TL;DR
- Irrigation pumping (daytime) is the single best ag solar use case — 3-4 yr payback.
- Dairy & cold-storage: solar + BESS cuts demand charges 30-50%.
- Remote bore pumps run cheaper on standalone solar than diesel or grid extension.
- STC on systems up to 100 kW; larger systems through LGC accreditation.
Why agribusiness is a sweet spot for solar
Agricultural loads tend to be daytime-heavy (pumps, irrigation, machinery sheds) — perfectly matched to solar production. Mackay's irradiance profile (5.3 avg kWh/m²/day) and long summer pumping season mean high capacity factors year-round.
Irrigation pumping on solar
Two approaches depending on site:
- Grid-tied + VSD pump: solar offsets pump energy during daytime. Pump runs at variable speed following solar output. Works where grid is available.
- Off-grid / hybrid pumping: solar array direct-coupled to VSD controller (Lorentz, Grundfos). No grid needed. Ideal for remote paddock bores, cattle troughs.
Sizing pumping solar
Rule of thumb: array kW ≈ pump kW × 1.3 (to account for efficiency losses and partial-cloud pumping). A 30 kW centrifugal irrigation pump typically needs a 40 kW solar array for daylight-only operation.
Dairy and cold-chain
Dairies are a great application: compressors, milk-tank refrigeration, vacuum pumps all run daytime during morning and afternoon milking. A typical Mackay dairy (250-400 head) saves $18,000-$32,000/yr with a 50-80 kW system. Adding 30-60 kWh BESS handles overnight refrigeration at minimal grid draw.
Feedlots and sheds
Climate-controlled sheds (poultry, piggeries) have heavy fan and cooling loads. Shed roof areas are huge and well-suited to solar. Typical 100-300 kW installs with 3-5 year payback.
Sugar cane sector
Cane farms often have multiple pumping sites across the property. Centralised solar at the main shed plus standalone solar pumps on remote paddocks is the common pattern. Post-harvest season (May-Nov) aligns with high-irradiance months.
FAQs
Can I finance ag solar through rural programs?
Yes — QRIDA (Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority) offers low-interest sustainability loans for on-farm solar and energy upgrades. We can provide documentation for the application.
How robust is solar against cyclones?
Mackay is wind region C cyclonic. We engineer to AS/NZS 1170.2 with certified rail systems and additional ballast or tie-down for agricultural ground-mounts.
Free farm-scale feasibility
Send us your property map and energy bill — we'll return a sizing and ROI model.
Request feasibility