Registration's of interest now open, Applications open on the 18th Sept.
Up to $200,000 contribution for each of 40 farm's keen to install solar and battery that is:
- 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.
What the funding will cover
The maximum amount of funding per farm will be capped at $200,000 (excluding GST), to be applied as follows:
- Up to 40% of inverter and battery system costs — capped at $450 per kWh of nominal battery capacity installed, up to a maximum of $100,000.
- Up to 20% of other solar array costs (like PV modules and installation) — capped at $410 per kWp of direct current capacity, up to a maximum of $100,000.
Funding will be available for up to 40 farms to create a representative demonstration group, with a commitment of up to $4 million in co-funding from EECA.
Eligibility for co-funding
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).
List of eligible farm types
Funding will be available for up to 40 farms across 10 different farm types, to form a representative demonstration group across New Zealand.
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
A webinar is available Mon 22 Sept 10:30 - 11am at the main link.
Press Release:
https://www.eeca.govt.nz/about/news-and-corporate/news/eeca-…