Install Solar with Green Energy Loans from NZ’s Major Banks
In an era where sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial, homeowners in New Zealand have a unique opportunity to contribute to a greener future while enhancing their properties. All of New Zealand’s major banks now offer green energy finance options in the form of home loan top-ups, designed to support eco-friendly upgrades such as solar panel installations. These top-ups can be highly attractive, with some offering interest-free (or very low interest) periods of up to five years.
To take advantage of these home loan top-ups, you must already have your home loan with that bank or lender. However, you can move your mortgage to that lender to get access to their offer (although a loan establishment fee may be involved).
The following banks offer a special home loan top-up for purchasing solar panel systems. (Information courtesy of banked.co.nz.)
Westpac Greater Choices
Westpac’s Greater Choices home loan top-up is interest free and you can borrow up to $50,000 over 5 years. If you are unable to pay off the loan within the 5-year period, a default interest rate of 5% will apply to the outstanding balance.
ANZ Good Energy Home Loan
With the ANZ Good Energy home loan top-up you can borrow up to $80,00 to make your home more energy efficient. The loan has an interest rate of 1% and is repaid over a term of 3 years. If you have not fully paid off the loan within this 3-year period, you can choose to refix at the bank’s fixed or floating interest rates.
BNZ Green Home Loan
The Green Home Loan top-up from BNZ allows you to borrow up to $80,000 over a 3-year term. It also has an interest rate of 1%. If you cannot pay off the loan within 3 years, the loan can either be refixed to a higher rate or the bank’s floating home loan rate will apply.
Kiwibank Sustainable Energy Loan
With Kiwibank’s Sustainable Energy Loan top-up, the amount you can borrow will depend on how much of your home loan you’ve already paid off, the value of your home, and how much Kiwibank believes you can comfortably repay. The minimum loan term is 7 years and the maximum is 10 years.
Unlike the other banks, Kiwibank does not offer a more favourable interest rate than its regular home loan rates and its standard variable rate home loan rate applies. However, if you borrow more than $5,000, Kiwibank will contribute up to $2,000 to the cost of your sustainable energy system over a 4-year period ($800 at the end of the first year and then $400 at the end of each of the following three).
ASB Better Homes
ASB’s Better Homes top-up loan offers up to $80,000 at an interest rate of 1% fixed for a 3-year period. If you are not able to pay off the loan within this 3-year period, ASB’s variable rate applies.
Next Steps
If you’re considering investing in solar energy for your home, exploring these finance options could be a smart move. Not only do they make the transition to renewable energy more affordable, but they also align your financial choices with sustainable practices, helping you save on energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
If you would like to know more about how you could benefit from installing solar, contact us now.