WE Share — Business Guide to Solar Finance & Funding
Empowering Waiheke businesses to invest in solar power through the right mix of finance and funding support — tailored for commercial, SME, and organisational projects under the WE Share Community Power framework.
Why This Guide Matters
Solar energy is now the most cost‑effective way for NZ businesses to manage energy costs, reduce emissions, and improve resilience.
With electricity prices rising around 8 % annually and the IRD Investment Boost (20 % upfront deduction) active since May 2025, the business case for solar has never been stronger.
This guide outlines financing and funding pathways available to businesses — from bank green loans to community‑aligned models — so you can match your budget, goals, and values.
1️⃣ Business Green Loans — Bank Pathways
Best for: Businesses seeking low-rate, sustainability-linked finance.
| Bank | Product | Typical Amount | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANZ | Business Good Energy Loan | Up to $3 million | Discounted floating (~4 %) for verified green assets; solar & batteries eligible. |
| ASB | Sustainable Business Loan | Case-by-case | Rate discount for proven sustainability outcomes. |
| BNZ | Green Business Loan | Up to $3 million | Simplified approval for renewable installations; ESG reporting encouraged. |
| Westpac | Sustainable Business Loan | Case-by-case | Funds low-carbon and clean-tech upgrades. |
| Kiwibank | Sustainable Energy Loan | Up to $50 000 | Primarily for smaller or owner-operator businesses. |
Pros: Lower interest, retained ownership, full Investment Boost + depreciation benefits.
Cons: Subject to credit/security approval; eligibility varies by asset type.
Note: Rates and terms current as at October 2025. Confirm with provider as they frequently change.
2️⃣ Asset Finance & Hire Purchase
Best for: SMEs preferring equipment-secured finance and fast approval.
- System acts as collateral; ownership transfers after final payment.
- Typical term: 3–7 years; interest slightly above bank term loans.
Pros
- Quick turnaround approval.
- Repayments align with energy savings.
- Ownership benefits after final payment.
Cons
- Higher interest rate compared to bank loans.
- Break costs may apply.
Providers
| Provider | Notes |
|---|---|
| UDC | Fast asset-based approvals. |
| Marac | Flexible SME options. |
| Heartland | Competitive terms for equipment finance. |
| Main Banks | Available through most major lenders. |
Note: Verify current rates directly with providers (typical range: 5–7 %).
3️⃣ Operating Lease & Payment Plan
Best for: Tenanted sites or businesses avoiding upfront CapEx.
- Financier owns the system; you pay a fixed monthly fee.
- Term: 3–7 years; typically includes monitoring & maintenance.
Pros
- Predictable monthly Opex cost.
- Fast approval compared to loans.
- No upfront capital investment required.
Cons
- Higher total long-term cost.
- You do not own the asset.
Providers
| Provider | Notes |
|---|---|
| Smart Ease | 0-upfront clean-energy payment plans. |
| UDC | Asset-supported leasing options. |
| Specialist Leasing Firms | Suitable for customised energy-as-a-service structures. |
Tip: Compare total Opex cost vs expected solar savings before signing.
4️⃣ On-Site Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
Best for: Medium–large energy users with stable tenure.
- Provider installs, owns, and maintains the system.
- You buy the solar energy at a fixed $ / kWh rate (typically 10–20% below retail).
- Terms: 10–20 years; buy-out option mid-term or end-of-term.
Pros
- $0 upfront cost.
- Predictable long-term energy pricing.
- No performance or maintenance risk.
Cons
- Long-term contractual commitment.
- Not eligible for the Investment Boost incentive.
Typical Fit
Sites with:
• > 70 kW daytime load
• > $2,000/month electricity bills
• Strong daytime consumption profile
Providers
| Provider | Notes |
|---|---|
| Ecotricity | Renewable-only PPA structures; Can include battery options. |
| Lodestone | Large-scale solar specialists offering long-term PPAs. |
| Our Energy | Community-aligned energy-as-a-service models. |
| SolarZero (Business) | Full Opex model; monitoring + maintenance included. |
Confirm: escalation clauses and buy-out values before signing.
5️⃣ Off-Site / Corporate PPAs
Best for: Multi-site portfolios or corporates wanting renewable coverage.
- Contract directly with solar or wind farms through a retailer (sleeved or virtual PPA).
- Common for ESG reporting, emissions reduction, and long-term price hedging.
Pros
- Strong renewable energy credentials.
- Long-term electricity price stability.
- Helps fund new renewable generation projects.
Cons
- More complex contracting structure.
- Typically suited only to medium-large organisations.
Verify: accounting treatment and hedge implications with your auditor.
6️⃣ Community, Council & EECA Pathways
Best for: Schools, community facilities, and SMEs aligned with local sustainability initiatives.
| Program | Type | Region | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WE Share Pilot | Community solar funding | Waiheke Island | Contact WE Share to discuss opportunities for financial assistance within the pilot. Current pilot phase includes 50 additional installs – primarily residential but may include small business systems under the community ownership model. |
| EECA Business Co-Funding | Efficiency grants | Nationwide | Case-by-case support for commercial energy innovation projects. Apply directly through EECA’s business funding portal. |
| Council / Local Board Grants | Resilience funding | Regional | Emerging Ratepayer Assistance schemes are under review in several regions. Check local council availability and criteria. |
Status: EECA and Council mechanisms are evolving. Terms and eligibility should be verified before application.
7️⃣ Pre-Finance Checklist
Quick checks before you sign: procurement, site readiness, insurance and compliance.
Checklist
- ✅ Get 2–3 SEANZ-accredited quotes.
- ✅ Check roof condition, tenure, and energy data.
- ✅ Review finance terms for rate, fees, buy-out, and escalation.
- ✅ Confirm insurance and maintenance coverage.
- ✅ Seek independent financial and legal advice.