If you've been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your farm with a solar power system, that moment is now. The New Zealand government has just launched a game-changing funding initiative to help farmers slash electricity bills and improve long-term resiliency by installing renewable energy systems on the farms.
Powerful New Support for Solar Panel Installation
From 18 September 2025, farmers can apply for up to $200,000 in government co-funding to purchase and install a solar power system and on-farm battery storage. The program supports systems sized from 30 to 500kw, covering up to 40% of the cost of inverters and batteries and 20% for solar array components. That means more financial relief, faster payback, and a compelling case for installing renewable energy systems on your farm. (Update: funding applications have now closed)
From 18 September 2025, farmers can apply for up to $200,000 in government co-funding to purchase and install a solar power system and on-farm battery storage. The program supports systems sized from 30 to 500kw, covering up to 40% of the cost of inverters and batteries and 20% for solar array components. That means more financial relief, faster payback, and a compelling case for installing renewable energy systems on your farm. (Update - funding applications now closed Nov 2025)
New: Interest-Free and Low-Cost Bank Loans for Farmers
Major New Zealand banks are making it even easier to act now:
- ASB's Smart Solar Loan: Up to $150,000 interest-free for five years, dedicated to funding solar and battery systems for rural customers. This market-leading offer lets you implement a tailored battery and solar panel installation with minimal upfront financial pressure.
- ANZ Good Energy Agri Loan: This flexible product enables customers to borrow $5,000 to $80,000 at a very low fixed rate for three years, supporting energy-efficient solar upgrades to farm houses and eligible properties. When it comes to installing renewable energy systems on your farm, it allows you to do so, without large outlays.
BNZ, Westpac and Kiwibank also offer sustainable energy farm loans.
These loan options are structured so that monthly payments often match the savings generated by your new solar power system, meaning many farms see costs offset from day one.
Don't Forget the Tax Depreciation and Instant Deductions!
In addition to grants and loans, the 2025 Investment Boost gives businesses, including farms, the ability to claim an immediate 20% tax deduction on the cost of new solar power assets in the year they are purchased. Businesses can also depreciate the remaining cost over time.
This tax incentive effectively lowers the upfront cost of your battery and solar panel installation, accelerating return on investment and improving cash flow from day one.
Why Go Solar Now?
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Immediate Savings: Solar power systems can reduce farm electricity bills by 40-70% annually, offering strong ongoing returns. (ref: Rewiring Aotearoa)
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Operational Resilience: On-farm plus batteries provide backup power and reduced exposure to volatile, rising grid prices, which is essential for irrigation, cooling, and other energy-intensive processes.
Trust AA Solar for Your Battery & Solar Panel Installation
AA Solar is a rural solar specialist. We offer feasibility studies, custom system design, full ROI modelling, guidance on grants and financing, and expert installation. Our track record shows that Kiwi farmers are slashing costs while future-proofing their operations by installing renewable energy systems tailored to their needs.
Take Advantage of Our Unprecedented Offers!
Contact AA Solar today to discuss how a government-backed grant or a zero-interest farm loan, and tax depreciation could bring your solar power system project to life. With solutions for every farm and every budget, now is the time to secure your place in New Zealand's clean, affordable energy future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore how New Zealand farmers can maximise the benefits of the solar funding initiative.
What is required to apply for a solar bank loan?
Banks usually require a formal quote from a SEANZ-approved installer as part of the application. The solar system must be installed by a SEANZ member, such as AA Solar to access these offers
Who is eligible for the tax incentives?
All types of farms - dairy, sheep, beef, horticulture, and cropping, are eligible if system and battery size requirements are met, and the solar installation is for business (not residential) use.
Who is eligible to apply for the government’s solar co-funding program?
Funding is being allocated to up to 40 farms; the farm’s installation must include a battery system, and be installed by the 30th of June 2026. Farmers must share information about their experience and real-time energy data. Farmers operating a registered primary production business in New Zealand were eligible to apply for the co-funding program. To qualify, the farm must be connected to a commercial electricity plan and intend to use the solar and battery system for on-site operations. Applications are now closed.
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