NZARM 2025 Conference: Challenges and opportunities for solar on drystock farm systems

Jesse Brennan presented on the Challenges and opportunities for solar on dry stock farm systems at the NZARM Conference in Marlborough.

This presentation outlines research on the challenges and opportunities of solar development on dry stock farms in Aotearoa New Zealand, focusing on how solar and agrivoltaics could contribute to future energy needs while interacting with pastoral farming systems. It matters because electricity demand is projected to increase sharply by 2050, renewable generation must expand quickly, and productive rural land is increasingly being considered for energy infrastructure.

The research highlights that solar is emerging as a viable but uneven option for dry stock farming. New Zealand’s energy system faces rising demand, declining gas supply, and heavy reliance on hydro, making solar attractive due to falling costs and faster consenting relative to other generation types. However, adoption on farms is constrained by high upfront costs, complex consenting and grid connection requirements, limited grid capacity, and uncertainty in planning frameworks that were not designed for large-scale solar.

At the same time, the research identifies clear opportunities. Solar leasing can provide stable income, reduce exposure to volatile dry stock markets, and support succession planning. Agrivoltaics may allow continued grazing, primarily sheep, while generating electricity, with potential animal welfare and pasture benefits depending on design. Overall, the findings suggest solar will suit some dry stock farms but is not a universal solution. Clearer policy settings, New Zealand-specific research, and accessible guidance are critical to support informed decision-making for farmers, communities, and regulators as solar deployment increases.