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12kW Solar System
12kW Solar Systems is a great investment for Kiwi homes with high levels of power consumption
Does 12kW Solar System suit my home?
A 12kW Solar System is highly popular among larger households with high energy use and a typical monthly power bill of over $500.
It is suited for families with higher number of large appliances, heated swimming pools, spa pools etc. It is also suited to electric car owners or those going to buy one.
What's in a typical 12kW Solar System?
- 24 Solar Panels
- 10kW european Fronius inverter
- From $21,500 - $26,000 installed for a high quality system for a single level property
- + add Tesla Powerwall and electric car charger
How much does a 12kW Solar System cost?
A high-quality 12kW Solar System costs from $21,500 to $26,000+ depending on various circumstances and will start making a real dent in your power bill immediately.
Harrisons Solar is dedicated to making the process easy and affordable and you can take advantage of a sustainable home loans from your bank.
How much power does a 12kW Solar System Produce?
On average, a 12kW solar system can generate approximately 15,300 kwh a year which equates to $4,600 worth of power based on $0.30c per kwh.
The actual amounts will vary from day to day, depending on factors such as the sunlight in your area, weather conditions, and the placement of your solar panels.
Over 25 years this works out to be $114,600 based on today’s electricity prices and forecast first-year generation. This is conservative as it does not account for increases in electricity prices.
The savings and financial return for a 12kW Solar System
The actual savings you make on your power bill depends on how much of this generation you use in your home versus how much you export (because export rates are lower than import rates).
We recommend setting up key appliances to run throughout the daytime to maximise the use of your generation (for systems without a battery).
The example below gives you a good idea of savings for a typical household with a daytime system without a battery.
Example of how much you can save with a 12kW Solar System
The example below is for a typical family home with an average monthly power bill of $528.
The figures are based on a 12kW Harrisons Solar System with 24 premium AIKO solar panels with a top-quality Fronius inverter.
The estimated savings for this family are $91,300 over 25 years assuming power price increases of 3.5% per year in line with the average increase over the last 20 years.
*Lifetime bill savings does not include an allowance for inverter replacement
Example net financial impact over 25 years
This system will pay for itself after 8 years meaning from 8 years onwards you are getting free power for the rest of the life of the system.
$93,376
$27,988
$65,388
*This includes an allowance for inverter replacement per the SEANZ Solassure requirements for presentation of financial estimates
*Payback does not include an allowance for inverter replacement as the payback period is prior to the expiry of the inverter warranty.
Save the planet, as well as your wallet
Here is a typical environmental footprint of a 12kW Harrisons Solar Power System.
Each Year
Each Year
This example was generated using OpenSolar software and is provided as a guide only. Actual results will vary depending on the property, electricity usage, installation requirements, electricity tariff and household energy-use patterns.
The system modelling assumes panels installed at a 25-degree pitch and facing a 0-degree azimuth, which is north in New Zealand. The installation is assumed to be on a single-level property and does not include scaffolding or additional harness costs required for health and safety purposes.
Electricity pricing is based on MBIE average figures for New Zealand low-user and standard-user plans as at 15 February 2026. The modelling uses a daily charge of $2.90 per day including GST and a variable electricity charge of 27.5 cents per kWh including GST.An export rate of 12 cents per kWh excluding GST has been used for electricity exported to the grid. Export rates are assumed to remain unchanged for the 25-year modelling period, with no inflation applied.
The household is assumed to consume approximately 19,200 kWh of electricity per year, equivalent to approximately 22 kWh per day. Solar self-consumption varies depending on the system and household energy-use patterns, but is estimated at approximately 45%. The remaining solar generation is assumed to be exported to the grid.
Projected energy costs assume electricity prices increase by 3.5% per year. The estimate considers current electricity costs, expected export credits, household electricity usage, and the position and orientation of the solar panels.
The return-on-investment calculation assumes that the Fronius inverter will be replaced once in year 15 of the system’s life. The replacement cost is assumed to be 50% of the inverter’s current replacement cost.
System performance assumptions include total system losses of 13.3%, inverter losses of 2.8%, optimiser losses of 0%, shading losses of 0%, and a performance adjustment of 0%. Output calculations use System Advisor Model 2020.02.29.r2. Panel orientation assumes 10 panels at an azimuth of 0 degrees and a slope of 25 degrees.
Electricity tariffs, export rates, daily charges, equipment prices and household electricity usage may change over time. You should contact your electricity retailer for current tariff information.
Estimates do not include replacement costs for other equipment that is not covered by warranty. Components may require maintenance or replacement after their warranty period.
The system price excludes the installation of a retailer smart meter.
Please refer to the OpenSolar proposal disclaimer for additional information.
How Long Will a 12kW Solar System Last?
Our solar panels typically come with a 30 year product and performance warranty, ensuring long-lasting performance and peace of mind.
Our German-engineered solar panels from AIKO and Austrian-made inverters from Fronius are both backed by locally held warranties.
How we've helped our customers
Hear from customers on how solar has made a real dent in their power bill.
Our Process
Four easy stages, and we're still here after the last one. Your local business owner looks after you from first visit to years down the track.
Personalised design. Sized at your place, priced on the spot.
Quality install. Harrisons-authorised installers, backed in writing.
Set up your home. We flick the switch and get you on the right plan.
Our Process
At Harrisons Solar we keep it easy as 1-2-3. Our expert team knows how to make your transition to Solar smooth and seamless.
Free In-Home Consultation
Free Expert
Design
Quality
Installation
Our Process
At Harrisons Solar we keep it easy as 1-2-3. Our expert team knows how to make your transition to Solar smooth and seamless.
Free In-Home Consultation
Free Expert
Design
Quality
Installation
Our Process
At Harrisons Solar we keep it easy as 1-2-3. Our expert team knows how to make your transition to Solar smooth and seamless.
Free In-Home Consultation
Free Expert
Design
Quality
Installation
Our Process
At Harrisons Solar we keep it easy as 1-2-3. Our expert team knows how to make your transition to Solar smooth and seamless.
Free In-Home Consultation
Free Expert
Design
Quality
Installation
Ongoing support. You make the most of the sunshine, we stick around.
Frequently asked questions
All your solar questions answered
Absolutely! New Zealand has abundant sunshine and generates between 1,700 and 2,100 sunshine hours annually. Some areas, like Nelson and Gisborne, receive as much as 2,400. Solar Panels don’t require sunshine; they require daylight, so Solar Panels work year-round, even in the lower South Island.
The average energy consumption is essential in determining the number of Solar Panels you need. A retired couple will have a different power consumption than a young family, plus pools, spas, and electric cars can also impact energy requirements.
The amount of energy Solar Panels can generate depends on sun hours and is therefore affected by your location.
Your roof size is crucial because it determines the number of Panels that can fit on your roof, how much energy will be generated, and the cost.
Check out the most popular Harrisons Residential Solar Systems.
There are several factors to consider when installing a Solar System in your home. In most scenarios, the benefits of solar power outweigh the drawbacks.
We only use the best brands
Panels, inverters and batteries backed by manufacturer warranties of up to 30 years.
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