It can be hard to know where to start the process of installing solar on your farm. Find out how to research solar companies, request and review quotes, and what to expect during the installation phase.
Key steps to start the process
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1.
Find solar companies
Find solar companies
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2.
Compare quotes
Always get multiple quotes from experienced installers.
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3.
The installation process
Know what to expect from the process, start to finish.
Research on-farm solar companies
Start by looking online to understand what solar companies in your area offer, then shortlist a few to contact for quotes. Solar can be installed by specialist solar providers or registered electricians.
When doing your research, you may want to look into:
- Services offered — Check that your installer has previous experience with solar installations on farms. Ideally ask for a reference from a recent customer.
- Level of experience — Are they a newly established company, or highly trusted with references from previous customers?
- Potential savings — Are there any package deals or discounts available that you could take advantage of?
- Clarity of website information — Is their website easy to understand or is it hard to find the information you need?
If you know any farmers or growers who have already installed solar ask them about their experiences as part of your research.
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SEANZ
The Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand (SEANZ) maintains a directory of solar suppliers and installers who are familiar with on-farm solar systems.
Source quotes
As with any major investment, we recommend getting two or three quotes so you can compare both system design and costs. A formal quote is also required before applying for bank financing.
Take time to choose the right system and provider — design quality matters as much as price.
Resource
Guide to understanding quotes
It’s important to take the time to understand what you’re quoted for and ensure that the system aligns with your objectives for solar. Our guide offers a detailed breakdown of what should be included in a good solar quote, and how to interpret it.
On-site assessment
Ask the suppliers to carry out an on-site assessment, which should be free of charge. For farm systems, site visits are particularly important due to the variability of energy usage profiles, buildings, land, and electrical infrastructure.
A visit allows the installer to confirm mounting options, assess switchboards and wiring, identify shading or access issues, and plan where inverters and other equipment will be located. It also allows you to ask any questions you may have.
Questions to ask solar suppliers
When a supplier visits your farm or site, it’s the best time to ask any key questions. This helps ensure the system is properly designed and reduces the risk of unexpected costs later.
Compare and accept quotes
Once you’ve received your quotes, review them carefully. For farm systems, differences in design and assumptions can matter as much as the headline price.
Look for:
- Clarity — You should be able to see exactly what is included (through a detailed breakdown of costs) and what could trigger extra costs later.
- Fit for your farm — The system should be designed around your operation, not a generic template. Photos or diagrams should show where the equipment will be located on your property.
- Cost and value — The quoted system should meet your needs and sit within the budget you discussed.
- Confidence and risk — Check that warranties for workmanship and equipment are clearly stated, and that responsibility for performance and defects is clear.
Payment and finance
When you accept the quote, you may need to pay a deposit upfront, typically about 10-30 percent of the total cost. The remaining balance may be due shortly after the installation has passed inspection and has been handed over as operational. We do not recommend paying 100% of the costs up front.
Most banks offer green loans that can be used to finance farm solar systems at reduced interest rates. A formal quote is required before you can apply.
The solar installation process
Once you’ve accepted a quote and paid the deposit, the supplier will begin planning and scheduling your installation. This process typically takes up to 2-3 months. Timeframes vary depending on system size, site complexity, equipment availability, network approvals, and any consenting requirements.
Consents and network connections
On-farm solar system installs often require detailed network and consenting checks. Your installer will apply to the local network company for approval to connect your system at your ICP (Individual Control Point). This process confirms export limits, protection requirements, and any network constraints.
Approval timeframes vary and can take several weeks, particularly for larger systems or constrained rural networks.
Depending on your site and local district plan rules, building or resource consent may be required, especially for:
- ground-mounted systems
- large arrays
- high-wind or exposed zones.
Your installer should advise whether consent is needed, but you may also need to check with your council.
Ordering equipment
For farm-scale systems, some components may need to be ordered in advance, particularly if:
- the system is large
- specialist inverters or mounting systems are required
- equipment is sourced from overseas.
This stage can take several weeks to a few months, depending on availability and shipping.
Metering and commissioning
Before the system can export power, your installer will arrange meter reconfiguration to enable two-way metering, so that you can sell any excess power back to the grid. This could happen before or after installation.
Once this is completed and the network operator updates the ICP status, export is enabled.
Installation period
The on-site installation itself typically takes one to three weeks, depending on:
- system size
- roof-mounted vs ground-mounted design
- site layout and terrain
- trenching, cabling, and distance to switchboards.
During installation, this may include:
- delivery of panels, inverters, and other equipment
- installation of mounting systems (roof or ground)
- trenching and underground cabling
- installation of inverters and protection equipment
- connection to existing farm switchboards.
Electrical inspection
Following your installation, your installer will arrange for a registered electrical inspector to come to your farm and check the installation to make sure it has been done correctly and is safe. If it meets the requirements, you will be given an electrical Certificate of Compliance (COC) and/or Record of Inspection for your new system.
The wait time for this inspection could be as soon as the next day or could be several weeks during busy periods. The cost of this inspection should be included in your installation quote.
Handover and system operation
Once the system is fully commissioned, your installer should:
- turn the system fully on
- explain how the inverter and any monitoring system works
- walk you through the basic operation, maintenance, and cleaning
- explain what to do if there is a fault or outage.
If monitoring software is included, they should show you how to track solar production and system performance, generally via an app.
What causes delays to installation?
Farm solar projects often take longer than residential installs. Most potential delays are identified during planning, and good installers will flag them early.
Common causes include:
- Network approvals — export limits or protection requirements can take time to confirm.
- Equipment availability — larger systems or specialist components may need to be ordered.
- Consents — some ground-mounted or exposed installations require council approval.
- Site complexity — multiple buildings, long cable runs, or challenging terrain.
- Weather and access — wind, rain, or stock movements can delay on-site work.
- Electrical upgrades — existing switchboards or mains supply may need upgrading.
Next step
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Maintain and optimise your system
Learn how to get the full benefit from solar.
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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