Cut Power Costs. Build Resilience. Get EECA Support
Across Hawke’s Bay, farmers and growers are using on-farm solar with batteries to power homes, sheds and pumping, and to keep working when the grid drops. With the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s (EECA) Solar on Farms initiative, eligible operators can access support to help make the numbers work.
Freenergy designs and installs farm systems that fit your load profile, terrain and operations. We are local, experienced and ready to help you get your application and quote sorted.
Farmers are moving to solar with battery storage because it lowers running costs by generating their own power, keeps critical loads on during outages with battery back up, makes it easier to use more of what they generate through smart controls and demand flexibility, and helps future-proof their operations with trusted technology and local support.
EECA Solar on Farms
Co-Funding Eligibility
New Zealand based farmers and growers may be eligible if you meet the following criteria:
Can install both solar PV and a battery (or battery only where solar is already installed) before 30 June 2026.
Agree to share your experience, learnings and real time energy use data with EECA and the farming sector.
Currently pay a levy to an industry organisation (or poultry meat growers can show you are a commercial/contract grower).
Meet additional requirements relating to regulatory compliance, health and safety and animal welfare.
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.
Eligible Farm Types
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.), or a combination of the above.
Farm types that aren't included: Lifestyle farms, non-farming entities, utility scale solar farms (above 500kW), government organisations.
Getting Ready to Apply
You will need to provide an itemised quote from a suitably qualified installer as part of your application. Systems will need to meet these requirements:
Between 30kWp and 500kWp.
Grid connected and able to be connected to a demand flexible platform
Able to operate off-grid in event of a power outage.
Full eligibility criteria and applications for funding will be open through the EECA website on 18 September 2025.
Stay up to date
To stay up to date with the latest EECA information, application reminders, and support from our team, you can register your interest with Freenergy below. We’ll keep you informed as the funding round opens and guide you through the process to make sure your farm is ready.
Rural Solar Projects
Haumoana - Powering Vineyard and Farm Life
24 kW installed | 32 kWh battery storage
Designed and installed by Freenergy, this system supports a vineyard site with multiple demands, including the home, flat, sheds, plant, irrigation, and potable water pumping. The solution delivers strong daytime generation, high self-consumption, and reliable backup to keep critical loads running during outages.
Ruakawa - Resilience for Remote Farming
22 kW installed | 32 kWh battery storage
This ground-mounted solar and battery system supports home and shed loads, irrigation, and stock water pumping on a remote rural property. Freenergy designed the setup to provide a stable supply for everyday operations while improving resilience during outages and reducing reliance on grid power.
Financing Options
We know cashflow matters on the farm. The good news is there are dedicated finance options available to make solar + battery more accessible.
ASB Smart Solar Loan
5 year fixed rate, 0.00% p.a.
Available on a ASB Business Term Loan, for up to $150,000 for eligible on-farm solar installations.
Offer is subject to availability until 15 December 2025 and may be withdrawn at any time.
ANZ Good Energy Agri Loan
3 year fixed rate, 1.00% p.a.
Only available as a top-up to an existing business loan.
Borrow up to $80,000 per trading group to make houses on your farm more energy efficient and better for the environment.
Source: ASB / ANZ websites
Get Your Free Farm Solar Quote
Choosing solar for your farm is about more than saving on power bills. It’s about building resilience, supporting productivity, and future-proofing your operation. With EECA’s Solar on Farms initiative now open, there has never been a better time for New Zealand farmers and growers to invest in solar and battery storage.
Freenergy is a trusted Hawke’s Bay solar installer with proven experience across rural, commercial and residential projects. Talk to our team today about designing a system that fits your farm, qualifies for funding, and delivers long-term energy independence.
Ready to take the next step?
Whether it’s a vineyard, orchard, dairy, sheep and beef, or horticulture block, solar plus batteries can deliver resilience and savings for your farm. Get in touch today.
