Solar energy is emerging as a key contributor to New Zealand’s renewable future. While hydro, geothermal and wind still lead the charge, falling technology costs and increasing environmental awareness are supercharging solar’s growth. With the government aiming for 95% renewable electricity by 2035, the role of solar is set for exponential growth – if we can clear a few roadblocks along the way. 

Overcoming Growing Pains:

Recent projects like Lodestone’s Kaitaia and Edgecumbe solar farms, along with Genesis’ planned developments in Canterbury, are already demonstrating the viability and scale of solar in Aotearoa. But the path to widespread adoption still involves overcoming grid bottlenecks and regional infrastructure gaps. New Zealand’s electricity grid was designed for centralised hydro and geothermal not for distributed, large scale solar. Without significant upgrades to transmission and distribution networks, solar deployment will hit a ceiling.

Encouragingly, change is underway. Transpower is investing $393 million through its Net Zero Grid Pathways programme, and developers are increasingly working hand in hand with councils, iwi, and communities to align projects with local values and gain fast-track approvals.

Solar development in New Zealand isn’t plug and play. From flood-prone farmland to unpredictable weather, each site brings unique challenges - but also opportunities. Developers are now integrating agrivoltaics, native planting, and circular design to enhance both environmental outcomes and social license.

Environmental & Community Concerns:

While solar produces clean energy for decades, the full lifecycle impact, including land use, panel manufacturing emissions, and end-of-life disposal, still needs attention.

Recycling solutions for panels and batteries are still maturing in New Zealand. As installations scale up, so must our ability to manage their long term environmental footprint. Balancing progress with sustainability will define the next chapter of solar growth.

Workforce for a Bright Future:

One of the most pressing challenges facing solar in New Zealand isn’t technical, it’s talent. As solar takes off, developers face a growing shortage of skilled professionals. Competing with offshore markets and other energy sectors, New Zealand must work harder to retain and attract solar talent.

It’s not just about salaries. Career pathways, structured training, and flexible working conditions all play a role in winning talent - and keeping them.

A hybrid workforce model is emerging; experienced hires bring infrastructure know-how, while new entrants help future proof the industry. For example, Project Managers don’t necessarily need deep technical knowledge - they need leadership and coordination skills, while engineers handle the technical detail.

From rooftop installers to utility scale specialists, here are the roles we’re seeing increasing demand for:

• Project Managers & Site Engineers
• Commissioning & Quality Assurance Managers
• Grid Connection & Battery Integration Specialists
• Environmental Planners & Consenting Experts

With most solar farms being remote and short-term in nature, staffing these projects is a logistical challenge. Flexibility, speed-to-site, and reliability are key, and that is where having the right recruitment partner matters.

The Role of Stellar Recruitment:

At Stellar Recruitment, we’ve supported the growth of solar in Aotearoa from the ground up. We know the sector, the challenges, and the people who make it happen.

Whether you're a local developer scaling up, or an overseas company entering the New Zealand market, we can help you build site ready teams, fast. We provide:

• End to end workforce solutions
• Access to qualified local and international talent
• Payroll, immigration, H&S, and accommodation support

We have helped staff large scale solar farms in remote areas, navigating everything from FIFO logistics to weather delays and shifting project timelines.

While international candidates often arrive with higher salary expectations, we have found that New Zealand’s lifestyle, safety culture, and work conditions offer a compelling draw. And we work closely with employers to strike the right balance of local and offshore hires.

The Path Forward:

The momentum is real. With the right policy, infrastructure, and people, solar energy will become a cornerstone of New Zealand’s clean energy future. From rooftop panels to utility scale farms, every project strengthens our grid and supports our climate goals.

If you’re planning your next solar project – whether you need technical specialists, project managers, or boots on the ground – let’s talk. Lily Millett and Stellar Recruitment are ready to help you build the workforce that will power a brighter Aotearoa.