Can you run a heat pump on solar power? Yes. And Auckland is one of the best places in NZ to do it. Here is how the two systems work together, what you can realistically expect to save, and the one timing trick that makes all the difference.
Auckland is the best solar region in NZ. The combination of high electricity prices and good sun hours makes heat pump and solar integration more viable here than almost anywhere else in the country.
A heat pump does not know or care where its electricity comes from. The key is timing its use to match when your solar panels are generating.
Your solar panels generate the most power between roughly 9am and 4pm on clear days. In Auckland, a 4kW system generates 5,600 to 6,400 kWh per year. The electricity is fed directly into your home first, reducing what you draw from the grid.
Every unit of solar electricity you self-consume saves you 35c. Every unit you export earns only 7-12c. The trick is to run your heat pump during the day when solar is generating, pre-heating the house so it needs less energy in the evening when panels are off.
Set your heat pump timer to run from 10am to 3pm in winter, bringing the house up to temperature while solar is generating. It then maintains warmth into the evening with minimal extra power. This is the single most effective solar and heat pump strategy.
Any solar generation not used by the heat pump or other appliances is exported to the grid at the feed-in tariff (typically 8-12c/kWh). This offsets your evening grid usage. You are unlikely to eliminate your power bill entirely, but expect to cut it significantly.
Solar and heat pumps are both seasonal. Understanding when each works best helps you set realistic expectations.
Solar is unlikely to cover all your winter heating needs. It significantly reduces what you pay but will not eliminate your power bill in the colder months. The combination still makes strong financial sense over the life of the system.
These are the differences between an average solar and heat pump setup and one that genuinely cuts your power bill.
Set the timer to run between 10am and 3pm in winter. Pre-heat the house during peak solar generation. The thermal mass of your home retains heat well into the evening, reducing how much grid power you need after sunset. See our full efficiency tips guide for more on timers.
A standard 2.5-3.5kW heat pump draws 0.7-1.2kW of electricity when running. A 4-6kW solar system covers this comfortably on clear Auckland days while still powering other appliances. Heat pump installation costs and solar costs can often be bundled into a green home loan.
North-facing at 20-30 degrees is optimal in NZ. But east or west-facing panels still generate well in Auckland's sunny climate. If your main living areas face north and your roof faces east, consider panel placement that maximises morning generation to cover the 10am-3pm heating window.
Based on a typical North Shore home with a 2.5kW high-wall heat pump and a 5kW solar system.
Figures based on 35c/kWh electricity, 5kW solar system, 50-60% self-consumption. Actual savings depend on your usage pattern, roof orientation and electricity retailer. Feed-in tariffs vary by retailer (8-17c/kWh in 2026) — check your retailer's buy-back rate before investing.
There is no government rebate for solar in NZ, but the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme covers up to 90% of your heat pump installation cost (capped at $3,450) if you qualify. Installing both at the same time means you could get the heat pump almost free, then invest more in your solar system.
Can a heat pump run entirely on solar power?
In summer, yes for most of the day. In winter, partially. Your solar panels generate the most power when heating demand is lowest (summer), and the least when demand is highest (winter evenings). The timer strategy reduces winter grid dependency significantly but will not eliminate it entirely.
Does adding solar reduce my heat pump running costs?
Yes. At 35c per kWh, a 2.5kW heat pump running for 4 hours a day costs around $1.40 in electricity. If solar covers those 4 hours, that is $1.40 saved per day, around $500 per year in heating season alone. Multiply that across the full system life and the savings are substantial.
Do I need a battery to make solar and heat pump work together?
No. A battery helps store solar for evening use but adds $10,000-$18,000 to the system cost. The timer strategy — pre-heating with solar during the day — achieves similar results using your home's thermal mass as free storage. Batteries make more sense if you have high evening electricity use beyond just heating.
Is there a government subsidy for solar in NZ?
No direct residential solar rebate exists in NZ in 2026, unlike Australia. However several banks offer green home loans at reduced interest rates for solar installations — Kiwibank, ANZ and BNZ all have products. Some lenders allow solar and heat pump costs to be bundled into a single green loan.
Which heat pump brands work best with solar?
All brands we install are compatible with solar. The key feature to look for is a good timer function. Most modern units including Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin and Panasonic have precise timer controls built in. Some newer models also have smart home integration for automatic scheduling. See our full installation guide for brand options.