Ever thought about what it’d be like to run your entire farm on sunlight? I’m talking tractors charging, water pumps humming, even your greenhouse lights glowing—all powered by solar.
It’s totally doable. A 100kW solar system can pump out around 600 kWh of clean electricity every single day.
That’s more than enough to keep irrigation systems running, your coolers chilled, and your essential equipment buzzing along without blinking.
And if you’re on a smaller setup? A 10kW system can still go a long way, especially for remote farms that don’t want to deal with unreliable grid access or crazy fuel prices.
It’s not just about saving on energy bills either—solar can seriously slash your carbon footprint and help future-proof your farm.
Plus, depending on where you’re located, you might even get paid for sending extra juice back to the grid.
Farming’s hard enough, your power shouldn’t be. Let’s break down how these solar systems work and what setup makes the most sense for your operation.
Why Australian Farms Are Switching to Solar Power
As more farmers explore solar, it helps to break down the key reasons driving this shift. Let’s look at the core areas that are pushing Australian farms to switch.
Rising diesel and electricity costs
Powering a farm gets expensive fast. Diesel prices are unpredictable, and electricity rates keep climbing.
If you’re running irrigation systems, cool rooms, or heavy-duty equipment, the bills don’t take long to add up.
A solar system for agriculture helps cut those costs. Once you install it, you’re producing your own power from sunlight—no need to rely on the grid or fuel deliveries every week.
In some cases, farms see energy savings of $20,000 or more each year, depending on system size. That’s money staying in your pocket instead of going to energy companies.
Sustainability goals and emissions reduction
If you’re selling produce or livestock through a supply chain, chances are someone above you has a carbon target.
That pressure trickles down fast. Solar helps you meet emissions reduction targets without much effort. You install the panels, generate clean energy, and track your savings through energy reports.
Exporters, supermarkets, and even customers are starting to ask more questions about how food is grown or stored. Being able to say your farm runs on solar is a strong point in your favour.
Increased control over energy supply and costs
When your farm runs on the grid, you’re stuck with whatever happens to the market.
Blackouts? Too bad. Peak demand price spikes? Nothing you can do. But when you’ve got your own solar system, especially with batteries, you’re not at the mercy of the grid.
You can store extra energy for later use, ride out short-term outages, and stop worrying about diesel arriving late.
More control means fewer disruptions during harvest, fewer spoiled goods, and fewer late-night fuel runs. It just makes everything more stable.
What a 10kW–100kW Solar System Can Power on Your Farm
Let’s talk about what you can actually run with a 10kW solar farm setup versus something bigger, like a 100kW solar system for your farm.
A 10kW system is great for smaller farms or hobby operations. You can cover:
- Bore pumps – These draw water from underground for livestock or crops. A 10kW system can power them during daylight hours, cutting down diesel use or grid dependence.
- Small-scale irrigation – Perfect for watering small plots or greenhouse setups. Solar energy can run timers, pumps, and drip systems efficiently throughout the day.
- Lights and power for a few sheds – Great for tool sheds, feed storage, or basic workshops. Enough power for lighting, fans, small appliances, or charging tools.
- Electric fencing – These don’t draw much power, and solar keeps them running reliably without needing regular battery changes or manual checks.
It’s a solid setup if your daily power needs are moderate and you’re looking to reduce reliance on the grid without going all-in.
It’ll give you about 40 kWh per day, depending on where you are in Australia and the weather.
Now if you step up to a 100kW system, you’re in commercial territory. This size suits larger farms with serious power needs. You could run:
- Large irrigation setups and multiple pumps – These systems demand a lot of energy, especially during hot seasons. A 100kW setup can power multiple zones at once without relying on fuel.
- Cold storage for produce or dairy – Keeping food cool around the clock takes consistent power. Solar helps run fridges and cold rooms more affordably and reliably.
- Workshop machinery – From welders to grain grinders and compressors, workshop gear pulls heavy power. A larger solar system can handle the load without tripping circuits.
