Unlocking farm cost savings and resilience
On-farm solar, battery storage, and flexible energy systems are becoming practical, viable options for powering farming operations. Solar can also offer a potential income stream for excess energy to be sold to the grid.
The solar on farms initiative will provide trusted information and support options to help farmers unlock the potential of solar and battery energy systems to reduce on-farm costs, improve energy resilience, and drive long-term energy security.
What support will be available?
EECA is building a practical support package to help farmers assess if solar and battery systems are right for their farm. Farmers will be able to explore what works best for their current and future energy needs.
EECA is working with farmers, sector bodies and technical experts to deliver a package that, subject to final design, will cover:
- Independent tools and advice including an ROI calculator for different farm types, benchmark costs, and a list of experienced on farm installers.
- Dedicated help function to support farmers navigate the opportunity
- Feasibility studies and technology demonstrations tailored to different farm types
- Real life energy data for different farm types so farmers can see how it actually works
- Independent advice to farmers on how to progress consents and applications with local and regional regulatory bodies and Electricity Distribution Businesses.
- A partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Finance to accelerate solutions that make access to finance quicker, simpler and easier.
Case study: Kaiwaiwai Dairies
In 2021, Kaiwaiwai Dairies in South Wairarapa installed a 54 kW ground-mounted solar PV system near their switch shed for optimal access and minimal infrastructure disruption.
Farm director Aidan Bichan sees solar as a no-brainer, especially for dairy farms with large power demands.
“The financial benefits have been straightforward: we’re saving money on power, which is only going to get more expensive. Plus, there are loans available that make the investment easier.”
More information
This support package for solar on farms was first announced by the Government on 11 June 2025.