GrowPay supports solar push: New government measures open doors for on-farm energy independence

GrowPay welcomes the Government’s latest initiative to make it easier for New Zealand farmers to invest in solar and battery solutions. The announcement, made by Energy Minister Simon Watts at Fieldays, aligns with GrowPay’s commitment to helping farmers reduce costs, build resilience, and access smarter financing for sustainable technology.

The package includes independent advice, real-life energy data for different types of farms, feasibility studies, and a partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Finance to streamline access to funding. For farmers, this marks a turning point in how on-farm solar can be assessed, funded, and deployed.

Minister Watts noted, “If 30% of Kiwi farms installed larger solar power systems—of the size we already see on some farms—they could collectively generate as much as 10% of New Zealand’s current electricity demand.” This move not only strengthens national energy security but also helps farmers protect themselves against rising costs and grid instability.

Mark Hooper, Federated Farmers’ energy spokesperson, pointed out that solar installations—particularly on rooftops of wool and dairy sheds—are a practical and increasingly cost-effective solution. “Electricity costs may not be the biggest input cost for most farms, but when you factor in irrigation or battery storage, the economics start to make a lot more sense.”

From GrowPay’s perspective, helping farmers invest in these technologies is about more than just energy savings—it’s about long-term financial sustainability. With the Government’s support in easing regulatory hurdles and improving grid feed-in agreements, farms can now turn surplus energy into revenue.

A key benefit of the package is the provision of independent, non-sales driven advice, something Hooper emphasised as critical. “For many farmers, their only interaction around solar comes from someone trying to sell them a system. That’s a barrier to good decision-making.”

GrowPay is ready to support this transition. Through our tailored financial services platform for rural New Zealand, we offer flexible funding solutions for capital investments—including solar and energy storage systems. We also work with partners across the ecosystem to ensure farmers get not only the capital they need, but also the right advice and vendor relationships to make these projects successful.

As more farms look to self-sufficiency and resilience, GrowPay is here to ensure they have the financial tools to make it happen—while protecting their land, cashflow, and long-term viability.

Interested in financing your on-farm solar system? Talk to GrowPay today to find out how we can support your energy investment.