FAQ

LUX Solar FAQ

At LUX Solar, our mission is to empower New Zealanders with solar freedom — whether it’s for a caravan, boat, yacht, tent, or off-grid cabin. We specialise in designing efficient solar systems and offer pre-designed kits to make going solar simple, smart, and reliable.

General Information

Do your prices include GST?

Yes — all prices on our website include GST.

Do you accept WINZ quotes?

Yes — LUX Solar is an accredited WINZ supplier. Provide your case manager with the following details to proceed:
LUX Solar Limited — CUR002738945

Do you accept TIE GST exemptions (Tax Information Exemptions)?

Yes — we accept TIE GST exemptions. Submit your request by emailing info@luxsolar.co.nz with:

  • A copy of your customs TIE exemption
  • A list or screenshot of the items you wish to buy

We’ll email you a GST-free invoice, payable by credit card or bank transfer.

Warranty Support

What warranty does LUX Solar offer?

Warranty coverage depends on the components in each kit. Refer to individual product pages for full details:

  • Fixed solar panels: 10-year mechanical warranty (stationary)
  • Marine & RV installations: 5-year warranty
  • Power output: 25-year warranty (80% rated output)

How do I make a claim?

Please follow the link below to make a claim with us. We offer warranty, shipping and change of mind claims.

Claims Submission Form

Can I visit your showroom in Auckland?

Our office in Panmure, Auckland serves as a packing depot, as we operate primarily online. We’ve created helpful tools like the LUX Solar AnyKit to help you design your perfect system — shipped pre-wired with a custom installation manual.

If you’d like to visit in person, please text 027 458 9674 to arrange a time.

Solar Panels & Kits

How do I calculate how much solar energy I need?

The size of your solar system depends on the appliances you plan to run. Use our LUX Solar Calculator for an estimate of the solar wattage and battery size required.

Tip: Locations with less sunlight or winter use typically need higher capacity, while sunnier areas or summer-only use may need less.

What are the dimensions of the solar panels in your kits?

Product dimensions and specifications are listed on our Solar Panel Product Page — each panel includes detailed measurements and data.

Should I choose fixed or flexible panels?

We recommend fixed panels whenever possible for their affordability and durability. For marine or curved-surface applications, our Sunman eArc® flexible panels are ideal. These are certified to the same standards as framed panels and approved by the Clean Energy Council of Australia for building-mounted installations.

Where are your solar products made?

Our solar products are sourced globally:

  • Most panels are made in China, where advanced specialization ensures quality and efficiency.
  • We also offer REC Alpha panels, designed in Norway and manufactured in Singapore and Norway.

Should I buy two small panels or one large panel?

Choose whichever fits your roof or installation space best — both options perform efficiently if wattage is equivalent.

Installation & Wiring

Do your solar kits include installation instructions?

Yes — every kit comes with a detailed LUX Solar DIY Installation Manual. If you’re in Auckland, we also offer installation starting from $699.99.

For assistance, contact us by email at info@luxsolar.co.nz or phone 027 458 9674.

Do I wire my solar panels in parallel or series?

We recommend series wiring for most setups since modern “half-cut” panels reduce shading issues common in series connections. Use our AnyKit Builder to calculate the most efficient wiring option. It includes all required components (pre-wired if desired) and a free wiring manual.

Note: If parallel wiring is preferred, you’ll need to purchase a parallel connection kit.

Should I install my panels in parallel or series?

We recommend connecting panels in series for most systems. However, for high-wattage installations, parallel wiring may better match your MPPT controller’s requirements.

Installation and electrical safety — when do I legally need an electrician?

Whether you can lawfully install a system yourself depends on the voltage it operates at — not on whether it’s off-grid, and not on whether you own the building.

You must engage a licensed electrician if any part of your system:

  • operates above 50V AC or 120V ripple-free DC — note that this includes DC, not just AC;
  • includes an inverter. WorkSafe treats an inverter as a fitting rather than an appliance, so it becomes part of the electrical installation and the work is prescribed electrical work (PEW) requiring certification; or
  • connects to household mains, a switchboard, or the national grid.

Work on the ELV DC side of a system — not exceeding 50V AC or 120V ripple-free DC — is not PEW, and does not require certification or inspection. It must still be installed to comply with AS/NZS 3000 and AS/NZS 5033. Standalone connections should follow AS/NZS 4509.1.

Two things people commonly get wrong:

  • DC is not automatically the safe side. Where the DC part of a system runs at low voltage, that work is classed as high-risk PEW and requires an independent inspection and a Record of Inspection.
  • ECP51 does not apply to solar. The homeowner/occupier’s allowance for doing your own wiring work in a domestic installation does not cover PV systems.

Even where a system is not regulated, we don’t recommend DIY’ing it if you aren’t confident. People have been electrocuted by off-grid solar at extra-low voltages, and panels generate current whenever the sun is on them. We’ve written this up in full, with sources, here: Attention Solar DIYers: When do you need to call a Licensed Electrician?

If you’re not certain which side of the line your system falls on, stop and ask us, or ask a licensed electrician. We offer installation in Auckland from $699.99 — we’d rather do the job than see it done unsafely.

Official guidance: WorkSafe — Certification requirements for photovoltaic (PV) systems and WorkSafe — DIY solar installations.

Battery & Protection Systems

Can I use my existing battery with your solar kits?

Yes — but confirm compatibility first. Use our Solar Calculator to ensure your battery capacity matches your solar setup.

Why do your kits include circuit breakers and fuses?

These components are legally required in many systems and help prevent overheating, short circuits, and fire risks. Circuit breakers protect both your equipment and cabling.

Off-Grid Solar

What does “off-grid solar” mean?

Off-grid solar systems are completely independent from the national electricity grid. They generate and store their own power through solar panels and batteries, giving you reliable energy anywhere — from remote cabins to RVs and boats.

Can I run my whole house on off-grid solar?

Yes — it’s possible with a correctly sized system. You’ll need enough solar panels and battery capacity to power your home, even at night or during cloudy days. Use our LUX Solar Calculator to estimate your full off-grid requirements. Note that a whole-house system of this kind will involve an inverter and low-voltage work, so it must be installed by a licensed electrician.

What maintenance do off-grid systems need?

Minimal maintenance. Clean your panels occasionally to remove dust or debris, and visually inspect cables and mounts a few times a year. Lithium batteries are maintenance-free — no topping up or venting required.

What is the lifespan of solar panels and batteries?

High-quality solar panels last around 25–30 years, maintaining about 80% of original output. Lithium batteries typically last 10–15 years or 3,000–6,000 cycles, depending on usage.

Can I monitor my off-grid system remotely?

Yes — most of our charge controllers and inverters include Bluetooth or Wi-Fi monitoring. You can track live performance, solar generation, and battery status via smartphone apps.

What type of batteries are best for off-grid solar?

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries are ideal. They’re lightweight, safe, fast-charging, and long-lasting. Lead-acid batteries can be cheaper upfront but have shorter lifespans and need more maintenance.

How much does an off-grid solar system cost in New Zealand?

Costs vary by usage and system size. Small setups for cabins or RVs start from around $1,000–$3,000, while full off-grid home systems can range from $10,000–$25,000+. Try our LUX Solar AnyKit tool to build a system that fits your needs and budget.

Bonus Tools to Save You Time

Have questions? Contact us anytime at info@luxsolar.co.nz or by phone at 027 458 9674.