82 | nzdairy RURAL SERVICES » Sinclair Electrical Refrigeration Karen Phelps For more than two decades, Sinclair Electrical & Refrigeration has supported Taranaki dairy farmers with essential electrical, refrigeration, and solar services, keeping operations efficient and reliable. Established by Brian Sinclair, the business has grown into a trusted name across the region. Today, Sinclair Electrical is led by brothers Cameron and Ben Miller, supported by a loyal and dedicated team who recognise just how vital dairy is to the region’s economy. “Dairy is the backbone of Taranaki,” Cameron said. “When farmers are thriving, the whole region thrives - it flows through to contractors, retailers, schools and community organisations.” When the business began 24 years ago, milking sheds and refrigeration systems were far more basic. Keeping operations efficient and reliable Farmers relied on simpler, more mechanical setups, and compliance requirements weren’t nearly as strict. Today, sheds are highly technical operations, with tighter cooling standards, widespread automation, and greater reliance on electrical and refrigeration systems that are both smarter and more reliable. Sinclair Electrical has grown alongside the sector, investing in technology and skills to meet those ever-changing demands. The company’s services cover the full spectrum of dairy operations, from vat refrigeration and snap chilling through to electrical wiring, pump controls, and shed upgrades. A large portion of its work is urgent breakdowns, where fast action is critical. “A breakdown at 5am during milking is not optional, it has to be fixed then and there. Our team is built for that pressure, and that reliability is what saves farmers money, stress, and lost production,” Cameron said. Sinclair Electrical also designs and manufactures the MPI-compliant Ice Tank milk cooling system, an energy-efficient solution that pre-cools milk quickly and reliably. Solar energy has become another focus, offering farmers protection against rising electricity costs. “Most farms see a payback period of just 4–6 years, and the savings start from day one.” With installation costs dropping and banks offering low-interest Green Loans, solar has become more accessible. As a SEANZ-accredited installer, Sinclair Electrical ensures every system meets the highest standards, helping farmers lock in lower energy bills and certainty for the future. However, challenges still remain, including rising electricity prices, compliance, and the reliability of New Zealand’s ageing transmission network. Connection costs for new power supplies can run into the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. 27 Years in Business Distributor of Local & National Brands Industry Leading Customer & Technical Support Overnight Delivery Nationwide s m i t h s n z . c o . n z Phone 0800 437 638 Appliance repair Electrical Commercial Refrigeration Solar Plumbing Manufacturing Solar energy continues to be a practical and cost-effective option for New Zealand’s dairy sector, as farmers look for ways to reduce operating costs and improve sustainability. Smiths, a 100% New Zealand owned importer and distributor of electrical and technical products, is proud to be supporting farmers as they embrace solar energy on-farm. The company partners with global leaders in solar technology to deliver solutions suited to local conditions. Smiths general manager Ben Nicholson said among them are well established suppliers, including Trina Solar, which has been producing panels for 30 years, Australian-based mounting supplier Clenergy, and local inverter supplier Entelar Energy. He said ground mount systems were among the designs that were ideal for farms, as they offer a high degree of flexibility and were limited only by space available. Smiths also offer panels to suit a variety of applications, including the popular Bi-Facial option, where power is generated on both sides of the panel. Solar installations are already proving their worth on New Zealand farms, with Smiths working alongside industry specialists to deliver tailored solutions. A recent project with Sinclair Electrical & Refrigeration highlighted how that partnership approach can add value. Sinclair required a ground mount system capable of supporting around 500 solar panels, which was a complex design that called for a bespoke solution. Smiths worked closely with Sinclair to provide a high-level design, supplying mounting and inverter systems to meet the challenge. Ben said Smiths personnel were onsite during delivery to ensure everything arrived and was received without issue. Looking ahead, Smiths sees battery storage as the next major development for dairy farms adopting solar. Ben said large-scale batteries could be charged from excess solar generation or during off-peak times, providing power overnight or at peak periods to reduce reliance on expensive retailer electricity. Farmers also have more options to fund solar systems. While some providers offer Power Purchase Agreements requiring no upfront capital, banks such as ASB now provide zero-interest loans of up to $150,000 for farm solar installations. “This gives farmers the opportunity to own their solar asset without the need for initial capital, and depending on the system, the power savings could offset loan repayments making the system cash neutral.” He said return on investment is site-specific, but we’ve modelled farms where payback can be achieved in just three to four years.” By combining expert advice with reliable technology, Smiths is proud to be enabling farms across New Zealand to embrace the benefits of solar energy. Future proof your farm sinclairenergy.co.nz CENTRE APPLIANCE SERVICE SCAN ME FOR A FREE SOLAR QUOTE CALL 06 761 8084 Trusted electrical solutions for farms, homes, and businesses — backed by local experience and 24/7 support. Cameron said preventative maintenance, durable equipment, and solar solutions help farmers stay ahead of those risks. Looking ahead, Sinclair Electrical is investing in new technology, expanding its solar services, and training local staff, including a first-year apprentice from Opunake. “At the end of the day, we could all learn a lot from the way our farmers remain resilient and innovative in the face of constant challenges.”
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