Solar On Farms: Unlocking Farm Cost Savings
Press Release – New Zealand Government
Solar on Farms is a practical support package that helps farmers determine if solar and battery systems are right for them by working with them to navigate the details of installing and leveraging this technology for their businesses.
Minister for Energy
Energy Minister Simon Watts has announced the Government's new Solar on Farms initiative, which will support farmers in taking the next step towards installing solar and battery systems, helping them reduce energy costs, increase on-farm resilience, and allow farmers to gain greater control over their power use, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.
The Solar on Farms package includes:
Independent and practical tools and advice to assist farmers
A dedicated help function to guide farmers through the opportunities
Feasibility studies and technology demonstrations tailored to various farm types
Real-life energy data for different farm types, showing how solar energy works in practice
Independent advice on progressing consents and applications with local and regional bodies and Electricity Distribution Businesses
A partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Finance to accelerate access to finance, making it quicker, simpler and easier.
'Kiwi farmers have a long history of adapting, problem-solving and finding ways to be smart with land and resources. Real progress comes from the ground up, from people who understand the land, the seasons, and how to run a business,' Mr Watts says.
'That's why we want to give farmers more choices and the ability to unlock the cost savings that come with on-farm solar, batteries, and flexible energy systems. However, to achieve this, farmers require the correct information, evidence, tools, and trusted advice.
'That's where Solar on Farms comes in. It's a practical support package that helps farmers determine if solar and battery systems are right for them by working with them to navigate the details of installing and leveraging this technology for their businesses. The package provides farmers with direct access to independent advice. It offers solutions tailored to various farm types and energy profiles.
'Farms across New Zealand, especially those using irrigation and other energy-intensive systems, are facing increasingly high and unpredictable energy costs. This adds real pressure to already tight margins.
'On-farm solar and batteries can help reduce that pressure by improving self-sufficiency and lowering exposure to rising energy prices, especially in rural and remote areas. Generating electricity on-farm also creates opportunities to receive revenue from solar electricity back to the grid.
'Early modelling tells us that if 30 per cent of Kiwi farms installed larger systems – of the size we see on some farms already – they could generate as much as 10 per cent of New Zealand's current electricity demand. This is a real win for the security of our energy supply.'
EECA is leading the delivery of Solar on Farms in collaboration with farmers, sector bodies, and technical experts, and the package of initiatives will be available soon.
Fieldays 2025 also celebrated the launch of Farmlands Flex, a complementary solar on farms product from Farmlands and energy innovator Blackcurrent, with the support of Ara Ake, New Zealand's energy innovation centre. The product combines solar, batteries and smart software in a fully managed system that enables users to generate, store and manage their energy on-site.
'The Farmlands Flex product includes equipment, flexible demand management software, and takes care of the installation and application processes on behalf of the farmer,' says Mr Watts.
'It is an excellent demonstration of how solar purchasing and installation can be made more efficient.'
Mr Watts also welcomed ASB's recent announcement of a new 0 percent solar loan aimed at helping farmers secure long-term energy resilience and cost savings.
'I look forward to seeing how products like Farmlands Flex, the ASB SMART solar loan, and our Solar on Farms initiative help set the farming sector up for long-term success.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
3 hours ago
- Scoop
Trade Me Property Data Shows Impact Of New Census Figures As More Kiwi Head South
Press Release – Trade Me Property New data from Trade Me Property shows a notable shift in New Zealand's property market landscape, with a growing number of Kiwi moving South. Census data released this week showed a significant internal migration trend, with approximately 86,000 people moving from the North Island to the South Island between 2018 and 2023. That was about 30,000 more people than went in the opposite direction. Trade Me Property Customer Director Gavin Lloyd says it's fascinating to see how the shifts outlined in the Census are playing out across Aotearoa's property market. 'For years, the North Island, particularly Auckland, has been the powerhouse of the property market. However, with more Kiwi seeking lifestyle changes and potentially more affordable options, the South Island is certainly gaining ground.' While the North Island continues to hold a higher average asking price, Trade Me Property figures show the gap has narrowed between the two islands. 'In December 2021 there was an average asking price difference of more than $350,000 between the North and South islands, but from late 2021 we saw that gap start to close. 'Last month the average North Island asking price was just over $182,000 higher than the South Island – a significant bridge of the divide we saw in late 2021. 'This migration trend could well be a response to the cost of living and housing affordability challenges faced in the North Island,' Mr Lloyd adds. 'We're also hearing from a lot of agents in the South Island that they're seeing an increasing number of enquiries from Kiwi in the North looking to relocate. Our data is backing this up, with listing views on properties in Canterbury in May up 7 per cent year-on-year. 'The South Island has plenty to offer Kiwi with vibrant urban centres like Christchurch to the stunning natural landscapes of Otago and Southland, often at a more accessible price point.'
