New Zealand enjoyed a record year for solar additions in 2025, buoyed by the commissioning of seven utility-scale plants. An additional 930 MW of solar is due to come online over the next three years.
New Zealand’s solar capacity reached 830 MW by the end of 2025, according to a report released by the country’s Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE).
MBIE’s Energy in New Zealand 2026 report says the country’s solar capacity increased by 52% during 2025, increasing from 545 MW at the start of the year.
The growth is attributed largely to the development of New Zealand’s utility-scale solar market, including the country’s first solar park to be connected directly to the national transmission grid. A total seven utility-scale solar plants of 9 MW or larger were switched on in New Zealand last year, the report says.
New Zealand’s cumulative solar capacity now likely stands in excess of 1 GW. Additional utility-scale plants have already been switched on in 2026, including the 150 MW Tauhei Solar Farm and 38 MW Omeheu Solar Farm.
