Community Renewable Energy Fund

This fund supports the government’s effort to build energy resilience in communities.

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The Community Renewable Energy Fund (CREF) was established in 2023 to support renewable energy projects that help communities access secure, renewable and more affordable energy.

Some communities, particularly those in remote areas, don’t have reliable access to affordable energy. Investing in locally generated electricity helps enhance community resilience by providing an alternative and more secure source of electricity, while also increasing energy independence.

The Community Renewable Energy Fund is now administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

To find out more about the fund, including updates on funded sites, visit the EECA website.

Community Renewable Energy Fund(external link) — Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority

Solar on schools programme

The Community Renewable Energy Fund has been expanded with a 3-year solar on schools programme. The $30 million programme announced in June 2026 will support up to 500 schools to install rooftop solar, including 150 with energy management systems, and some schools with batteries.

The programme is being jointly delivered by EECA and the Ministry of Education.

For more information about how the solar on schools programme relates to your school:

Solar panels at school(external link) — Ministry of Education

The $30 million programme is made up of $20 million funded through the Community Renewable Energy Fund, while $10 million is funded through Ministry of Education baseline funding.

Media releases

Solar on schools - 2026

500 schools nationwide selected for solar panels(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz

Solar on schools to boost future resilience(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz