"We have a commitment to deliver warm homes to whānau, and this announcement helps us to achieve this," he said.
"This funding works alongside our carefully designed insulation solutions for these homes to deliver higher insulation specs to homeowners."
The first round of funding, administered by Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, will create energy savings for homeowners and could lead to improved health outcomes.
Solar energy installation for the nine homes is expected to be completed by the end of winter.
Waingākau homeowner Junior MacArthur said he and his wife couldn't be happier with the news.
"Saving up to build my home has been a journey on its own, to find out that my home will receive solar energy is great," he said.
Free Energy Solar Hawke's Bay director Aaron Duncan said installation will begin, retro fitting six of the completed homes and the three new builds.
"Having installed solar to numerous papakāinga around Kahungunu, I have seen first-hand the reductions to power bills for whānau," Duncan said.
Whānau who receive the solar will also receive ongoing education, tips and training for the efficient use of solar energy around the home.
Smart meters will be installed to collect useful data for the Waingākau Development including power generation and consumption with a view to continue investment and put forward proposals to Government to continue funding for solar energy.
