A new government initiative aims to give farmers more power over their power.

The Solar on Farms package was announced last week by Minister for energy Simon Watts.

“Kiwi farmers have a long history of adapting, problem-solving and finding ways to be smart with land and resources,” Watts said.

“Real progress comes from the ground up, from people who understand the land, the seasons, and how to run a business.”

“That’s why we want to give farmers more choices and the ability to unlock the cost savings that come with on-farm solar, batteries, and flexible energy systems.”

The package will provide farmers with “independant and practical tools”, independent advice around consenting, and a partnership with the Centre of Sustainable Finance to accelerate access to funding.

“Early modelling tells us that if 30 per cent of Kiwi farms installed larger systems – of the size we see on some farms already – they could generate as much as 10 per cent of New Zealand’s current electricity demand,” Watts said.

“This is a real win for the security of our energy supply.”

The package will come from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) budget, though the amount of money allocated hasn’t been revealed yet.

Mt Somers farmer Duncan Humm said the announcement came as a surprise.

“I’m pretty stoked to see it.”

Humm is in the process of setting up a 23 megawatt solar farm on his property, one of many diverse income streams.

“We needed a lynchpin to give us a good reliable income to enable farm succession.”

“We couldn’t really afford to buy more land next door, and we needed a business that is completely different to normal farming, where we’re not exposed to weather and things like that.”

Humm said now is the time for locals to invest in solar systems.

“When we started, no one knew anything about it, so we had to do our own homework.

“All those barriers to entry are being broken down now.”

The announcement was made at Fieldays, alongside new ventures for bank ASB and cooperative Farmlands.

The Smart Solar loan offers a five-year interest free deal on amounts up to $150,000 for farmers installing solar and battery systems.

And Farmlands Flex is an installation program that will plan and deliver microgrid solar set ups for farms.

“There are a whole lot of things coming together,” Humm said.

“She should be a bit of a race now.”

Commercial solar farms are sprouting in the soils around Mid Canterbury, with plots in Willowby, Lauriston, and another set to begin building in Leeston in 2026.

Our flat plains, numerous grid connections and reliance on hydro for energy generation make this region a perfect guinea pig for the technology.

By Anisha Satya