How One Electric Cherry Farm is Rewiring
the Future of Business in Aotearoa
Event Recap: Planning for Business Growth feat. Mike Casey, Wednesday 6 August
A New Kind of Orchard, A New Kind of Opportunity
At our recent Business Canterbury session, we heard from Mike Casey - tech entrepreneur turned electric cherry farmer - whose bold approach to electrification is challenging how we think about business, energy, and innovation. Mike’s Forest Lodge Orchard is fully fossil-fuel-free, powered by solar and running 21 electric machines, including New Zealand’s first electric tractor and foliage sprayer. His story proves that sustainable practices aren’t just good for the planet, they’re good for business.
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The Power of Electrification
Mike’s upfront investment in electric machinery was $400,000 more than diesel alternatives, but the long-term payoffs are clear:
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Operating costs have dropped by more than half
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Solar power has transformed a $53,000 energy expense into a potential $40,000 revenue stream
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Electrification has opened up new income through agri-tourism and premium domestic cherry sales at $25/kg
His message to business owners? Electrification is no longer a future concept — it’s an economic opportunity ready now.
Solar That Works for Business
The economics of solar have changed dramatically since Mike began in 2020. Today:
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Financed solar can cost as little as 13c/kWh (compared to grid electricity at 30c/kWh)
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Commercial solar generation can be even cheaper at around 9c/kWh
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Payback periods have shortened significantly
Mike's advice: if your business has a 10+ year lease, solar can still be a worthwhile investment — even if you don’t own the building.
NZ’s Hidden Electrification Potential
Mike outlined a compelling national opportunity:
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25% of NZ’s emissions come from small fossil fuel machines that could be electrified today
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8.5 million of NZ’s 10 million small fossil machines could be replaced right now
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If 80% of NZ homes installed 9kW solar, it would generate 40% more renewable electricity
The grid is not the barrier — it’s underutilised, running at just 38% capacity. Batteries and smarter energy use can manage peak demand without new infrastructure.
What You Can Do Now
For businesses considering the shift:
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Start by covering your own power needs with solar
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Use the right inverter now to allow for future battery expansion
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Explore sustainable finance options — Westpac offers 0% loans for some solar installations
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Keep an eye on tech trends like vehicle-to-grid integration and new battery chemistries
Want to Be Part of Conversations Like This?
This session was part of our Planning for Growth event series — designed to bring bold ideas and practical advice to forward-thinking businesses across Canterbury.
👉 Explore upcoming events, workshops, and guest speakers at What's on
Or talk to us about how we can support your business journey.
