Solar-powered irrigation for a dairy farm. Rising energy costs and the need for year-round irrigation led a dairy farm in New Zealand’s Central North Island to seek a sustainable, long-term solution. In partnership with Smart Electrical Solutions (SES) and StopDigging Central North Island, the farm implemented a solar-powered irrigation system – reducing environmental impact and operational costs.
Solar powered irrigation
Case study NZ:
Rising energy costs and the need for year-round irrigation led a dairy farm in New Zealand’s Central North Island to seek a sustainable, long-term solution.
The challenges
- Reducing reliance on grid electricity.
- Building on uneven, sandy, and muddy terrain.
- Ensuring precise alignment of long solar arrays.
- Executing the project efficiently in a working farm environment.
The solution
To support a 100-metre solar array, the project needed a fast, durable, and adaptable foundation. Our ground screws delivered:
Speed & efficiency – Quick installation without curing delays.
Minimal impact – No excavation, no concrete, no soil disruption.
Adaptability – Adjusted easily to the varying soil conditions.
Precision – Ensured straight, stable alignment across the entire system.
The team also enhanced the installation process, improved accuracy and speed.
“The perfect solution for the farmer’s needs. Both client and SES were happy.”
Jude Hickson, StopDigging NZ Ltd
Eco-friendly innovation
Unlike concrete, ground screws are reusable, recyclable, and low-impact. They significantly reduce COâ‚‚ emissions while shortening project timelines, making them ideal for rural and sensitive environments.
The result
The solar system is now fully operational, providing continuous power for irrigation. The farm has reduced its reliance on the grid, lowered costs, and taken a significant step toward sustainability.
Our ground screws anchored this 100-metre solar array on challenging New Zealand farmland, cutting installation time, eliminating concrete, and powering sustainable irrigation year-round.