Scoop
3 hours ago
- Scoop
Trade Me Property Data Shows Impact Of New Census Figures As More Kiwi Head South
Press Release – Trade Me Property 'This migration trend could well be a response to the cost of living and housing affordability challenges faced in the North Island,' Trade Me Property Customer Director Gavin Lloyd adds. New data from Trade Me Property shows a notable shift in New Zealand's property market landscape, with a growing number of Kiwi moving South. Census data released this week showed a significant internal migration trend, with approximately 86,000 people moving from the North Island to the South Island between 2018 and 2023. That was about 30,000 more people than went in the opposite direction. Trade Me Property Customer Director Gavin Lloyd says it's fascinating to see how the shifts outlined in the Census are playing out across Aotearoa's property market. 'For years, the North Island, particularly Auckland, has been the powerhouse of the property market. However, with more Kiwi seeking lifestyle changes and potentially more affordable options, the South Island is certainly gaining ground.' While the North Island continues to hold a higher average asking price, Trade Me Property figures show the gap has narrowed between the two islands. 'In December 2021 there was an average asking price difference of more than $350,000 between the North and South islands, but from late 2021 we saw that gap start to close. 'Last month the average North Island asking price was just over $182,000 higher than the South Island – a significant bridge of the divide we saw in late 2021. 'This migration trend could well be a response to the cost of living and housing affordability challenges faced in the North Island,' Mr Lloyd adds. 'We're also hearing from a lot of agents in the South Island that they're seeing an increasing number of enquiries from Kiwi in the North looking to relocate. Our data is backing this up, with listing views on properties in Canterbury in May up 7 per cent year-on-year. 'The South Island has plenty to offer Kiwi with vibrant urban centres like Christchurch to the stunning natural landscapes of Otago and Southland, often at a more accessible price point.'
Scoop
5 hours ago
- Scoop
‘Devil Will Be In Detail': Luxon Reacts To Possible USA-China Trade Deal
Article – RNZ But the prime minister says it can only be a good thing as the global trading environment seeks more certainty. Morning Report Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says a possible USA-China trade deal is positive news, but time will tell what it means for New Zealand and the rest of the world. US President Donald Trump said a deal with China is 'done' after two days of high-level talks in London. Luxon welcomed the news but wanted to see the finer details. 'What we want to see is more certainty in the global trading environment, and I've read the reports as well,' he said. 'The devil will be in the detail, but that can only be a good thing.' Luxon said he expected to discuss the matter with China President Xi Jinping on his next trip the global giant. 'I'm sure that will be a topic of conversation about how we see the global trading environment and how we're observing in the region, but also around the world,' he said. Despite the trade uncertainty, Luxon said New Zealand exporters to the US had been making good progress. 'They'll still finding really great opportunities to grow their businesses, they're doing a great job of targeting the right channels and customers,' he said. 'But yes, of course that will be a big top of conversation when I do catch up with both President Xi and Premier Li (Qiang) in due course.' Agriculture Minister Todd McClay also welcomed the news of a possible US-China trade deal. The overnight announcement comes as the government welcomes the state of the country's agriculture sector. The Ministry of Primary Industries' Situation and Outlook report is projecting a double digit increase in New Zealand export revenues this year – though it warns about global uncertainty. It estimates New Zealand's agricultural export revenue could reach just under $60 billion by the end of June, up from a dip in 2023-4. McClay told Morning Report if a US-China deal has been done it would be 'good news'. At an OECD trade ministers meeting in Paris last week he had met with the trade ministers of both China and the US. Both had then gone off for joint talks so some momentum had been building to try and find a solution to their tariffs impasse. If things calmed down for international trade it would bring 'welcome relief' for exporters and result in some 'sensible decision-making'. Exporters 'go for value' McClay said the remarkable growth in primary exports was very positive. Dairy had enjoyed a solid season with a good supply of grass which had increased milk production. The meat sector was performing well and for the first time $5 billion worth of kiwifruit had been exported. Even the US market faced with tariff uncertainty was providing some opportunities for Kiwi exporters, citing the example of NZ King Salmon which has talked of increased sales at a higher price. Kiwi exporters were working hard to add value to their products, McClay said. One example was selling ready to eat burger patties to China which resulted in greater returns for farmers. 'So we're seeing Kiwi exporters go for value, not competing on price anywhere as much as they used to.' Luxon said the government, particularly McClay and Finance Minister Nicola Willis could take a 'tremendous credit' for the growth. 'We've created the conditions for growth; it's ultimately up to the businesses themselves to go out and seize on those opportunities,' he said. 'But if I think about the work that Todd's undertaken to make sure we're opening new markets, whether it's the GCC, the UAE, a 21 percent growth in the UK just in the last 12 months, a 28 percent in the EU by virtue of Todd bringing that agreement into earlier acceptance. 'There's been tremendous progress made on the trade front, and I think Nicola's work to make sure that she's cleaning up the books, good financial management, good fiscal management to lower inflation, to lower interest rates to get the economy growing, to get people employed – that's the work we've been doing as a government.' Luxon reiterated the government's belief in the importance of growth and said it was the primary industry sector pulling New Zealand out of a recession. 'We've got a really exciting future to shape it despite all the volatility that's out there in the world. 'Really proud of the primary industry sector, but also proud of the work of both Nicola and Todd and all of our team to create the conditions for growth as well.' On building in sustainability A government-backed grass certification standard for dairy and meat exports had been launched at Mystery Creek Fieldays yesterday, McClay said. This would be highly desirable for markets in China, other parts of Asia and the Middle East, McClay said. 'Grass fed now is increasingly wanted by consumers and they're willing to pay more.' On sustainable products, Groundswell has been calling for New Zealand to exit the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. McClay said that was not going to happen mainly because it would make exports to many markets untenable. He believed Groundswell and others were worried about higher costs and lower production if they adopted sustainable measures. 'We've been really clear – we think through technology and other things we can meet these obligations without putting farmers out of business.' Alternatives to farmers going into the Emissions Trading Scheme were being worked on and would be announced soon. McClay said the requirement of reducing methane by 10 percent by 2030 was on track to be met. 'So it shows farmers are willing to do it but we have to lean heavily into technology rather than just planting trees.' A number of products, known as methane inhibitors, have been developed already although they might have to overcome consumer resistance. McClay said anything developed would have to go through rigorous scientific testing. There would be a range of solutions developed and farmers would decide which ones they wanted to pick up. 'The overseas customers through the dairy company should be paying for this, not the New Zealand farmer.'
