Unlocking farm cost savings and resilience

On-farm solar, battery storage, and flexible energy systems are becoming practical, viable options for powering farms and growing operations. Solar generation can also offer farmers greater control over their energy use, supporting efficiency and productivity. 

The solar on farms initiative provides trusted information and support options to help farmers and growers unlock the potential of solar and battery energy systems to reduce on-farm costs, improve energy resilience, and drive long-term energy security. 

Demonstration funding for solar and battery systems on farms

We are seeking involvement from farmers and growers who are eager to lead the way in installing solar and battery storage on their farms and share their experience with the wider sector. This technology demonstration programme will gather real-time information to help shape resources, tools, best practice guidance and benchmarks tailored to different farm types.    

Farmers will play a key role in demonstrating the potential of combined solar PV and battery storage in real farming contexts, so the results are practical, relevant, and useful for farmers across the country.  

What the funding will cover

The maximum amount of funding per farm will be capped at $200,000 (excluding GST), to be applied as follows:

  • Up to 40% of inverter and battery system costs — capped at $450 per kWh of nominal battery capacity installed, up to a maximum of $100,000. 
  • Up to 20% of other solar array costs (like PV modules and installation) — capped at $410 per kWp of direct current capacity, up to a maximum of $100,000.

Funding will be available for up to 40 farms to create a representative demonstration group, with a commitment of up to $4 million in co-funding from EECA. 

Eligibility for co-funding  

New Zealand based farmers and growers may be eligible if you meet the following criteria: 

  • Can install both solar PV and a battery (or battery only where solar is already installed) before 30 June 2026.  

  • Agree to share your experience, learnings and real time energy use data with EECA and the farming sector.  

  • Currently pay a levy to an industry organisation (or poultry meat growers can show you are a commercial/contract grower). 

  • Meet additional requirements relating to regulatory compliance, health and safety and animal welfare.  

  • The type of farm is included in the EECA list of farm types (see below). 

Get ready to apply 

You will need to provide an itemised quote from a suitably qualified installer as part of your application. Systems will need to meet these requirements: 

  • Between 30kWp and 500kWp.  
  • Grid connected and able to be connected to a demand flexible platform 
  • Able to operate off-grid in event of a power outage.

Full eligibility criteria and applications for funding will be open through the EECA website on 18 September 2025. To stay up to date, register your interest below. 

 

Solar on Farms webinar

We are hosting a webinar for New Zealand farmers, growers, as well as solar and battery installers to share more about Solar on Farms and answer your key questions about what’s on offer.

Date: Monday 22 September 2025 

Time: 10.30-11am 

What other support will be available?

In addition to demonstration funding, 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. 
  • 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 (EDBs). 

 

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.” 

Case study: Forest Lodge Orchard

Central Otago cherry orchard Forest Lodge is the world’s first fully electrified, fossil-fuel-free commercial orchard. Read about how the 6-hectare operation has replaced all diesel-dependent machinery and infrastructure with electric alternatives powered by a grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery system. 

  • Contact us

    For questions about Solar on farms, please email us at solar@eeca.govt.nz, or call us on 0800 300 643

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