0% ASB SMART Solar Loan
Complete Service | You Focus on Farming
ASB Smart Solar Loan – The Deal of a Lifetime
Zero Percent Interest
No interest charges for the full 5-year term. Every dollar you pay goes directly to paying off your solar system. Available for existing and new ASB rural customers.
Maximum Loan $150k
Perfect for comprehensive solar installations on farms and large rural properties. Cover your entire energy needs with solar panels and battery systems.
Loan Term 5 Years
Manageable repayments over 5 years with zero interest. Pay off your solar system while it’s already saving you money on power bills.
Only Avalible till Dec 15th 2025
ASB’s Smart Solar Loan ends December 15th, 2025. Research shows 70% of farmers are interested in solar – be part of the smart ones who actually take action and secure 0% financing.
Farm Power Bill Reality Check
Average dairy farm power bill for 2025/26: $28,000 per season
Solar cuts your power costs by: 40-70% – that's up to $19,600 savings per year
Payback period: 3-5 years with 0% ASB financing, then 20+ years of pure profit
Energy security: Keep milking during outages while your neighbors can't operate
Rural Solar Packages Under $150k
225 Solar Panels Fully Installed
- 100kW Solar Inverter
- 225 x 2m2 Premium All black Solar Panels
- Roof Mounted Array
- Fully Installed and GST INCL
120 Panels + Whole Site Battery Backup Fully Installed
- 96kWh of Battery storage (400AH @ 240v AC)
- 120 x 2m2 Premium All black Solar Panels
- What does 400 amp hours at 240V mean on your farm?
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This could power:
- Heat pump (15-25 amps): 16-26 hours of heating/cooling
- Electric hot water cylinder (20 amps): 20 hours of water heating
- Irrigation pump (20-30 amps): 13-20 hours of pumping
- Grain handling equipment (10-15 amps): 26-40 hours of operation
- Workshop equipment (circular saws, compressors at 10-15 amps): 26-40 hours
- Dairy shed operations (milking, cooling): Full day's operations
- House essentials (fridge, lights, cooking): 3-4 days normal use
“When I was originally looking for solar power I checked out three to four other solar companies, we went with sunshine solar because they were local, affordable and look like they’ll be around for more than two years. This is our fourth install with Sunshine solar and we are adding a battery!”
Rays Power Bill has dropped by 83%
“I Went With Sunshine Solar because they’re a family owned local business, our roof is very peculiar and unique. Many companies had come out and said this could not be done. The whole experience was very personalized, affordable and the level of support has been personable.”
Contact
Book your FREE solar Consultation
Ready to embrace solar savings? Request your free consultation today and start your journey to energy freedom!
Questions
FAQs –
Loan Basics & Eligibility
What is the ASB Smart Solar Loan and how does 0% interest work?
The ASB Smart Solar Loan is a revolutionary financing option offering up to $150,000 at 0% interest for 5 years, specifically designed for rural properties and farms. This means you pay absolutely no interest charges for the entire 5-year term – every dollar of your repayment goes directly toward paying off your solar system. Unlike traditional loans where you might pay $30,000-50,000 in interest over 5 years, this loan lets you invest that money back into your farm operation while your solar system pays for itself through power bill savings.
Do I need to be an existing ASB customer to apply?
No, both existing ASB rural customers and new customers can apply for the Smart Solar Loan. If you’re not currently with ASB, this loan can be a gateway to establishing a relationship with New Zealand’s leading rural bank. ASB has been supporting rural communities for decades and understands the unique challenges farmers face with rising energy costs. New customers will need to meet ASB’s standard rural banking criteria, but the bank is actively seeking to expand their rural customer base through this initiative.
How long is the loan term and when do I start paying it back?
The ASB Smart Solar Loan has a 5-year fixed term at 0% interest. You start making regular monthly payments immediately after the loan is drawn down and your solar system is installed. The beauty of this timing is that your solar system starts generating savings from day one, so your monthly loan payments are typically offset by the reduction in your power bills. Many farmers find their monthly loan payment is less than their monthly power bill savings, meaning they’re cash-flow positive from the start.
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Who is eligible for the ASB Smart Solar Loan?
The ASB Smart Solar Loan is exclusively available to rural customers, including dairy farms, sheep and beef operations, horticulture businesses, and other agricultural properties. You must be purchasing and installing solar panels and/or battery systems on your rural property for business use. The loan is designed for farmers and rural property owners who want to reduce their significant power costs – particularly those facing the typical $28,000+ annual power bills that are crippling farm profitability.
What’s the maximum amount I can borrow with ASB Smart Solar Loan?
You can borrow up to $150,000 with the ASB Smart Solar Loan, which is perfect for comprehensive solar installations on larger rural properties. This amount can cover substantial solar panel arrays, multiple battery systems, and installation costs for complex farm setups. For context, a typical large dairy farm solar installation might cost $80,000-120,000, so the $150,000 limit provides excellent flexibility for most rural operations, including coverage for multiple buildings, sheds, and backup power systems.
