The New Zealand Government has announced a new $30 million Solar on Schools programme aimed at helping schools lower energy costs while improving sustainability and energy resilience.
The initiative, unveiled by Energy Minister Simeon Brown and Education Minister Erica Stanford, will provide up to 500 schools with solar panels and battery systems. Around 150 schools will also receive energy management systems to help optimize electricity use and reduce operational expenses.
The programme is being delivered through a partnership between the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) and the Ministry of Education. Funding includes $20 million from the Community Renewable Energy Fund and $10 million from the Ministry of Education.
According to early modelling, a standard 30kW solar installation could save schools up to $8,000 annually on electricity bills, with systems expected to pay for themselves within five to seven years. The initiative is also projected to generate up to 10.1GWh of renewable electricity each year, enough to power approximately 1,500 homes.
In addition to reducing costs, the programme is expected to strengthen electricity network resilience by allowing excess energy to be fed back into the grid, potentially generating $6.7 million in revenue over the next decade.
The Solar on Schools programme will be rolled out in phases from 2026 through 2028, with an initial target of installing solar systems at 80 to 100 schools during the 2026–27 summer holiday period.
The investment highlights New Zealand’s commitment to renewable energy adoption while helping schools create long-term savings and a more sustainable future.
