Running a farm in New Zealand comes with its fair share of challenges, rising power bills, unreliable rural grid supply, and growing expectations to operate more sustainably. That’s where Affordable Solar steps in.

Our solar systems for farms are designed to cut energy costs, improve reliability, and reduce carbon emissions, helping Kiwi farmers future-proof their operations and strengthen their bottom line. Whether you’re running a dairy farm in Waikato, a vineyard in Marlborough, or an orchard in Hawke’s Bay, we design solar solutions that work perfectly with the way your farm runs.

Why More NZ Farms Are Switching to Solar

Rising Power Costs

Rural electricity users face some of the highest energy prices in the country. Line charges, peak demand penalties, and time-of-use tariffs hit farms particularly hard, but solar panels help you take control and slash daytime energy costs.

Unreliable Grid Supply

Voltage drops and unexpected outages can disrupt everything from milking pumps to irrigation systems. Solar with battery backup ensures your essential farm operations keep running, even when the grid goes down.

Sustainability and Compliance

Export markets and processors increasingly expect farms to show measurable environmental progress. Solar energy is a visible and verifiable step toward sustainability, backed by real generation data for reporting and compliance.

Diesel Dependency

Remote pumping stations and generators burn through thousands in diesel costs every year. Switching to solar reduces fuel expenses and emissions, while cutting down on maintenance and paperwork.

How Solar Power Solves Farm Energy Challenges

Solar energy production peaks during the day, exactly when your farm’s energy use is at its highest. By generating your own power, you reduce grid reliance and avoid peak-rate electricity costs.

  • Add a solar battery, and you’ll also gain:Solar for Every Type of Farm
  • Backup power during outages
  • Stable voltage for sensitive equipment
  • The ability to store and use power at night or on cloudy days

It’s a practical, proven way to make your farm more efficient, reliable, and future-ready.

Solar for Every Type of Farm

Dairy Farms

  • Milking infrastructure: Platforms, vacuum pumps, and wash systems align perfectly with solar generation.
  • Milk cooling and water heating: Daytime loads are ideal for solar offset.
  • Feed systems: Timed automation during peak solar hours maximises savings.

Typical system size: 30kW–100kW, depending on herd size. Add battery storage to cover evening milking or grid outages.

Orchards and Vineyards

  • Irrigation: Pumps run hardest when the sun’s shining strongest.
  • Processing and cool storage: Solar offsets major daytime loads during harvest season.
  • Sustainability visibility: Boost your brand and meet export requirements with clean, renewable power.

Cropping and Horticulture

  • Irrigation and pumping: Peak demand aligns with high solar generation.
  • Grain drying and ventilation: Power energy-intensive systems efficiently.
  • Remote operations: Solar with battery backup replaces costly diesel generators.

System Options and Financial Benefits

Grid-Tied Solar Systems

The most common choice for farms connected to the grid.

  • Generate and use power during the day
  • Export excess for credit
  • Simple and low maintenance

Investment: $25,000–$120,000
Best for: Farms with reliable grid access and high daytime energy use

Hybrid Systems (Solar + Battery)

Combine solar generation with energy storage for maximum flexibility.

  • Backup power during outages
  • Use stored power at night
  • Avoid peak electricity pricing

Additional Cost: $30,000–$80,000 for battery storage
Best for: Unreliable grid supply areas or operations with evening energy demand

Off-Grid Systems

Total independence from the grid with solar, large batteries, and backup generation.

  • Complete energy control
  • Ideal for remote farms with high connection costs

Best for: Remote properties and independent operations

Financial Performance

  • Payback Period: 6–10 years (faster for high daytime use like irrigation or dairy processing)
  • Lifespan: 25+ years of ongoing savings
  • Cash Flow Positive: Many installations save more per month than their loan repayments

Typical Pricing (2024–2025):

  • Small (20–30kW): $1,300–$1,500 per kW
  • Medium (50–75kW): $1,200–$1,400 per kW
  • Large (100kW+): $1,100–$1,300 per kW

Government and Bank Support

Several initiatives make switching to solar even easier for farmers:

  • EECA’s Solar for Farms Programme: Offers guidance, tools, and access to trusted solar providers.
  • ASB Smart Solar Loan: Flexible, low-interest finance options aligned with farm cash flow cycles.
  • Regional Council Support: Some councils offer fast-track consents and reduced fees for renewable energy projects.

Why Choose Affordable Solar

At Affordable Solar, we understand the energy demands of rural New Zealand. Our expert team designs and installs custom solar systems for farms, tailored to your land, operations, and energy goals.

  • Decade-long experience in solar design & installation
  • Custom systems built for New Zealand farming conditions
  • Premium, Tier-1 products with strong warranties
  • NZ-based support, monitoring, and maintenance

Start Saving with Affordable Solar

Solar power isn’t just about cutting costs, it’s about building a more reliable, sustainable future for your farm.

Get your free solar assessment today, we’ll review your energy use, assess your site, and design a solution that fits your needs and budget.