Commercial solar hero

Solar for business

Join the movement and lead the way to a renewable energy future. Power your business with our commercial solar plans.

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Commercial solar solutions for your business

At Meridian, we’re passionate about solar energy and the good news is, it's here to stay. You can enjoy that renewable energy for as long as the sun comes up. Now’s the time to make watts while the sun shines. 

How can we help? Well, renewable energy is our thing – our track record speaks for itself. From helping the Kingdom of Tonga generate from solar in 2012 to installing solar arrays across New Zealand, we’re in a prime place to help you generate your own energy for years to come. We’ve got the expertise to manage the entire process for you.

  • Clean up your carbon footprint

    Solar can help support your business’ sustainability objectives. You’ll also join the movement towards our country’s ambitious renewable energy targets. By powering your business in part with sun, you’ll reduce your scope 2 emissions.

  • Control your costs

    Solar installations can provide some long term budget certainty with less exposure to fluctuating electricity prices. Plus, they can lower operating expenses through reduced energy and network charges.

  • Walk the talk

    Commercial solar 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 reputation.

We’ve got solar solutions for big and small businesses

Business solar buy-back plans

If you’ve already got your solar arrays installed, we can purchase your exported electricity at a rate of 12 cents per kWh. Any electricity we buy-back from you will appear as a credit on your electricity bill.

We can also provide buyer-created tax invoices – a real time-saving benefit for GST-registered customers.

Here’s the buy-back rate for the different plans we have available:

Plan Term Solar buy-back rate
Variable No set term 12c/kWh**
Fixed 2 years 12c/kWh**

 

These buy-back rates apply to all solar panel systems with a rated capacity of up to 10kW. If you’re interested in equipment that generates more than 10kW, talk to us about your options. This rate does not include GST. If you're GST registered, we’ll need your GST number when you sign up.

And if you’ve got solar at home, we have a great 3 year solar plan.

Talk to our friendly team to find the plan that’s right for you.

Contact our team

 

** These rates are variable during the Term and subject to change with 30 days' notice.

Terms and conditions apply

Commercial scale solar installation

We’ve helped establish New Zealand’s largest commercial solar programme, installing solar across Kiwi Property shopping centres in Christchurch, Palmerston North, Auckland and Hamilton. Through our innovative, flexible contract options, we’re empowering Kiwi businesses to make better choices that help them do better for the environment, their customers, staff and communities.

  • Solar Power Purchase Agreement

    If you prefer no upfront capital costs, then our Solar Power Purchase Agreement could be the right choice for your business. Our Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) enables you to install solar and pay for it through monthly instalments.

    We’ll design, install and maintain a solar system for you. Your business won’t need to put any upfront capital cost towards the solar system because we’ll own it while you’re paying it off. We’ll sell the power generated back to you at an agreed c/kWh rate for the lifetime of the PPA.

    After that, you'll be the proud new owner of your solar array. A solar PPA is invoiced monthly like your regular power bill, so it doesn’t tie up capital you could use for your core business activities.

  • Solar Buy Now

    If you’d like to manage your own solar system, this is the package for you. With a Solar Buy Now package, we'll do the hard work up front. After that, you'll own and operate your solar system.

    We can get you underway with a detailed solar assessment to give you the information you need to decide if solar is right for you. If it is, we’ll help size a solar system to meet your business needs, building infrastructure and energy load. Give us a call and we’ll get you a competitive, all-inclusive quote you can rely on.

Interested in learning more?

Give us your details and we’ll call you or give the team a bell on 0800 496 777.

Submit a call back request today

What our customers have to say

  • Kiwi property

    Kiwi Property – Northlands Mall (Chch)

    Solar Power Purchase Agreement – 185kWp

    “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 (Chch)

    Solar Power Purchase Agreement – 102kWp

    “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

  • Auckland museum

    Auckland Museum (Auckland)

    Solar Buy Now

    “Meridian are proactive in bringing new ideas and technologies to us. We’ve enjoyed their technical advice over the years which has certainly helped us regarding the solar panels in particular."

    - Les Fleming, Director Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer, Auckland Museum

Submit a call back request today

Want to know more about commercial solar and what we offer? We’ll also be in touch to answer any questions and help you get started. If you already have commercial solar, let us know. 

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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Are your GST details up to date?

Keeping your GST information accurate is important, it directly affects how your electricity export is taxed. If you think your GST status may be incorrect or has recently changed, please let us know.

Simply fill out the form below, and our team will review your information. We’ll either update your account or get in touch if we need more details.