Unlocking farm cost savings and resilience

On-farm solar, battery storage, and flexible energy systems are becoming practical, viable options for powering farms and growing operations. Solar generation can also offer farmers greater control over energy use, supporting efficiency and productivity. 

The solar on farms initiative provides trusted information and support options to help farmers and growers unlock the potential of solar and battery energy systems to reduce on-farm costs, improve energy resilience, and drive long-term energy security. 

Demonstration funding for solar and battery systems on farms

We are seeking involvement from farmers and growers who are eager to lead the way in installing solar and battery storage on their farms by sharing their experience and helping to shape resources, tools, best practice guidance and benchmarks tailored to different farm types.   

This demonstration programme will cover: 

  •  Up to 40% of the cost of an inverter and battery system 

  •  Up to 20% for other solar array items. 

Funding will be available for up to 40 farms, to a maximum of $200,000 per farm. 

Solar helpline for farmers 

We have set up a new, dedicated helpline to support you in determining if solar is the right choice for your farm. Our team can help with calculating what the potential return might be, provide neutral advice to compare quotes, help work through any issues around consenting, and discuss any challenges you are facing along the way. 

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

Solar on farms overview webinar

27 minutes

Watch the programme overview webinar for New Zealand farmers, growers, as well as solar and battery installers, where we share more about Solar on Farms and answer your questions about what’s on offer.

What resources will be available? 

EECA is building a practical support package to help farmers assess if solar and battery systems are right for their farm’s current and future energy needs. 

We're working with farmers, sector bodies and technical experts through our demonstration programme to produce independent tools and resources that cover:  

  • Advice to help calculate or validate potential return on investment (ROI) for your farm 
  • Benchmark costs for different farm types 
  • Independent advice for consenting  
  • A list of experienced on-farm installers 
  • Real life energy data gathered from a wide range of demonstration farms. 

 

Stay up to date 

We are designing these initiatives with farmers, for farmers. You can stay up to date with how the programme is progressing, and the development of tools and resources by signing up below.  

Case study: Kaiwaiwai Dairies

In 2021, Kaiwaiwai Dairies in South Wairarapa installed a 54 kW ground-mounted solar PV system near their switch shed for optimal access and minimal infrastructure disruption.  

Farm director Aidan Bichan sees solar as a no-brainer, especially for dairy farms with large power demands. 

“The financial benefits have been straightforward: we’re saving money on power, which is only going to get more expensive. Plus, there are loans available that make the investment easier.” 

Case study: Forest Lodge Orchard

Central Otago cherry orchard Forest Lodge is the world’s first fully electrified, fossil-fuel-free commercial orchard. Read about how the 6-hectare operation has replaced all diesel-dependent machinery and infrastructure with electric alternatives powered by a grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery system. 

  • Contact us

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

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