The EECA Solar on farms programme has partnered with a group of farms to install solar arrays, smart inverters and batteries to demonstrate their viability and share insights with other New Zealand farmers.
Learn from other farmers
As part of our Solar on farms programme, we are working directly with a group of farmers and growers throughout the country who are installing solar PV systems, smart inverters, and battery storage on their farms.
The farms have received co-funding support for installing these systems, to help demonstrate the technology on a variety of farm types and provide important insights and data for the sector.
A smarter energy future for farming
EECA’s demonstration farms go beyond individual solar and battery installations – they are set up to build confidence, capability and a long-term approach that supports New Zealand farming into the future.
We are combining on- farm solar demonstrations with independent data and insights to create a clear, practical pathway for farmers and growers to benefit from renewable energy.
Resources and information being developed
As the installations are completed and start operating on the demonstration farms, EECA will:
- provide on the ground examples of how solar and battery systems perform day to day on different farm types across different regions in New Zealand, through case studies, stories and insights.
- share regular updates at key milestones over time, such as installation, through seasonal changes or power outages, and what farming with solar looks like in practice.
- develop independent tools such as ROI calculators, best practice guides, and benchmarks tailored to different farm types.
- host on-farm open days with demonstration farms and local agricultural and sector groups.
Representing New Zealand's farming sector
The demonstration farms represent a diverse mix of farm types, with a range of solar system setups across the whole of New Zealand. The group is designed to be representative of our farming sector, to ensure the insights and resources we develop are relevant and useful for Kiwi farmers.
Solar and battery demonstration farms
EECA is working with 32 demonstration farms with a total solar capacity of 3616 kilowatt peak (confirmed as at 11 February 2026).
- 28
solar arrays
- 32
battery systems
- 11
New Zealand regions
- 9
farm types
Download the full list of demonstration farms
Breakdown of demonstration farms
Is solar right for your farm?
Use our independent advice to work out if solar is right for your business, and learn the key steps to getting it installed - from planning your system to making the most of it.
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Solar helpline for farmers
We offer a dedicated solar helpline for farmers and growers, providing independent, practical guidance to help you make informed decisions.
Call the team on 0800 300 643, or email us at solar@eeca.govt.nz