When does the ASB Smart Solar Loan offer end?
The ASB Smart Solar Loan offer is available until December 15th, 2025, and may be withdrawn at ASB’s discretion at any time. This is a limited-time offer that launched at National Fieldays in June 2025, and with the growing demand from rural customers, there’s no guarantee it will be extended beyond the December deadline. Given that solar installations typically take 6-12 weeks from application to completion, farmers need to act quickly to secure both the financing and installation slots before the busy summer season.
What Happens after the 5-year 0% interest period?
After the 5-year 0% interest period, if you haven’t paid off the loan in full, any remaining balance will revert to ASB’s standard floating base rate plus applicable margin. However, here’s the key advantage: your solar system will have been saving you money for 5 years, and many farmers use those accumulated savings to pay off the remaining balance. Additionally, after 5 years of significant power bill reductions, most rural operations have improved cash flow to handle any remaining payments, while continuing to benefit from decades more of solar savings.
FAQs – Application Process
What documents do I need to apply for ASB Smart Solar Loan?
You’ll need standard farm business financial documents including recent financial statements, tax returns, and proof of income from your farming operation. Additionally, ASB requires a detailed quote from an approved solar installer showing equipment specifications, installation costs, and projected energy savings. Sunshine Solar provides comprehensive quotes that meet ASB’s requirements, including site assessment reports, system design layouts, and performance projections. We also help prepare evidence of your current power costs to demonstrate the loan’s viability and your ability to service the debt through energy savings.
Can Sunshine Solar help me with the ASB loan application?
Absolutely! Sunshine Solar provides comprehensive ASB loan application support as part of our service. We prepare detailed system quotes that meet ASB’s specific requirements, help coordinate document submission, and liaise directly with ASB’s rural banking team throughout the approval process. Our 20+ years of experience means we understand exactly what ASB needs to see in applications, significantly improving your chances of quick approval. We’ve successfully guided hundreds of rural customers through bank financing applications, taking the stress and complexity out of the process so you can focus on running your farm.
Can I get pre-approved for the ASB Smart Solar Loan?
Yes, ASB offers conditional pre-approval for the Smart Solar Loan, which can streamline your solar installation timeline. Pre-approval gives you confidence to proceed with detailed system design and scheduling, knowing your financing is secured. To obtain pre-approval, you’ll need to provide your financial documents and a preliminary solar system quote. Sunshine Solar can provide indicative quotes for pre-approval purposes, then refine the exact system specifications once your financing is confirmed. Pre-approval is particularly valuable during busy installation seasons when securing both financing and installation slots quickly is crucial for project completion before seasonal deadlines.
How do I apply for the ASB Smart Solar Loan?
The application process starts with getting a solar quote from an approved installer like Sunshine Solar, who will help prepare all the necessary documentation for ASB. You’ll need to submit the solar system quote along with your standard loan application through ASB’s rural banking team. Sunshine Solar streamlines this process by working directly with ASB’s rural specialists, ensuring your application includes all required technical specifications and cost breakdowns. The entire process typically takes 2-3 weeks from application submission to approval, and we handle most of the paperwork coordination to minimize your time investment.
How long does ASB Smart Solar Loan approval take?
ASB Smart Solar Loan approval typically takes 10-15 business days once all documentation is submitted. However, the timeline can vary depending on the complexity of your farm operation and financial situation. ASB’s rural banking team understands the seasonal nature of farm cash flows and works efficiently to process applications. Sunshine Solar maintains direct relationships with ASB’s rural specialists, which often helps expedite the process. We recommend starting the application process early, especially during busy farming seasons, to ensure your installation can be completed within optimal timeframes.
What are ASB’s lending criteria for the Smart Solar Loan?
ASB’s lending criteria for the Smart Solar Loan follow their standard rural banking requirements, focusing on your farm’s ability to service the debt through both current income and projected energy savings. They assess your farm’s financial stability, debt-to-equity ratios, and cash flow patterns typical in agricultural lending. The key advantage is that ASB considers the solar system’s savings potential as part of your repayment capacity – essentially, your reduced power bills help qualify you for the loan. ASB also requires that solar installations be completed by certified professionals and meet New Zealand electrical and building standards.
FAQs – Solar System Requirements
Do solar panels need to be professionally installed for ASB financing?
Yes, ASB requires all solar installations to be completed by certified professionals with appropriate electrical licenses and installation qualifications. This protects both you and the bank by ensuring the system meets safety standards, building codes, and electrical regulations. Sunshine Solar’s certified installers have over 20 years of experience and hold all necessary certifications including electrical licenses and solar installation qualifications. Professional installation also ensures your system qualifies for manufacturer warranties and insurance coverage, protecting your investment throughout the loan term and beyond.