- Equipment sheds and heavy-duty tools – These areas often have lights, charging stations, and electrical tools. Solar provides stable power to keep operations running smoothly.
- Offices, housing, and even EV chargers – If you’ve got staff living on-site or using electric vehicles, 100kW covers lights, aircon, computers, and charging needs without strain.
Expect around 400 kWh per day with a 100kW system under decent sun conditions. The size you choose depends on your usage, land space, and long-term energy plans. Both systems can lower your bills and support farm operations reliably.
Choosing the Right Solar Size for Your Agricultural Needs
Before locking in a solar setup, it’s smart to figure out exactly what kind of power your farm needs — and how those needs might shift over time.
You don’t want a system that falls short when it matters or wastes money by overshooting what you’ll actually use.
Daily energy usage, peak load times, off-grid vs grid-tied
Start by checking your current energy usage. How much electricity does your farm pull on a normal day? What about during peak times, like summer irrigation or harvest?
If you’ve got bore pumps running all day or large machinery kicking in at certain hours, those spikes need to be factored in.
Also think about how your system connects:
- Grid-tied setups let you draw power when needed and sell excess back. They’re more flexible and often cheaper to install.
- Off-grid setups need batteries or backup generators to handle days without sun. Good for remote areas, but more complex.
Seasonal variations in farm operations
Farming isn’t static — some months you barely touch a pump, other times it’s running non-stop.
In summer, power demands climb fast for irrigation, cooling systems, and long hours of machine use. In winter, things might slow down. But solar generation can also dip depending on your location.
A system that works in January might feel underpowered by July. Planning for the highs and lows makes a big difference in how reliable your setup feels all year.
Future scalability and battery storage considerations
Think long-term. If you’re adding cold storage, expanding paddocks, or switching to electric gear, your solar system should have room to grow with you.
Some systems are easy to expand. Others lock you in. It helps to plan a setup that lets you add more panels or batteries later — especially if you’re working in stages or budgeting carefully.
Battery storage also changes the game. It gives you control over when to use your power instead of sending it all to the grid.
Even if you don’t install batteries right away, having space and infrastructure for them means you’re not boxed in when you’re ready.
Components of a Farm-Grade Solar System
Let’s break down what actually makes up a solid farm-grade solar system. These aren’t one-size-fits-all kits, each part plays a role in how well your system performs, especially on a working farm.
Panels (monocrystalline vs polycrystalline)
Monocrystalline panels are more efficient and space-saving. They cost a bit more upfront, but if you’ve got limited roof space or want to generate the most power per square metre, they’re the way to go.
Polycrystalline panels are cheaper and still reliable, but you’ll need more of them to get the same output. If you’ve got plenty of shed roof or ground space and want to save on the initial cost, they’re a decent option.
Inverters (string vs hybrid vs microinverters)
The inverter is what converts the solar energy into usable electricity.
- String inverters are the standard choice and cost-effective for big open systems. They work best when all panels get the same amount of sun.
- Hybrid inverters allow you to add batteries. Ideal if you’re planning for energy storage now or later.
- Microinverters attach to each panel individually. These are great if you’ve got partial shading or want more detailed performance tracking, but they’re pricier.
For most farms, a hybrid inverter gives the best balance between flexibility and cost.
Solar batteries (lead-acid, lithium)
If you want backup power or are off-grid, solar batteries are a key part of your system.
- Lead-acid batteries are cheaper upfront but bulkier and wear out faster. They’ve been around a long time and are still used in some remote setups.
- Lithium batteries are lighter, last longer, and charge more efficiently. They cost more but are quickly becoming the go-to for modern farms.
If your goal is long-term reliability and minimal maintenance, lithium is the better choice.
Monitoring systems and control panels for remote management
Keeping tabs on your system matters, especially when you’re juggling a million other jobs on the farm. Monitoring systems let you track how much energy you’re producing, using, and storing—right from your phone or desktop.
Good systems also alert you if anything’s off. That means no surprises when the next power bill rolls in or when a panel stops pulling its weight.
