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Solar for business

Solar for business is a tangible and measurable commitment to the environment. It’s out there for your customers and the market to see, giving a sunny boost to your business reputation.

Already got solar or looking to install?

Needing to install solar metering? 

You will need an export capable meter before you can export back to the grid. Head to our meter tariff change page to learn more and get started.

If you've got solar, we can buy your excess generation back from you

If you’ve already got a solar array installed, we can purchase your exported electricity back from you. You just need to ensure you are set up to export back to the grid. Any electricity we buy-back from you will appear as a credit on your electricity bill.

We also provide buyer-created tax invoices, a real time-saving benefit for GST-registered customers. If you're GST registered, we’ll need your GST number when you sign up with us.

Here’s the buy-back rate offered with our business plans:

Plan Solar buy-back rate
Simple Flexi 12c/kWh** excl. GST
Fixed 12c/kWh** excl. GST

These buy-back rates apply to solar systems connected via a Non-Half Hourly (NHH) business classified supply. Larger connections, classified as Commercial & Industrial (C&I) or Time of Use (TOU), are not eligible for these rates and are typically credited based on the energy wholesale market price at the time of export.

If you’ve got solar at home, we have a great residential solar plan you might like to check out.

**Rates are variable and subject to change with 30 days' notice.

Terms and conditions apply

Frequently asked questions

Meridian's commercial solar solution

We currently offer Meridian-owned commercial solar solutions for businesses installing systems of 200kWp or larger, meaning you can go solar with no upfront capital investment. We refer to this as a power purchase agreement (PPA). At the end of the term, you'll be the proud owner of the solar array.

We’ll take care of the design, installation, and maintenance of the solar system, and sell you the electricity it generates at a pre-agreed rate for the duration of our agreement.

Meridian don't currently provide a solar install solution that you can pay for upfront and own from the get-go.

Check out one of our recent installs below

Grove Mill: A legacy of sustainability, powered by the sun

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  • GroveMill solar content

Grove Mill in Marlborough has been crafting award-winning wines with a deep respect for the environment for over 30 years. From using recycled glass bottles to sourcing locally made bottle caps and restoring nearby wetlands, sustainability has always been important to Grove Mill.

With deep expertise in renewable energy, Meridian and Grove Mill saw the opportunity to partner on the next step of their sustainability journey with confidence. Meridian managed the project end-to-end, through design, procurement, and installation, ensuring a seamless journey to meet Grove Mill's operational and sustainability needs.
 
The result is a new high-performing 140kWp solar array at the Wairau Valley site. It’s a practical investment that delivers both value to Grove Mill's operations and supports their long-term commitment to sustainability, helping them produce exceptional wine from more sources of renewable energy.

What other customers have to say

  • Kiwi property

    Kiwi Property

    Northlands Mall (Christchurch)

    “This programme is important to Kiwi Property and our commitment to the environment, as it builds on our existing on-site solar installation, at grid-competitive prices. It will also contribute directly to the growth of renewables in New Zealand.”

    - Linda Trainer, General Manager - Asset Management, Kiwi Property

  • Lincoln University

    Lincoln University

    Te Kete Ika (Christchurch)

    “Meridian’s commercial solar terms have helped Lincoln University move ahead with our first solar project on our Te Kete Ika building. It’s part of our wider sustainability goals and the start of a larger rollout of onsite renewable energy.”

    - Phil O’Callaghan, Chief Operating Officer, Lincoln University

  • ThePride solar rooftop.webp

    Lion NZ

    The Pride (Auckland)

    "Since 2019 - we have reduced Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions at the Pride by 13 per cent per kilolitre of beverage produced. By investing in solar, we will increase our reliance on new renewable energy, reduce our carbon emissions further and free up more than a megawatt of demand from the national grid.”

    - Lion NZ Managing Director Craig Baldie

Interested in Meridian's commercial solar solution?

Want to know more about what we offer and how this may be of benefit to you? Fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch to discuss.

FAQs

Are there requirements to going solar?

There are many factors to consider such as your roof size, amount of electricity you use and when you use it. We’ll work with you to see if a solar system is right for you.

What are the cost benefits of commercial solar? Can going solar save money?

Solar installations provide both short- and long-term costs benefits. Solar systems can pay themselves off in the long run, as well as being great for the environment. You’ll have a lower electricity bill through reduced grid supplied energy and network costs.

What happens to any excess energy my solar system generates? Can I sell my solar energy?

If the solar system generates more electricity than you’re using, the system will export to the grid. However, we’ll design your solar system to ensure that it’s an optimal size for your business to minimise this. If your system does export excess energy, Meridian will buy back this electricity at an agreed rate.

What are the maintenance requirements for a commercial solar system?

With a Meridian Power Purchase Agreement, we’ll maintain your solar system for you during the duration of the PPA. Otherwise, it’s your responsibility to maintain, but most of these tasks are straightforward like cleaning the panels.

How does exporting solar generation affect GST?

GST usually does not apply to the electricity you generate and export back to us, unless you are GST registered and using business assets for generation. In that case, GST applies to the exported electricity. 

If you are not registered for GST, your solar generation will not be subject to GST.

I’m GST registered. How will this affect the solar power I export?

If you’re GST registered and your solar power generation is part of your business activities required to be reported on for GST purposes, please provide us with your GST number we’ll update your Meridian account.  

Once your GST number is linked, we will apply a GST credit equal to 15% of your GST exclusive export credit amount on your buyer created tax invoice (BCTI), which appears at the bottom of your monthly statement.

What is a Buyer-Created Tax Invoice (BCTI)?

A Buyer-Created Tax Invoice is an invoice we create on your behalf. Think of it as an invoice from you, charging us for your exported solar power. If you are GST registered and created the invoice to send to us yourself, you would need to include the GST amount and your GST number on your invoice. Providing us with your GST number allows us to do this for you.

Below is an example of a customer bill with GST included.

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