Are there minimum or maximum system size requirements?
While ASB doesn’t specify exact minimum system sizes, the loan is designed for substantial rural solar installations that justify the financing arrangement. Most qualifying systems range from 10kW to 100kW+ depending on your farm’s energy needs and the $150,000 loan limit. Sunshine Solar conducts detailed energy assessments to right-size your system for maximum financial benefit – typically this means systems large enough to offset 40-70% of your current power consumption. We ensure your system size aligns with both your energy needs and the loan amount that makes financial sense for your operation.
What solar equipment qualifies for the ASB Smart Solar Loan?
The ASB Smart Solar Loan covers professionally installed solar panels, inverters, battery storage systems, and all associated installation components including mounting hardware, electrical equipment, and monitoring systems. The equipment must be new, commercially available, and installed by certified professionals meeting New Zealand electrical standards. Sunshine Solar exclusively uses premium equipment like Alpha ESS G3 batteries and Tier 1 solar panels that not only qualify for ASB financing but also come with comprehensive warranties. The loan can also cover necessary electrical upgrades, switchboard modifications, and grid connection costs required for your solar installation.
Can I use the ASB loan for battery storage systems?
Absolutely! The ASB Smart Solar Loan specifically covers battery storage systems, which are crucial for rural properties wanting energy independence and backup power during outages. Battery systems are particularly valuable for dairy farms and other operations that can’t afford power interruptions. Sunshine Solar specializes in Alpha ESS G3 battery systems that integrate seamlessly with solar panels, providing backup power for essential equipment like milking systems, refrigeration, and lighting. The loan can cover multiple battery units for larger operations requiring extended backup power capacity.
Does the solar installer need special certifications for ASB financing?
Yes, ASB requires solar installers to hold appropriate electrical licenses and be members of the Sustainable Electricity Association of New Zealand (SEANZ). This ensures the installer meets industry standards for safety, quality, and professional conduct. Sunshine Solar exceeds these requirements with certified electricians, SEANZ membership, and over 20 years of specialized rural solar experience. Our certifications include electrical licensing, solar installation qualifications, and ongoing professional development. This not only satisfies ASB’s requirements but also ensures your installation meets the highest standards for performance, safety, and warranty compliance.
FAQs – Farm Specific Questions
Will solar panels work during Cloudy & Cold winters?
Yes, solar panels work efficiently in Canterbury winters, actually performing better in cooler temperatures. While shorter daylight hours reduce total daily production, panels generate power even on cloudy days. Canterbury receives 2,100+ sunshine hours annually, providing excellent year-round solar generation. Winter production typically covers 60-80% of summer output, and battery storage helps maximize winter energy independence.
What size solar system do I need for my farm operation?
System size depends on your annual power consumption and operational requirements. A typical dairy farm (400-500 cows) needs 30-50kW of solar panels to achieve 40-70% power bill reduction. Sunshine Solar conducts detailed energy assessments analyzing your power bills, usage patterns, and equipment loads to design the optimal system size that maximizes savings while staying within the $150,000 ASB loan limit.
Can I install solar on multiple farm buildings with one loan?
Yes, the ASB Smart Solar Loan can cover solar installations across multiple farm buildings including milking sheds, workshops, storage facilities, and homes. This is often more cost-effective than separate installations and maximizes your energy independence across the entire operation. We design integrated systems that optimize power generation and distribution across all your buildings while staying within the $150,000 loan limit.
How much can solar panels save on my dairy farm power bills?
Solar panels typically reduce dairy farm power bills by 40-70%, translating to $11,200-19,600 annual savings on the average $28,000 farm power bill. The exact savings depend on your system size, energy usage patterns, and how well your solar production aligns with milking schedules. Most dairy farms see immediate monthly savings of $930-1,620, which often exceeds their monthly loan payments, creating positive cash flow from day one.
Can solar panels power my milking shed during power outages?
Yes, when combined with battery storage, solar panels can power essential equipment during outages. The Alpha ESS G3 battery systems we install provide seamless backup power for milking equipment, refrigeration, and lighting. This is crucial for rural properties that are often last to be reconnected after storms. Battery capacity can be sized to run critical operations for 4-8 hours or longer depending on your needs.
How do solar panels perform in rural weather conditions?
Solar panels are engineered for harsh conditions and perform excellently in rural environments. They’re tested to withstand high winds, hail, and temperature extremes common in New Zealand farming areas. Modern panels continue generating power in light rain and overcast conditions. Sunshine Solar installs panels rated for New Zealand’s building standards, ensuring 25+ year performance despite challenging rural weather conditions.
Have more questions about the ASB Solar Loan? Contact our local team for personalized answers and expert advice!