Some systems even let you adjust usage remotely, helping you manage load during peak solar hours or switch between battery and grid power.
Hybrid and Off-Grid Solar Options for Farms
Some farms just need to trim the power bill. Others need to be completely self-sufficient. That’s where hybrid solar for farms and off-grid solar systems for agriculture come into play.
These setups go beyond basic grid-tied systems. They’re built to handle remote locations, unpredictable power supply, or the need for backup when the grid drops out.
When to choose hybrid over grid-tied
A hybrid system is basically a grid-tied setup with batteries. You’re still connected to the main grid, but you also have the ability to store excess solar power during the day and use it at night or during outages.
This makes sense if:
- You want more energy independence but aren’t ready to cut ties with the grid.
- You face occasional blackouts and need reliable backup.
- You want to make the most of feed-in tariffs, while storing some energy for personal use.
It gives you more control without going fully off-grid.
Off-grid for remote properties with no power access
If your farm’s in a remote location where grid access is either unavailable or too expensive to install, then off-grid solar is usually the only practical option.
These systems are fully self-contained. They include solar panels, batteries, and often a backup generator. There’s no reliance on outside energy companies. You generate and store everything you need.
It works well for:
- Cattle stations in the outback
- Isolated crop farms with no grid line nearby
- Properties looking to completely avoid rising electricity tariffs
It takes more planning and a bigger upfront investment, but once it’s in place, you’ve got full control over your power.
Battery sizing and autonomy for backup
If you’re off-grid or using a hybrid system, battery storage becomes critical.
You need to size your batteries based on:
- How much power you use daily
- How many days of backup you want (known as autonomy)
- Your location’s sunlight patterns (cloudy stretches can impact generation)
For example:
- A farm using 60 kWh/day might need a 180–240 kWh battery bank to cover 3–4 days of cloudy weather.
- Lithium batteries offer better depth of discharge and longer lifespan than lead-acid, making them a better fit for daily agricultural loads.
Getting battery size right means fewer interruptions, less reliance on diesel, and more predictable power, even in remote or high-demand settings.
Solar Pumping Systems for Irrigation and Bores
Solar pumping systems are becoming a go-to solution for irrigation and water supply on farms, especially where diesel pumps have gotten too costly or unreliable.
Installing a solar pump for a bore or dam means you can move water without depending on grid power or refueling schedules. That’s a huge win for farms trying to cut costs or automate irrigation.
AC vs DC solar pumps
There are two main types of solar pumps: AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current).
- DC pumps are more efficient with solar panels. They don’t need an inverter, which means fewer losses in power conversion. Great for smaller systems or off-grid use.
- AC pumps are usually more powerful and better suited for larger solar irrigation systems. They require an inverter but can handle higher loads, making them ideal for deep bores or multiple irrigation zones.
Sizing for flow rate, pump head, and sunlight hours
You can’t just throw in any solar pump and expect results. You need to size it based on:
- Flow rate – How much water you need per hour or per day.
- Pump head – The vertical lift required from the water source to the tank or field.
- Sunlight hours – Your location’s average sun hours will impact how long the pump can run each day.
For example, if you’re drawing water from a 50m deep bore and need to pump 20,000 litres a day, you’ll need a stronger system than someone using a shallow dam.
Integrating timers and smart controllers
Automation makes your system more efficient. Timers can start pumping during peak solar hours, while smart controllers can track water levels, soil moisture, and even weather forecasts.
Some systems shut off automatically when the tank is full or only run when sunlight is optimal.
These tools reduce manual checks, save energy, and make sure water isn’t wasted.
Government Incentives for Farm Solar in Australia
Solar incentives can make a big dent in the upfront cost of installing a system on your farm.
If you’re thinking about going solar, there’s a mix of federal programs, state rebates, and special funding options that can bring the price down and speed up your return on investment.
STCs and LGCs (Small- and Large-scale Generation Certificates)
The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) provides STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates) for systems up to 100kW.
