Labour announced a $160 million, four-year SolarSaver package offering $3,000 kickstart subsidies for low- and middle-income families, low-interest loans repaid through rates or power bills, and a community battery fund, with plug-in solar access for renters subject to regulatory changes. Energy Minister Simeon Brown (National) called it National's policy with a bigger price tag and said it would risk energy security.

Labour says SolarSaver would cut power bills for households locked out of solar by the upfront cost, with leader Chris Hipkins arguing renewable energy is "the cheapest form of electricity available". Energy Minister Simeon Brown countered that the plan was "essentially National's policy with a bigger price tag", said it would cost taxpayers more, and argued Labour's oil and gas exploration ban would undermine energy security. A practical hurdle also surfaced: WorkSafe currently treats the plug-in solar units at the centre of the renter-focused part of the policy as unlawful, because plugging a solar inverter directly into a standard three-pin socket is deemed a serious safety risk. Brown called the rule "nuts" and said changing it to allow the devices safely could take around 12 months. Both parties agree regulatory change is needed before plug-in solar can be sold.