Going off the grid means complete energy independence. At Lightforce Solar, we make it simple and seamless with an adaptable energy system incorporating solar, designed to power your property 24/7 — even when the sun isn’t shining.
Our off-grid systems are fully self-contained and intelligently managed using a Sigenergy Gateway — the brain of your energy system. This gateway monitors your power usage in real time, manages battery charging and discharging, ensuring your energy is always used efficiently.
By investing in an off-grid solution, you’ll not only gain peace of mind and energy security — you can expect to reduce your energy costs significantly and fix your energy costs for the future. Most customers see a return on investment within 5 to 7 years and savings of at least 50%, making it a smart and sustainable financial decision, as well as an environmental one.
Read the information below to find out answers to our most commonly asked questions.
An off‑grid solar system operates completely independently from the electricity network. It includes solar panels, battery storage, an inverter, and often a backup generator. Your property generates, stores, and manages its own power—essential for remote locations or places without reliable grid access.
If you’re off the grid, experiencing frequent outages, facing high grid connection costs, or aiming for energy autonomy, off-grid may suit you. It’s ideal for rural homes, cabins, or lifestyle blocks where independence and resilience are priorities.
A complete setup includes:
Solar panels – generate electricity during daylight
Charge controller – regulates battery charging
Battery bank – stores energy for nights/cloudy days
Inverter – converts DC to usable AC power
Backup generator – for extended low-sun periods
A smart meter is essential for accurately measuring the energy your solar system generates and how much you send back to the grid. It enables real-time monitoring of your power usage, helping you maximise savings and efficiency.
With a smart meter, your electricity retailer can track both the energy you consume and the solar power you export, ensuring you receive the correct credits on your bill. It’s a key part of optimising your solar investment and making the most of your renewable energy.
The installation time for a solar system depends on the size of the system and the complexity of the installation. In general, it takes about 2 days to install a solar system for a home.
A solar green loan is a bank loan that is specifically designed to fund the purchase and installation of solar panels. Solar green loans typically have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms than traditional loans, making them an attractive option for homeowners who want to go solar.
Solar systems require very little maintenance. The only regular maintenance that is required is to clean the solar panels once a year. You may also need to replace the inverter every 10-15 years. If you choose Lightforce Solar you’ll be looked after by our customer care team and solar technicians for the entire life of your system.
Yes. Batteries are essential for storing daytime energy for night-time or cloudy periods. A backup generator is recommended in regions with prolonged overcast or high usage, ensuring reliability during low production times.
Solar panel prices have sharply decreased in the last decade, making it more affordable than ever. There’s never been a more affordable time to invest in a clean and renewable energy source with solar panels.
Take the hassle out of financing your solar system with green home loans. With many banks offering competitive rates, you can enjoy the benefits of solar power without the upfront investment. Our team of experts is here to guide you through the process and help you make the best decision for your home.
ANZ Good Energy Home Loan
ANZ’s Good Energy Home Loan provides up to $80,000 for solar panel installations and other home improvements. Enjoy a fixed rate for 3 years, making your home eco-friendly and efficient. Eligibility criteria apply.
ASB Better HOmes Top Up
ASB Better Homes Top Up lets you borrow up to $80,000 for solar panels and home upgrades, fixed for 3 years. Make your home greener with ease. Minimum equity required, along with quotes for solar installations. Exclusions and conditions apply.
BNZ Green Home Loan Top-ups
BNZ Green Home Loan Top-Ups for Solar and Eco-Upgrades: Finance sustainable changes with up to $80,000 at 1% p.a. fixed rate for 3 years. Improve insulation, ventilation, heating, and go green with electric vehicles. Flexible terms after 3 years.
Kiwibank Sustainable Energy Loan
Kiwibank Sustainable Energy Loan: Unlock up to $2,000 over 4 years for solar and more. No top-up fee for existing customers. Embrace sustainable energy now.
Westpac Greater Choices Home Loan
Westpac Greater Choices Home Loan for Solar and Beyond Elevate your home with up to $50,000 interest-free for 5 years. Enhance insulation, install solar panel, go green with electric transport. Flexibility and no establishment fees make it ideal for creating a more sustainable home and lifestyle.
Lightforce Solar has proudly served the New Zealand Solar market for more than a decade, earning the trust of countless homeowners across the nation. Our commitment to installing top-quality solar systems is unwavering. As a fully in-house solar company, Lightforce Solar boasts a dedicated team of passionate solar product experts and customer care specialists. From initial design to installation and ongoing support, we’re with you every step of the way. Plus, when you choose Lightforce Solar, you can earn Airpoints Dollars™ with your solar purchase.
