On-farm solar and battery storage is a practical, viable option to help New Zealand farms reduce on-farm costs, improve energy resilience, and drive long-term energy security. Explore whether solar panels and battery storage could work for your farm or growing operation.

Save money and improve resilience

For many farms, energy is one of the costs that can be actively managed. The right solar system can:

  • reduce reliance on grid electricity during daylight hours
  • provide greater certainty over long-term energy costs and help offset rising electricity prices
  • allow surplus power to be exported to the grid, where available
  • support critical operations during outages when paired with a battery
  • improve energy security in rural areas where supply can be less reliable.

Start your on-farm solar journey

Our tailored, independent resources walk you through the process - from working out if a solar and battery system is right for your farm, to getting the full benefit from it. 

  • Step 1 - Assess if solar is right for your farm

    Explore whether solar panels and battery storage could work for your farm.

    View our on-fam solar checklist

  • Step 2 – Understand on-farm solar costs and savings

    Find out what costs to expect and how solar can reduce your operating costs.

    View solar costs and savings

  • Step 3 - Plan your on-farm solar system

    Essential considerations for sizing a system to fit your farming or growing operation.

    Start planning your system

  • Step 4 - Solar quotes and installation for farms

    Steps and advice for when you’re ready to install solar on your farm. 

    View advice on quotes and installations

  • Step 5 - Get the most out of your on-farm solar

    Tips for getting the most out of your solar power and battery system.

    Make the most of solar

Get started guide

Make sense of solar

If you're not sure of your first step, our quick-start guide is a great place to begin. It’s designed to help New Zealand farmers and growers navigate the key decisions around solar from day one, and find independent advice about the process. 

See how other farmers are using solar 

We’re developing a collection of stories and insights from New Zealand farmers who are leading the way with solar, to show what operations look like with solar on a variety of real farms.

Solar demonstration farms

We’re working directly with a group of farmers and growers who are installing solar and battery systems on their farms. 

As these systems become operational, we’ll be sharing insights from their experience to show how solar works in practice across a range of farm types, from piggeries to tomatoes. 

On-farm solar case studies

Read about New Zealand farmers who have already installed solar systems on their farms, and are reaping the benefits of lower energy costs, and improved energy resilience.

Solar helpline for farmers and growers

We have a dedicated helpline for farmers and growers, providing independent, practical guidance to help you make informed decisions about solar for your farm. Our team can help with: 

  • estimating likely system size, savings, and payback 
  • comparing quotes and understanding key differences 
  • navigating consenting and connection issues 
  • working through practical challenges during planning or installation.

Call the team on 0800 300 643, or email us at solar@eeca.govt.nz 

Stay up to date 

You can sign up to receive updates about Solar on farms using the form below. We’ll share new tools, resources, and updates from our demonstration farms through these updates. 

  • Contact us

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

  • Stay up to date

    Sign up to receive updates about Solar on farms using the form below.