Solar For NZ Farms

How does solar power work on a New Zealand farm?

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity via the PV effect, which your farm can draw from directly, or you can send surplus into the grid. Some farms add solar batteries for extra flexibility. On dairy farms, horticulture, sheep and beef farms, solar systems can power everything from milking sheds and irrigation pumps to electric forklifts, reducing reliance on costly grid power and often matching seasonal demand with strong sun output.

Does the farm use all of the solar power?

Not always, especially when generation outpaces midday demand. During sunny mid‑day periods, excess power may feed into the grid if there's no battery. But many farms align their heavy loads (like irrigation or milking) with daytime sun, consuming most on‑site and reducing power imports. Battery systems further boost self‑consumption - more on that below.

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How Much Does Solar Cost For Farms & Orchards?

The amount a farm or orchard spends on a solar power is based on the solar power system size chosen.  It could be as small as 10kW (which is a large sized residential system) or 100kW or more.  A 10kW system costs roughly $19,000 while the 100kW system will cost around $170,000 fully installed.

Rough Pricing For Solar Power Systems

*Please only use these prices as a guide.  The solar power system prices assume straightforward installation on a metal roof.  Ground mounted system will likely cost more than systems on a roof. Prices can vary based on a number of factors.

Mike and Euan in front of their 150kW (216 panels) solar system on their 9ha cherry business Forest Lodge Orchard in Mt Pisa.

No Fuss, Just Quotes – How We Help Farmers Go Solar

At My Solar Quotes, we make it easy for farmers to get quotes from trusted, SEANZ registered solar installers - no need to waste time or money on lengthy feasibility studies. Solar is a well-proven technology, and for most farms, it’s a no-brainer. The estimated returns provided by reputable installers (during the quote process) are reliable and based on years of performance data. Instead of getting bogged down in over-analysis, we help you move quickly toward cutting power bills and taking control of your farm's energy future. Start now by filling in the online form.

How To Finance A Solar Farm Setup

ASB recently launched “ASB SMART Solar” — interest‑free loans of up to NZ $150,000 over 5 years for solar + battery systems. According to a Herald article, ASB highlight that average dairy farm power bills hover around $28,000 for the 2025/26 season. With most farms having sufficient rooftop or spare land (60% reported land availability), this loan can cover large setups pretty comfortably.

Government’s “Investment Boost” – New Tax Incentives for Solar

The Government’s new Investment Boost scheme is a game-changer for farms looking to invest in solar power. Under this initiative, businesses including farms and orchards, can immediately claim a 20% deduction in the year they purchase and install eligible assets like solar power systems. On top of that, they can depreciate the remaining 80% over the following years. For a high-cost asset like solar, this front-loaded tax benefit puts real cash back in the pocket straight away, easing the financial strain and improving the farm’s cash flow during the first year of the investment.

For farmers, where margins can fluctuate and energy costs eat into profits, this scheme helps make the solar payback period faster and more attractive. Solar is already a smart long-term cost saver, but pairing it with the Investment Boost makes the upfront cost less daunting. Combined with interest-free ASB loans and the growing price of electricity, it’s a rare moment where the financials and environmental benefits align perfectly.

Payback Period for Solar on Farms

When Kiwi farms invest in solar, the break-even or payback usually comes within 4 to 7 years, depending on system size, energy usage, and how much of the power gets consumed onsite

Case Studies:

Light Force's Commercial Client In Auckland
Size: 293 kW
Annual Savings: $89,358
Payback period: 4 years

Argosy Property Limited Rooftop Solar
Size: 60kW
Payback period: 7 yers

Why Farms Often See Faster Returns

Farms typically use most of their solar power directly especially during peak periods like irrigating, milking, or chilling - meaning less export to low-rate grid buy-back, and more savings at retail prices. That high self-consumption translates into a stronger return.  Many operations report 9–11% annual ROI with paybacks around 4–7 years, depending on farm activity and load timing. Plus, with electricity prices climbing, every kWh you generate today locks in a cheaper future, speeding up the payback further. 

Go Solar Now - Get 3 Free Quotes For A Solar Farm System

Should A Farm Think About Adding Batteries?

Absolutely. Batteries store unused generation for nighttime or low‑sun periods, smoothing demand peaks and offering backup during outages. One standout example: Forest Lodge Orchard (“Electric Cherries”) went all‑electric for irrigation and fruit‑drying, pairing solar PV with battery storage. This setup slashed energy bills and boosted resilience during grid outages, especially in bad weather.  

But batteries can always come at a later stage.  You can install solar now and make sure you are ready to go with a battery set up at a later stage.

What Is Agrivoltaics And Why Should Horticulture Care?

Agrivoltaics a.k.a. agrisolar - is the dual use of land for both solar energy generation and agriculture. Rather than choosing between crops or clean energy, farmers can now do both on the same land. Solar panels are elevated or spaced in a way that allows sunlight, rain, and airflow to reach the crops below. This approach is gaining momentum globally, especially in horticulture where partial shading can actually improve plant growth, reduce water loss, and protect crops from extreme weather events.

Sheep grazing around a ground mounted solar power system

For horticultural businesses in New Zealand, agrivoltaics offers a clever way to maximise land use and gain energy independence without sacrificing production. Crops like leafy greens, berries, and even some orchard varieties can thrive under carefully designed solar arrays. With rising electricity prices and an increasing push for sustainable farming practices, agrivoltaics could help growers reduce costs, increase resilience, and future-proof their operations - especially in sun-drenched regions like Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty, and Marlborough.

Raspberry plants growing under solar panels

Why Solar Power Matters For NZ Farmers

• Slash power bills: Generating your own power at ~7¢/kWh beats buying it at ~35¢/kWh nzherald.co.nz.
• Build resilience: Keep critical systems like pumps or sheds running during outages or storms.
• Own assets: Solar and batteries are farm assets—no lease, no inflation‑tied pricing.
• Leverage finance: Low‑interest or interest‑free offers make it a no‑brainer ROI.

Next Steps:

1. Think about where the solar panels might go - a north, east or west facing shed roof?  Or a ground mounted solar system on land.
2. Get 3 quotes from SEANZ-registered installers (required for green loan eligibility) to compare value, service, and price - so you can confidently choose the best solar installer.
3. Explore finance options: the ASB SMART Solar loan, green loan top‑ups, or Westpac zero‑interest credit.
4. Consider batteries if you want resilience and to maximise self‑consumption, but this is entirely optional.