Скачать или смотреть Min Simon Watts announces Solar on Farms package at Fieldays

Now that's what you call a panel discussion.

Minister Simon Watts was the bearer of good news for farmers at Fieldays today when he announced a suite of initiatives that aim to make it easier to install solar and batteries.

At Rewiring Aotearoa, we always distinguish between solar on farms and solar farms, and it is good to see that this package (as well as products from ASB and Farmlands that have also been announced) is focused squarely on the former and will actually help lower farmers' energy bills.

Federated Farmers is also onboard with this approach and spokesman Mark Hooper said in a release: "Installing solar systems for self-sufficiency across our farms is certainly preferable to productive farmland being swallowed up, or compromised, by enormous solar farms."

An important part of the Government programme is providing independent advice to farmers and helping them navigate the complexity of the energy system.

"Being able to supply excess power generated from on-farm solar back into the local grid, and to earn revenue, is a factor that could well get more farm owners across the line. Any help from the Government to ease those negotiations with electricity distribution businesses would be very welcome."