Objectives
To reduce energy costs and improve the energy resilience of farming operations, 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 is being allocated to up to 40 farms.
Applications have now closed — thank you to everyone who applied.
EECA is now assessing proposals and will be contacting successful applicants in the coming weeks.
If you are interested in solar for your farm keep an eye out as we share real-world updates, data insights, and new resources to help assess whether solar is right for you.
You can also get in touch with our dedicated solar team by emailing solar@eeca.govt.nz or calling 0800 300 643
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 funding?
We sought a wide variety of farms across New Zealand to lead the way with solar and battery storage, and share their experience with others. Selected farmers are active in their communities and will become ambassadors for solar.
As well as providing vital energy data over the next five years to shape straightforward, practical resources for different farm types, you’ll have an opportunity to learn from real-world case studies, attend on-farm open days, and there’ll be plenty of opportunities to hear and learn from the demonstration farms directly.
This is an opportunity to learn how well solar and battery systems perform day-to-day, and whether they are practical and cost effective for real working farms.
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
Although applications for the demonstration fund have closed, you can still explore solar options for your farm.
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.
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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.