New Zealand has exempted rooftop solar panels from securing building consent under the Building Act from October 23, 2025
Most households can install solar panels without even needing clearance from a chartered professional engineer, thanks to pre-engineered kits available in the market
The government also plans to introduce fast-track building consents for ‘sustainable buildings’ with solar generation in their design
In a move to accelerate sustainable construction, New Zealand has removed the requirement for building consent under the Building Act for rooftop solar panels. The exemption took effect on October 23, 2025, and will apply to all existing homes and commercial buildings.
The government expects this ‘commonsense’ move will streamline the process and accelerate deployment while noting that these exemptions complement the existing exemptions for ground-mounted solar panel arrays.
“Until now, decision-making on solar panel consents has varied between councils, creating uncertainty for homeowners who want to make smart decisions in reducing their carbon footprint and energy bills,” said New Zealand’s Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. “Making the process simpler by removing burdensome red tape is expected to save Kiwis around $1,200 per consent and help avoid unnecessary delays.”
Under the new rules, for rooftop installations over 40 m2 in total area/roof or in high wind speed areas, a chartered professional engineer will need to provide or review the design of the structural fixings for the exemption to apply. Since most systems available in the market currently come as pre-engineered kits already signed off by a chartered professional engineer, these are ready to use. Rooftop solar arrays under 40 m2 will not require the engineer’s design or review.
Penk adds, “Most residential rooftop solar arrays are between 25 and 30 square metres, so the majority of households will be able to install their solar panels without involving an engineer.”
New Zealand also plans to fast-track building consents for new residential buildings with solar generation incorporated into their design, aiming to bring down the processing time from 20 working days to just 10. These will be called ‘sustainable buildings’.
Buildings will need to meet performance criteria to earn the label of a sustainable building, which requires them to demonstrate at least one of the following features – high energy efficiency, water efficiency, low embodied carbon, or climate resiliency.
Legislation to establish a fast-track building consent process for sustainable buildings, including those with rooftop solar panels, will be introduced into the Parliament in early 2026, according to Penk. The process will initially be implemented for rooftop solar projects. Outcomes will be monitored before extending it to other sustainable building types.