinely listened to by the team when setting up their customised system.
Several customers mentioned how Solar Craft tailored a hybrid solar power system that perfectly suited their home’s energy needs.
We also heard great things about the installation team. Solar Craft’s own crew handles the installation rather than passing the job off to subcontractors. A few homeowners gushed about how the crew left their home cleaner than before they arrived.
That being said, some people pointed out that all this customisation means a longer wait time from the first consultation to the final installation. Granted that he wait’s not outrageous, but it’s something to think about if you’re hoping for a quick turnaround.
Pros
- Customisation
- Flexibility
- Hybrid systems
- Installation quality
- Cleanliness
Cons
- Long wait times
The panels installed look seemless on our roof
“We are very pleased to have gone with Solar Craft. Tim took us through the process of understanding our load requirements and recommending what has turned out to be a great setup. The panels installed look seemless on our roof and the battery inverter has been invaluable with the number of power outages in our neighbourhood since we moved in. Quality install, great aftercare service and pleasant team to deal with. Highly recommended.”
– Miles Davis Google Review
Working with Solarcraft has always been a rewarding and enjoyable experience
“Solarcraft, wonderful Solarcraft – how perfect they are! These lovely, skilled people have done several jobs for us and we couldn’t be more pleased. Tim and the crew couldn’t be more knowledgeable, friendly, competent, obliging and responsive, and their work – which counts the most – is top notch, absolutely the best! And Savannah in the office couldn’t be any more pleasant and helpful. Working with Solarcraft has always been a rewarding and enjoyable experience, and our solar system is functioning beyond our expectations. Our highest recommendations, which we only give for a very special team!”
– Joanna & Ro Google Review
4. Solarflow
Contact Details:+642102741088
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 8 AM to 6 PM
If you’re looking for a company that offers an array of solar solutions and values customer input, Solar Flow is definitely worth considering.
Almost everyone we spoke with had great things to say about their initial consultation. Many noted how the representatives were knowledgeable but, more importantly, listened closely to what they wanted.
People loved the range of options Solar Flow offers. From small, simple grid-tied systems perfect for a small household to more complex commercial and off-grid solutions, there’s something for everyone. It’s no wonder they’re a Tesla-accredited and preferred installer!
The solar panels’ actual performance also received rave reviews. Many were pleased with how the systems significantly cut down their electricity bills.
Additionally, the system’s integration with smart home devices was a big hit. People loved the ease of checking their energy consumption right from their phones.
The only complaint we’ve heard about them revolved around the punctuality of the installers. Some people didn’t like how the installers showed up later than the agreed time.
Pros
- Attentive customer service
- Excellent system performance
- Integration with smart home devices
- Tesla accredited
Cons
- Occasional punctuality issues with installers
Excellent communication
“Had such great service from start to finish.Excellent communication about when measurement and install were going to happen. Everyone was on time, knowledgable and friendly, and the install went smoothly.Very happy customer! Well done Jake and team!”
– Richard Sissons Google Review
Thorough, very efficient & tidy
“Highly recommend! Great staff! Installation was seemless. So happy with the quality of our heat pump as well as how professional & pleasant the installers were. Isaac & Conoray were thorough, very efficient & tidy. Shining recommendation from our household!”
– Giverney Te Paa Google Review
5. Total Solar
Address: 18 Fielding Crescent, Farm Cove, Auckland 2012, New Zealand
Contact Details: +6496001255
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
If you’re looking for a solar panel company with a skilled team that’s there from start to finish, Total Solar is a solid choice. They do both residential and commercial solar installations.
Customers love that the company personally handles everything. With their own team doing the installation, there’s no waiting around for a subcontractor to show up.
Their team is known for being well-organised and reliable. Many clients told us they felt reassured knowing the same people were with them from start to finish.
Flexibility is another strong suit. Families with tiny homes enjoyed that Total Solar could accommodate their off-grid dreams just as easily as a large family’s needs.
However, some commercial clients mentioned that while the in-house team was skilled, larger installations took a little longer than expected.
Pros
- Skilled in-house team
- Organised
- Dependable
- Caters small homes to large commercial projects
Cons
- Larger commercial projects may take longer
All work has been done very neatly and professionally
“Pedro has done an excellent job with the installation. All work has been done very neatly and professionally. I have a hybrid system with 10kw battery and it works really well- good power savings even in winter. Highly recommend Pedro Shelan, and the Total Zero Team if you are thinking of going Solar.”
– Faryaaz Ali Google Review
Their install was also fairly priced
I’ve got nothing but praise for Total Solar. Their contact is great, they don’t muck you around. Our system is running really well. I waited over a year to review in case something went wrong & finally a breaker did need to be replaced & I can confirm they got back to me straight away & it was fixed within a week. Their install was also fairly priced compared with competitors even though they came down from Auckland. We’ve gone from about $3300 powerbill to a $800 credit/year.
– Cassandra White Google Review
