Investing in solar can cut energy costs while helping to make your business more sustainable.
Will solar work for your business?
Solar energy is free but harnessing it requires investment. It may be a good match if your business:
- mostly uses electricity during the day
- uses more electricity in summer
- will be around for the long haul (payback could take several years).
Support for solar on your farm
Solar can be used to power farms and growing operations. It gives you greater control over your energy use, and supports efficiency and productivity.
Our Solar on farms initiative offers trusted information to help you unlock the potential of solar for your farm and learn from other farmers who are leading the way.
Solar on farms
Understand the basics of solar
There are a few key things to know as you begin your solar journey:
- Solar panels are not only for roofs. You can also place them on facades, sunshades and garages, if the structure is strong enough, or build a ground-mounted panel array.
- Your position matters. Site should ideally face north, be free from shade, exposed to good sun all year, and have enough space for the panels. You’ll need to allow 5 - 8 m2 per kW installed capacity depending on the shape and layout needed.
- Most solar-powered businesses stay connected to the electricity grid. That means they need to buy electricity when the solar system doesn’t generate enough (like after dark).
- Going off-grid involves installing equipment. Operating off grid or during grid power outages requires a stand-alone power system, including a battery that allows you to store electricity generated by solar. This option is more expensive, but battery prices are expected to fall over time.
Recommended solar products
EECA has developed an approved list of solar products to help homeowners and smaller businesses choose quality solar panels, inverters and batteries.
The list will make it easier to find solar tech that meets our recommendations for efficiency and demand flexibility, and give New Zealanders more confidence in their purchasing choices.
Case studies
Rooftop solar with no upfront investment
How Sudima Hotels is getting the benefits of solar energy without the risk of long-term investment.
Office building powered by the sun
How an investment in rooftop solar is saving both money and emissions for Argosy Property and its tenants.
From sunlight to savings
A 54 kw solar PV system is paying off for Kaiwaiwai Dairies — a Wairarapa dairy farm.