In the past few months, several government initiatives – that are set to supercharge New Zealand’s commercial solar sector – have launched. From major tax incentives to solar-friendly energy policy, there’s never been a better time for Kiwi businesses to invest in solar and storage.
Here are three big reasons why.
1. The Investment Boost Scheme
Launched in May 2025, the Investment Boost Scheme allows eligible businesses to deduct 20% of a new asset’s value from that year’s taxable income – on top of normal depreciation.[1]
With no asset or value limit, this scheme gives businesses a rare opportunity to maximise tax deductions while also investing in their future. Analysts have already linked it to a 26% YoY jump in car sales last month,[2] and government forecasts suggest that it will drive a 1% GDP and 1.5% wage growth over the next 20 years.
For businesses looking to reduce energy costs, this scheme makes solar – or better yet, solar plus battery storage – an incredibly attractive option.
Example scenario
Cost to install a commercial solar and storage system: $100,000
Year 1 deduction: $20,000 via Investment Boost and $12,800 (16% DV on remaining $80,000)
Total Year 1 tax deduction on taxable income: $32,800
This is where making a smart energy-efficiency investment using a Smart Ease Payment Plan can be a game changer to unlock maximum value.
By purchasing a solar and storage system using a Smart Ease Payment Plan, a business can:
- get their equipment installed for $0 upfront,
- start enjoying energy bill savings immediately, and
- claim the 20% deduction of the first-year investment,
all while preserving their own capital to potentially use on a separate investment that they can again claim the Investment Boost on.
2. Better grid export rebates
This month, the Electricity Authority introduced new rules requiring New Zealand’s biggest energy companies to pay fair export rates to households and businesses that send electricity back to the grid at peak times.[3]
By 30 June 2026, these companies must also offer time-of-use pricing, enabling users to shift consumption to off-peak periods for additional savings.
For business owners, this means solar and storage systems are no longer just a way to save, but potentially a whole new revenue stream. This move is expected to accelerate solar adoption across the country.
3. Solar on Farms Program
In June, Energy Minister Simon Watts announced a Solar on Farms initiative designed to support Kiwi farmers in adopting energy-efficiency technology.[4]
While the full details are still to come, the program signals long-awaited government recognition of how much the agricultural sector stands to gain from energy independence.
At Smart Ease, we’ve seen the impact firsthand. More than 25% of our 11,000+ funded projects have been with agribusinesses. These businesses often face the highest energy costs and operational risks from grid dependence, making solar + storage an especially smart investment.
Read about Smart Ease funded solar projects for agribusinesses here.
The bottom line
In recent years, government support for energy-efficiency programs has waned. That’s why new initiatives like these are so encouraging, they confirm that clean energy isn’t just good for the planet, it makes solid economic sense. It’s here to stay.
For Kiwi business owners, now is the time to invest in energy-efficiency, start saving on energy bills, and future-proof operations. To learn how your business can take advantage of these changes for $0 upfront, speak to us today.
[1] https://budget.govt.nz/budget/pdfs/releases/l25a-factsheet-investment-boost.pdf
[2] https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/360746176/junes-rise-new-car-sales-credited-new-govt-scheme
[3] https://www.nationaltribune.com.au/electricity-sector-changes-create-more-ways-to-save/
[4] https://assets.nationbuilder.com/seanz/pages/6232/attachments/original/1752548619/Solar_on_Farms_-_EECA_SEANZ_CSF_MBIE_150725.pdf?1752548619