Where to mount plug-in solar panels: your options for every NZ home

Plug-in solar panels don't need a $15,000 roof installation. They don't need an electrician, a building consent, or a crane. But they do need somewhere to sit that faces the sun.

That somewhere can be more flexible than you'd think. A garage roof. A deck. A north-facing fence. Even your lawn. This post walks through the five main mounting options for plug-in solar in NZ homes, with practical notes on what works, what to watch out for, and where our community is planning to put theirs.

Why mounting matters more than you think

The difference between a good mount and a bad one isn't just aesthetic. It directly affects how much power you generate.

Two factors matter most:

Angle: In New Zealand, solar panels perform best when tilted toward the north at roughly 30 to 40 degrees. This maximises exposure to the sun's path across our sky. Flat panels still work, but they generate noticeably less, especially in winter.

Shade: Even partial shade on one panel can reduce output across the whole system. A shadow from a chimney, a tree branch, or a neighbouring roofline falling on your panels for even two hours a day can cut your generation significantly.

With those two principles in mind, here are your options.

Tell us where you'd put yours

We want to know. Plug-in solar panels can work in more places than most people realise, and your answer helps us understand what the right setup looks like for Kiwi homes.

Where would you most likely mount your plug-in solar panels?

• On the roof of your house or garage/sleep out roof
• On the lawn, ground or deck
• On a wall or fence
• On a balcony rail

Share this post with someone who's been thinking about solar but assumed they couldn't because they rent, or because they don't have the right roof. The options might surprise them.

We will share the results of this poll in one of our newsletters.

Option 1: Garage roof or outbuilding roof

This is often the best option for homeowners with an older garage or sleepout that doesn't have panels on it yet.

A garage roof tends to be lower-pitched and easier to access than the main house roof. In many cases, panels can be laid directly on the surface or mounted on simple tilt brackets without any penetrations or complex structure.

What works well: Good angle flexibility. Away from the main house, so less visual impact. Often north-facing if the garage faces the street.

Watch out for: Shade from the main house or trees, especially in winter when the sun is lower. Check the roof's condition before adding weight.

Renter note: This option usually requires landlord permission, since it involves the building. Have a conversation before you start.

Option 2: Deck or veranda

A deck is one of the most practical options, especially if it faces north or northwest. Panels can be mounted on freestanding A-frame brackets that sit directly on the decking, with no fixings required.

This is one of the most accessible setups for renters, because nothing is permanently attached to the property.

What works well: Easy to reposition. No fixings needed. Simple to take with you when you move. If your deck is elevated and north-facing, you can get excellent exposure.

Watch out for: Railings and roof overhangs casting shade at certain times of day. Make sure your brackets won't create a trip hazard or block the deck's use.

Angle tip: A-frame brackets typically allow you to adjust tilt angle. Aim for around 30 to 40 degrees facing north.

Option 3: Lawn or ground mount

If you have a north-facing section of garden with clear sky above it, a ground mount can be as effective as any rooftop system, and easier to adjust.

Freestanding ground frames (or even heavy ballast mounts) let you position panels exactly where the sun hits best. You can orient them perfectly, tilt them to the ideal angle, and adjust seasonally if you want to.

What works well: Maximum flexibility. No structural concerns. Easy to clean and maintain. Best option if your roof or deck is shaded.

Watch out for: Panels on the ground can be more exposed to physical damage, dirt splash, and interference from children or pets. Make sure they're secured properly and in a spot where they won't be knocked.

Renter note: Ground mounts that don't penetrate or damage the lawn are generally the most landlord-friendly option. Most landlords won't object to something you can pick up and move.

Option 4: Wall or fence mount

A north-facing fence or exterior wall can be a solid mounting option, especially in urban properties where deck or lawn space is limited.

Wall and fence mounts hold panels at a more vertical angle than rooftop or ground setups, which means they capture less solar energy overall. However, in winter, when the sun is lower in the sky, a more vertical angle can actually outperform flat roof panels.

What works well: Urban sections with limited space. Walls that face true north. Good for winter generation.

Watch out for: The steeper the angle, the less energy in summer. A fence facing northeast or northwest instead of due north will also reduce output. Make sure the fence is structurally sound enough to handle the additional load and wind resistance.

Renter note: Fixing brackets to a fence typically requires permission. If the fence is a boundary fence, check who owns it first.

Option 5: Balcony rail or balcony mount

Balcony solar, called Balkonsolar in Germany, is the dominant use case in European countries where plug-in solar is already legal. It's designed specifically for apartment renters.

Panels mount directly to balcony railings using clamps, with no drilling required. The system hangs on the outside of the railing, tilted toward the sun.

What works well: Perfect for apartments and townhouses. No structural changes. The most common setup globally. In Germany, this is what most of the 1 million-plus plug-in solar installs look like.

Watch out for: Balcony direction matters a lot. In NZ, you want a balcony that faces north, northeast, or northwest. West-facing balconies can still generate useful afternoon power.

Renter note: Balcony mounts in Germany require written notification to the landlord, who is generally obligated to approve unless they have documented structural reasons not to. NZ doesn't have equivalent rights yet, but this is exactly what we're working toward.

Frequently asked questions

Do the panels have to be on a roof?

No. Plug-in solar panels are designed to be flexible. Ground mounts, deck mounts, fence mounts, and balcony mounts all work. The key factors are sun exposure and angle, not the specific surface.

What angle should plug-in solar panels be at in NZ?

In New Zealand, the optimal tilt angle is roughly 30 to 40 degrees, facing north. This matches the angle of the sun across our latitude. Flat panels still generate power but at reduced efficiency, particularly in winter when the sun is lower.

Can I mount solar panels on a rental property without landlord permission?

In NZ, you should check with your landlord before any installation. Freestanding or removable systems, such as A-frame brackets on a deck or a ground-mounted frame, are generally less likely to require formal permission than anything fixed to the building. When plug-in solar becomes legal here, we're pushing for rules that make landlord refusal the exception rather than the norm, following Germany's model.

What if my property is mostly shaded?

Shade is the main thing that limits plug-in solar's effectiveness. If your roof, deck, and garden are all shaded, it may be worth checking whether a north-facing wall or a spot in the garden that gets clear sky for most of the day could work. Even a few hours of direct sun generates useful power.

How do I know if my mounting spot is getting enough sun?

A simple test: stand at the spot at solar noon (around 12:30 to 1pm in NZ summer) and check whether the sun is hitting it directly with no obstructions overhead. For a more precise assessment, you can use a free tool like SunCalc to map the sun's path across your specific address at different times of year.