Solar for Farms
Harness the future of agriculture
Solar Group is your trusted partner in providing sustainable solar power for farms, wineries, and vineyards throughout New Zealand. With nearly 40 years of experience in the solar industry, we’re committed to using our commercial solar solutions to help communities make the switch to renewable energy and operate farms more sustainably for New Zealand’s environment.
Solar energy production systems tailored to your needs
Every New Zealand farm has distinct energy requirements. Our solar engineers assess each project in detail and ensure our power systems are designed in line with your farm’s electricity generation needs. Whether it’s large-scale solar installations for intensive operations or smaller systems for limited energy demands, our focus is on achieving optimal performance and effective electricity generation by harnessing the sun.
Why solar power for agriculture is a win-win solution
Agrivoltaics, or integrating solar panels into agriculture, enables farms and vineyards to make use of solar energy production while acting as a protective barrier for certain crops against harsh weather. This maximises land use for both food and renewable electricity, making it a sustainable, economical option for farmers.
Benefits of solar for farms and vineyards
As the world moves towards reducing carbon emissions, the agricultural sector plays an essential role in sustainable development. Solar energy offers a range of advantages for farms, wineries, and vineyards, making it an excellent option for agricultural operations.
New Zealand’s farms have a unique advantage with solar energy. With expansive land and abundant daylight hours, farms can harness the sun’s energy to generate electricity, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and the grid. This renewable energy offers reliability and cleaner electricity, cutting down emissions and lessening environmental pollution.
Clean and renewable energy
Solar power systems allow farms across the country to generate clean energy without adding to greenhouse gas emissions. This approach helps fight climate change and creates a sustainable future for New Zealand and beyond.
Cost savings
Solar-powered farms in New Zealand offer substantial cost savings, especially for tasks which demand a large amount of energy, such as irrigation. By producing your own electricity with solar panels, you can decrease your dependence on the power grid and shield yourself from increasing electricity prices. It also diversifies income by using unused land for solar installations. Any surplus electricity generated during the daytime can be sold back to the grid, creating an additional revenue stream.
Energy independence and reliability
Investing in solar power systems allows farms and vineyards to generate enough electricity for their own use, making them self-reliant and decreasing their dependence on external power sources. With a consistent supply of clean electricity, operations can continue without interruptions and reduce the risk of power shortages. Additionally, it is a silent, low-maintenance power source with minimal visual impact.
Environmental sustainability
Compared to other forms of energy production, solar installations on farms and vineyards in New Zealand have reduced negative impacts. This sustainable power choice is a responsible decision for landowners who wish to preserve their land’s environment.
How to get started with solar power for your farm
Embarking on your solar journey in New Zealand is simpler than you might think.
1. Consultation and assessment
Get in touch with Solar Group for a consultation. We’ll gauge your energy demands, assess your property’s solar potential, and recommend a custom-designed solar solution.
2. System design and installation
After determining the best solar power system for your farm, our specialists will manage every step of the construction and installation process, from acquiring any required resource consents to linking your system to the grid.
3. Maintenance and support
We’re dedicated to ensuring your solar system’s longevity once it’s installed. Maintenance services are available, and our customer support team is always available to answer any questions or address concerns.
How much does it cost to install a solar system on a farm?
Costs differ based on the system size and type. After understanding your needs, we provide a detailed installation and operation quote so you know what to expect.
What size solar system is right for my farm?
The appropriate size correlates with your power consumption. Our team evaluates your energy generation requirements to suggest an ideal, reliable system. We supply a range of systems, whether you’d like your property to stay connected to the grid in a hybrid manner or be completely self-sufficient. We’ll guide you in developing the perfect solar project for your specific farm, ensuring you make the best choice possible.
Can you farm around solar panels?
Farming around solar panels is entirely possible and a good way to fully use your ground space. Certain crops even fare better under low-light conditions. It is also possible for livestock such as sheep or chickens to be compatible with solar panel regions, using the panels as shade while aiding in vegetation management.
Do solar panels harm crops or impact the soil?
Solar panels neither harm crops nor affect the soil. They can even benefit particular crops with the shade they create, mitigating stress from intense sunlight.
Get in touch today
Contact Solar Group to find out how solar can improve your farm, vineyard, or winery today. Our experienced team will create a solar system developed to support your farming business so you can make the best investment for yourself and New Zealand.