These act as a discount, and most installers handle the paperwork and apply it directly to your quote. The number of STCs you get depends on:
- System size in kW
- Your farm’s location (more sun = more value)
- How long the system is expected to operate
For larger farms with systems over 100kW, LGCs (Large-scale Generation Certificates) kick in under the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target. These operate more like carbon credits and can provide long-term financial returns based on ongoing energy production.
State-specific grants and rural funding
Every state and territory offers different programs, and some even target rural and regional properties specifically.
You could be eligible for:
- Upfront rebates for new systems
- Low-interest loans to spread out payment
- Battery-specific support for adding storage
- Solar-for-business schemes that include agribusinesses
For example:
- Victoria has the Solar for Business Program
- Queensland and South Australia have offered interest-free loans and battery rebates
- NSW has trialled schemes for low-income and off-grid properties
It’s worth checking your state’s current programs—they change frequently, and some are limited to certain postcodes or industries.
Tax depreciation and incentives for agribusinesses
Solar systems installed for business use, including farms, may qualify for instant asset write-offs or accelerated depreciation.
That means you could claim a big chunk of your investment back in the same financial year—reducing your taxable income and freeing up capital.
If you’re running as a registered business or sole trader, talk to your accountant about the most tax-efficient way to structure the install.
Government rebates and loans for solar
Several programs let you combine STCs with state rebates and loans—dropping the upfront cost even more.
Some councils also offer rebate swaps, where you give up an energy concession in exchange for solar system support.
These are common for pensioners and low-income households, but some rural business schemes offer similar setups.
From 1 July 2025, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program will roll out, offering up to 30% off battery costs. While targeted at homes, smaller agribusinesses may be eligible depending on final rules.
There are also interest-free loans in some areas, with repayments often timed to align with expected electricity bill savings.
Cost of Installing a 10kW to 100kW Solar System
Farm solar cost in Australia varies depending on system size, hardware quality, and whether batteries are included.
For a rough idea, a 10kW system usually starts around $10,000–$15,000, while a 100kW solar system price can range from $80,000–$130,000, fully installed.
Most of that cost comes from panels and inverters, followed by labor and optional batteries. Lithium storage adds significantly more.
Payback periods on Australian farms often fall between 3 to 6 years, especially when replacing diesel generators or offsetting high electricity tariffs.
Farms using solar to power irrigation or cold storage tend to see faster returns due to daily operational demand.
Key Takeaway
Going solar on your farm just makes sense when you look at the numbers. Electricity and diesel prices keep going up, and that hits harder when you’re running pumps, cold rooms, or heavy equipment every day.
With the right-sized solar system—something between 10kW and 100kW—you can bring those costs way down and start putting that money back into your farm.
You get stable, predictable energy you can rely on. No more fuel delivery headaches or surprise bills when usage spikes during harvest or heatwaves.
And when you add batteries or go hybrid, it’s a whole new level of control. Farms all over Australia are switching for the same reasons: long-term savings, more independence, and less downtime.
If you’re thinking about making the move, let’s talk. We’ve helped farms just like yours cut costs and take charge of their power.
Book a free farm energy audit or get a custom solar quote from us at OffGridWA. We’ll walk you through the setup, help you pick the right system, and make sure it works for your property.
FAQs About Farm Solar Systems in Australia
Can solar power all farm operations?
Yes, as long as the system is sized correctly. Larger systems with battery backup can run everything from pumps to cold storage.
Do I need batteries for my farm solar system?
Not always. Grid-tied systems work without batteries, but if you’re off-grid or want backup during outages, batteries are essential.
Will solar work during cloudy days?
Yes, but output drops. You’ll still generate power, just less than on sunny days. Batteries or grid backup help cover the gap.
What is the lifespan of a farm solar system?
Most panels last 25–30 years. Inverters may need replacing after 10–15 years. Batteries vary, with lithium lasting 10+ years.
Can I start with 10kW and upgrade later?
Definitely. Many systems are designed to scale, so you can expand as your farm’s energy needs grow.