New solar certification required for sparkies connecting to grid

As the Government tries to drive increased solar uptake across New Zealand’s residential construction sector, new regulations mean electricians need a licence to undertake grid-connected solar installations 

From 1 September 2025, any solar system intended to be connected to the grid must be installed by an electrician who holds a Mains Parallel Generation Systems licence endorsement. The Registration Notice was published on 1 September 2023 and came into force on 1 September 2024, with a one year transition period. During this time, experiences electricians were able to apply for the endorsement through grandparenting, but now anyone applying need to also complete two micro-credentials.

The new rules, set by the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB), are designed to address the unique safety risks of grid-connected systems, including solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage. Electricians who don’t hold the endorsement will no longer be legally permitted to undertake these installations. 

This new requirement follows a slew of changes proposed by the Government in June this year to try and increase solar uptake in residential building, including: 

• Expanding the permitted voltage range from +/- 6% to +/- 10%. This will help manage the changing flow of electricity sent back to the grid from rooftop solar, as well as growing levels of electric vehicle (EV) charging. 

• Clarifying that a building consent is not needed to install rooftop solar panels on existing residential buildings. 

• Requiring councils to process building consents for new homes with solar panels within 10 working days, down from the standard 20 working days. 

Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk said: “We need the right incentives in place to make rooftop solar a realistic option for Kiwis. 

“The Government is focused on getting people into safe, affordable homes faster – and we want those homes to be sustainable and future-ready.” 

Even experienced sparkies now need micro-credentials  

According to the EWRB website, until 1 August 2025, experienced sparkies could apply to be endorsed through grandparenting by proving their experience and skill level. From 1 September 2025, to become an Electrician (Endorsed Mains Parallel Generation Systems), you must have: 

• Held registration as an electrician with the EWRB in New Zealand for a period of not less than two years. 

• Gained both of the following micro-credentials: 

• • Grid-connected PV Systems, Design and Install (Level 4).

• • Grid-connected Battery Storage Systems, Design and Install (Level 4).

Sparkies urged to get solar endorsed 

Vocational training provider Skills Group is encouraging electricians to be prepared for the anticipated increase in solar installations by getting endorsed sooner rather than later. 

“Whether you’re already working in solar or want to move into this high-demand field, now is the time to act,” said Di Lithgow, Director of Trades School at Skills Group. 

“While uptake of solar systems in New Zealand has been slow to date, there is potential for greater utilisation as technology costs decrease,” said Lithgow. 

Skills Group offers the mandatory training required for a Mains Parallel Generation Systems licence endorsement through its trade school E-tec. 

Launched in May, the programme includes short NZQA-approved micro-credentials covering solar PV design and install, battery storage and stand-alone systems. The Solar PV and Battery Storage Systems micro-credentials are required for the licence endorsement. 

Each micro-credential course is part-time, combining self-led online learning with a three-day in-person block at an E-tec training facility– currently available in Auckland, with Christchurch to follow later in the year 

Upstage Electrical is also approved by the EWRB website and offers the mandatory training required for a Mains Parallel Generation Systems licence endorsement.