To reduce your energy costs and improve the energy resilience of your farming operation, and play a part in supporting the uptake of solar on a wide range of farm types across New Zealand.

You may be eligible if you are a farmer or grower, and meet the following criteria:  

• New Zealand based and have a New Zealand Business Number (note that only one application will be considered per business — including those operating under the same holding company).  

• Can feasibly install both solar PV and a battery storage system (or battery only where solar is already installed) by 30 June 2026.   

• Currently pay a levy to an industry organisation such as DairyNZ or Beef and Lamb. Non-levy paying farms such as poultry meat growers must be able to show you are a commercial/contract grower.  

• Agree to share your experience, learnings and real time energy use data with EECA and the farming sector (in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020).   

• You have not been the subject of successful prosecutions relating to health and safety, animal welfare, or noncompliance with Regional or Unitary Council requirements for the past 5 years.  

• The type of farm is included in the EECA list of farm types (see below). 

Funding will be available for up to 40 farms across 10 different farm types, to form a representative demonstration group across New Zealand.  

The number of successful applicants within each farm type, and their location, will be proportionate to their actual distribution. 

Farm types that are included

• Dairy farming  

• Sheep & beef  

• Arable (grains and crops)  

• Horticulture (fruit and vegetables)  

• Pig farming  

• Poultry farming  

• Plant nursery/floriculture  

• Wine/viticulture  

• Other livestock (deer, horses etc.)  

• A combination of the above. 

Farm types that aren't included 

• Lifestyle farms 

• Non-farming entities  

• Utility scale solar farms (above 500kW)  

• Government organisations — view the full list(external link).

1. Get installer quote

   As part of your application, you will be required to submit at least one itemised quote from a qualified installer, meeting the system requirements.  
   

2. Submit your application

   If eligible, submit your application for funding (see below).  

   Applications will be assessed as they are received, and evaluated based on farm type, region, and system size. 

3. Install your system

   If you are successful you will need to complete your system installation by 30 June 2026.  

   The installation process is arranged between you and your installer.  

4. Share your learnings

   Your learnings and energy data will be shared with us to inform resources for the wider sector — demonstrating the potential for solar PV and battery storage in a real farming context.