Building Services (MEP)
Solar PV Estimating Services in New Zealand
What is solar pv estimating?
Professional Estimating provides solar pv estimating across New Zealand. We measure 8 scope items for solar pv work from your PDF, DWG or Revit drawings, deliver an Excel quantity schedule and marked-up PDF plans in 2–3 business days, and confirm a fixed fee in NZD before any work starts.
Solar PV system estimates with panels, mounting, inverters, batteries, DC and AC cabling and roof penetrations measured from the design or roof plan.
Solar PV is becoming standard on new homes and commercial roofs across New Zealand. The panels are the visible part, but a complete price also needs mounting rails, roof penetrations, DC and AC cabling, inverters, isolators, metering changes and often a battery.
We measure solar from the system design where one exists, or from the roof plan and a target system size where it does not. Panels are counted and laid out to the usable roof area, allowing for edge zones, vents and shading. Mounting is measured to suit the roof type, whether long-run, tile or membrane.
Cabling runs from the array to the inverter and from the inverter to the switchboard are measured, and switchboard and metering changes are listed so the electrical scope is complete.
Scope
What do we measure in a solar pv takeoff?
| Item | Unit | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| PV modules | no. / kW | Panel count and total array size. |
| Mounting system | lm / no. | Rails, clamps and roof fixings by roof type. |
| Roof penetrations | no. | Flashed penetrations for cables and fixings. |
| Inverters | no. | String, hybrid or micro-inverters. |
| Batteries | no. / kWh | Battery storage where included. |
| DC cabling | lm | Array to inverter, with isolators. |
| AC cabling and switchboard | lm / item | Inverter to board, with protection devices. |
| Monitoring and metering | item | Monitoring equipment and meter changes. |
Deliverables
What do you receive?
Solar estimates show system size, components and installation separately, so options with and without batteries can be compared.
Download the electrical takeoff sample (PDF, 29 KB)
| Itemised quantity sheet | Excel + PDF |
| Marked-up plans | Colour-coded PDF |
| Material and labour schedule | Excel |
| Assumptions and exclusions list |
Who it is for
Who is this estimate for?
- Builders
- Include solar in new home prices with a measured basis.
- Subcontractors
- Solar installers and electricians can quote from measured layouts.
- Developers
- Budget solar across a development to meet sustainability targets.
- Architects
- Test array size against roof layout early in design.
Process
How does a solar pv estimate run?
STEP 01
Upload plans
Upload the roof plan, elevations and any PV design or target system size.
STEP 02
Scope confirmation
We confirm roof type, inverter location and whether a battery is included.
STEP 03
Takeoff and review
Panels are laid out, mounting and cabling measured and electrical changes listed.
STEP 04
Delivery
You receive the solar estimate with layout, components and assumptions.
New Zealand context
Which NZ standards apply?
Grid-connected solar in New Zealand must be installed to AS/NZS 5033 for the array and AS/NZS 4777 for inverter connection, and is covered by the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010. The local lines company must approve the connection before export, and some networks limit export capacity.
Roof penetrations and fixings must keep the roof weathertight under Building Code clause E2. Fixing into long-run roofing needs the right brackets and flashings, and some roofing warranties require approved fixing systems, which we allow for.
We measure and price to the drawings. Design compliance and building consent remain with your designer and building consent authority.
Cost drivers
What drives the cost of solar pv work?
01
System size
Larger systems cost less per kilowatt, but roof area, shading and export limits cap the useful size.
02
Roof type
Long-run iron is the simplest to mount on. Tile, membrane and steep roofs need different systems and more labour.
03
Battery storage
Batteries can add substantially to a system price and need space, ventilation and their own protection.
04
Switchboard condition
Older switchboards may need upgrading to take the solar connection safely.
Where do solar pv estimates go wrong?
Grid connection approvals are also easy to forget in the budget. The lines company must approve the connection, may limit how much power can be exported and may require a particular inverter setting or export limiter. Approval can take several weeks, which affects programme on new builds. We list the application and any export limiting equipment so the full cost and timing are understood before the system is ordered.
Solar prices often leave out switchboard upgrades. Older boards may not have space or the right protection for a solar connection, and replacing one adds cost.
Roof penetrations and flashing are another gap. Each penetration must be weathertight, and some roofing warranties require specific fixings.
Finally, access equipment such as edge protection or scaffolding is required for safe roof work, and is often left out of small residential solar prices.
FAQ
Solar PV Estimating: frequently asked questions
Can you size a system for us?
We lay out panels to a target size or the usable roof. Final electrical design is by the installer.
Do you include batteries?
Yes, as an option so you can compare costs with and without storage.
Do you price commercial solar?
Yes, including larger arrays on industrial and commercial roofs.
Do you include lines company fees?
We list the connection application as an item to confirm.
Do you cover roof strengthening?
We flag roofs that may need structural checking and list it as an item.
Related services
- Electrical Estimating
Electrical points, lighting, cabling and switchboards counted and measured from your electrical plan, room by room.
- Roofing Estimating
True roof areas calculated by pitch, with sheet lengths, flashings, gutters, downpipes and underlay measured for ordering.
- Residential Estimating
Estimates for new homes, townhouses, alterations and additions, measured from your consent drawings and laid out the way builders price.
- Commercial Estimating
Measured estimates for offices, retail, fit-outs and mixed-use buildings, packaged by trade so you can tender subcontractors cleanly.
Get a quote
Send your plans for a solar pv estimate
Upload your drawings and we will reply with a fixed fee and turnaround before any work starts. No obligation.
- — PDF, DWG and ZIP accepted
- — Fees in NZD, excluding GST
- — Prefer email? Use the link in the footer