SOLAR

War in the Middle East has reignited interest in what on farm electrification could really look like. As fuel prices hit record highs, the conversation about energy resilience has gone beyond townies charging vehicles to the real economics of farmers generating a cheaper form of energy that powers profits.

Taranaki dairy farmers had been reluctant to install solar panels for electricity generation until a project helped identify significant energy efficiency opportunities.

Dairy Trust Taranaki (DTT) is poised to make a second, more substantial investment in solar energy capture and storage to strengthen the operational resilience during power outages and reduce electricity costs of its farms.

Taranaki entrepreneur, Matt Luscombe, is building a national business installing cost-effective solar energy systems with a 4-5-year payback for farm and lifestyle block owners.

Ground-breaking research exploring growing high-value food crops and grapes under solar panels starts later this year at Lincoln University’s new 4ha Energy Farm in Canterbury.

Installation of solar electricity systems globally is doubling every three years. Lincoln University’s Dr Shannon Page says.

War in the Middle East has reignited interest in what on farm electrification could really look like. As fuel prices hit record highs, the conversation about energy resilience has gone beyond townies charging vehicles to the real economics of farmers generating a cheaper form of energy that powers profits. Words Anne Lee and Tony Leggett.