Objectives
To reduce your energy costs and improve the energy resilience of your farming operation, and play a part in supporting the uptake of solar on a wide range of farm types across New Zealand.
Eligibility
- The farm’s solar installation must include a battery system.
- The system must be able to be installed by 30 June 2026.
- Farmers must share information about their experience and real time energy data.
Note: Funding will be available for up to 40 farms.
What the funding covers
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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.
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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.
What kind of farms are we looking for?
We are looking for a wide variety of farms across New Zealand to lead the way with solar and battery storage, and share their experience with others. Farmers will be active in their communities and be keen to become ambassadors for solar. Farms that take part may be featured in case studies, host on-farm open days, and partake in interviews on how their system is performing.
EECA will collect energy use data from the demonstration farms over up to five years to shape straightforward, practical resources for different farm types.
By taking part, you’ll help answer key questions for farmers everywhere — like how well solar and battery systems perform day-to-day, and whether they are practical and cost effective for real working farms.
Information to provide to your installer
You’ll need to include at least one itemised quote from a qualified installer with your application.
If your application is successful, the system must meet certain requirements. You can give these requirements to your installer when you request a quote.
- The battery system nominal capacity is between 30 kWh and 500 kWh (kilowatt hour).
- The solar photovoltaic (PV) system is between 30 kWp and 500 kWp (kilowatt peak).
- Capable of exporting data to EECA in real-time.
- Grid connected and includes a battery and inverter that can be connected to a demand flexible platform (this means your system can shift its usage in response to signals from the grid to save you money, without you needing to do anything).
- Able to operate off-grid in event of a power outage.
Eligibility criteria for farmers
You may be eligible if you are a farmer or grower, and meet the following criteria:
- New Zealand based and have a New Zealand Business Number (note that only one application will be considered per business — including those operating under the same holding company).
- Can feasibly install both solar PV and a battery storage system (or battery only where solar is already installed) by 30 June 2026.
- Currently pay a levy to an industry organisation such as DairyNZ or Beef and Lamb. Non-levy paying farms such as poultry meat growers must be able to show you are a commercial/contract grower.
- Agree to share your experience, learnings and real time energy use data with EECA and the farming sector (in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020).
- You have not been the subject of successful prosecutions relating to health and safety, animal welfare, or noncompliance with Regional or Unitary Council requirements for the past 5 years.
- The type of farm is included in the EECA list of farm types (see below).
How the process works
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1
Get installer quotes
As part of your application, you will be required to submit at least one itemised quote from a qualified installer, meeting the system requirements.
Find an installer -
2
Submit your application
If eligible, submit your application for funding (see below).
Applications will be assessed as they are received, and evaluated based on farm type, region, and system size.
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3
Install your system
If you are successful you will need to complete your system installation by 30 June 2026.
The installation process is arranged between you and your installer.
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4
Share your learnings
Your learnings and energy data will be shared with us to inform resources for the wider sector — demonstrating the potential for solar PV and battery storage in a real farming context.
Apply for funding
To apply for solar on farms demonstration funding, click on 'how to apply' button.
Please read the 'information for applicants' document first. To complete the form you’ll need a quote from an installer, a recent electricity bill and annual usage data, and other information about your farm.
Tools and resources for New Zealand farmers
In addition to demonstration funding, EECA is working with farmers, sector bodies and technical experts to build a support package to help farmers assess if solar and battery systems are right for their farm.
Farmers will be able to explore tools, resources and real-life energy data from different farm types, to find out what works for their current and future energy needs
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Find an installer
To help you get started, you can view a list of installers who are familiar with the fund's system and installation requirements on the Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand (SEANZ) website. Please note, you may work with any qualified installer, not just those on this list.
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Contact us
For questions about solar on farms, please email us at solar@eeca.govt.nz or call the team on 0800 300 643.