Operation Laser Kiwi: help us take New Zealand-made energy on the road
Following on from the Government's announcement at Fieldays, farmers now have a helpline to call and co-funding available for solar and battery systems.
Going electric is smart, but all that chat about kilowatts, connection sizes and export limits can be a bit confusing. That's why good, independent advice is so important and it's great to see EECA's new solar on farms phoneline is open for business.
Everyone loves a discount, so it's also great to see there's an opportunity for farms to get some demonstration funding for solar and battery systems, as long as you meet the criteria and are willing to share your experience. Co-funding applications open 18 September and offer up to $200k per farm for systems from 30-500Kw.
Solar and batteries can lower costs, lower emissions and improve resilience. And it's one area where farmers don't have to compromise on anything. The sector is going well at the moment, and there are big payouts on the horizon for many after the sale of Fonterra's consumer brands, so it could be a good time to invest.
More solar and batteries doesn't just help the farmers, however. It will also be an important part of our future energy system and help bring the price of electricity down for everyone else, too.
As EECA says:
On-farm solar, battery storage, and flexible energy systems are becoming practical, viable options for powering farms and growing operations. Solar generation can also offer farmers greater control over their energy use, supporting efficiency and productivity.
The solar on farms initiative provides trusted information and support options to help farmers and growers unlock the potential of solar and battery energy systems to reduce on-farm costs, improve energy resilience, and drive long-term energy security.
Kiwis are catching on to the benefits of solar panels - and demand's spiking ... But the industry warns we need about six thousand more trained electricians - across the country - to do the work. Rewiring Aotearoa Chief Executive, Mike Casey told Heather du Plessis-Allan he hopes interest will continue over time. He says oil shortages because of the Iran war is keeping demand high - with energy prices climbing. He says solar is the one reprieve Kiwis get.
Roger Robson-Williams owns 20% of New Zealand's electric tractor fleet. That sounds impressive, until you learn there are only five of them. But, like his fellow electric tractor enthusiast Mike Casey, he's on a mission to change that by providing a bit of inspiration and information.
Read moreDownloadYour power bill is set to keep rising, in part because of how electricity distribution businesses (EDBs, also known as lines companies) are run and regulated. EDB spending is expected to be one of the biggest factors in increasing bills in New Zealand’s electricity system over the coming years, as it has been in the last few years. The Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) is now asking what should change. This is a consequential energy consultation and we are encouraging you to submit to ensure the voice of the community is heard. If Government gets this wrong, your bills will be higher for decades to come. If Government gets this right, your bills could be lower. Submissions are due 5pm Friday 30 September 2026.
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