Jump to content

Solar power in New Zealand: Difference between revisions

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
 
(140 intermediate revisions by 26 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Overview of solar power in New Zealand}}
{{Short description|Overview of solar power in New Zealand}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=September 2024}}


[[File:New-Zealand GHI mid-size-map 156x220mm-300dpi v20191206.png|thumb|right|200px|[[Solar irradiance|Solar potential]] of New Zealand]]
[[File:New-Zealand GHI mid-size-map 156x220mm-300dpi v20191206.png|thumb|right|200px|[[Solar irradiance|Solar potential]] of New Zealand]]
[[File:Solar Power In Auckland.jpg|thumb|Solar panels on a home in Auckland]]
[[File:Solar Power In Auckland.jpg|thumb|Solar panels on a home in Auckland]]
'''Solar power in New Zealand''' is on the rise, but there are no subsidies or intervention from the New Zealand Government. As at the end of December 2021, New Zealand has 186.7 MW of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) solar power installed, of which 72.4 MW (8.8%) was installed in the preceding 24 months.<ref name="emi">{{cite web| url=https://www.emi.ea.govt.nz/Retail/Reports| title=Installed distributed generation trends| publisher=Electricity Authority}}</ref> In the year to December 2020, 159,000 megawatt-hours of electricity was generated by solar power, or 0.37% of all electricity generated in the country.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Energy in New Zealand {{!}} Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment|url=https://www.mbie.govt.nz/building-and-energy/energy-and-natural-resources/energy-statistics-and-modelling/energy-publications-and-technical-papers/energy-in-new-zealand/|access-date=2021-12-30|website=www.mbie.govt.nz}}</ref>


'''Solar power in New Zealand''' is increasing in capacity, despite no government subsidies or interventions being available. As of the end of April 2024, New Zealand has 420&nbsp;MW of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) solar power installed, of which 146&nbsp;MW (35%) was installed in the last 12 months.<ref name="emi">{{cite web| url=https://www.emi.ea.govt.nz/Retail/Reports/GUEHMT?_si=v| title=Installed distributed generation trends |access-date=2024-03-22| publisher=Electricity Authority}}</ref> In the 12 months to December 2023, 372 gigawatt-hours of electricity was estimated to have been generated by grid-connected solar, 0.85% of all electricity generated in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Electricity statistics {{!}} Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment |url=https://www.mbie.govt.nz/building-and-energy/energy-and-natural-resources/energy-statistics-and-modelling/energy-statistics/electricity-statistics/ |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=www.mbie.govt.nz}}</ref>
Although there are no subsidies, the declining costs of [[photovoltaics]] has caused a large increase in demand over the last few years. In 2009, the average turnkey price for a standard [[PV system]] of three [[kilowatt]]s (kW) was about NZ$40,000; by 2019 this had dropped to approx. NZ$8,500.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-news-in-new-zealand/the-big-reveal-the-growth-of-solar-power-in-new-zealand---from-2013-to-2019/|title=The Big Reveal: The Growth Of Solar Power In New Zealand - From 2013 To 2019 |publisher=My Solar Quotes}}</ref>

Although there are no subsidies, the declining costs of [[photovoltaics]] has caused a large increase in demand over the last few years. In 2009, the average turnkey price for a standard [[PV system]] of three [[kilowatt]]s (kW) was about NZ$40,000; by 2019 this had dropped to approx. NZ$8,500.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/blog/solar-power-news-in-new-zealand/the-big-reveal-the-growth-of-solar-power-in-new-zealand---from-2013-to-2019/|title=The Big Reveal: The Growth Of Solar Power In New Zealand – From 2013 To 2019 |date=11 December 2019 |publisher=My Solar Quotes}}</ref>


==Distributed systems==
==Distributed systems==
As of the end of March 2021, 31,589 solar power systems have been installed in New Zealand. For new installations, the average residential system size was 4.6&nbsp;kW and the average commercial system was 17.8&nbsp;kW.<ref name=emi />
As of the end of December 2023, 56,041 solar power systems had been installed in New Zealand. For new installations added in December 2023, the average residential system size was 6.1&nbsp;kW and the average commercial system was 46.9&nbsp;kW.<ref name=emi />


The largest solar power system on a school in New Zealand was officially opened in a ceremony in February 2019 at Kaitaia College. [[Kelvin Davis (politician)|Kelvin Davis]], unveiled a plaque to acknowledge the installation of the 368 solar panel project which is spread across the rooftop of multiple buildings on the school campus.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.seanz.org.nz/new_zealand_s_largest_solar_system_on_a_school_opens_at_kaitaia_college| title=New Zealand's largest solar energy system on a school opens at Kaitaia College| publisher=SEANZ| date=27 February 2019}}</ref>
The largest solar power system on a school in New Zealand was officially opened in a ceremony in February 2019 at Kaitaia College. [[Kelvin Davis (politician)|Kelvin Davis]], unveiled a plaque to acknowledge the installation of the 368 solar panel project which is spread across the rooftop of multiple buildings on the school campus.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.seanz.org.nz/new_zealand_s_largest_solar_system_on_a_school_opens_at_kaitaia_college| title=New Zealand's largest solar energy system on a school opens at Kaitaia College| publisher=SEANZ| date=27 February 2019}}</ref>
Line 14: Line 16:
By January 2014, solar [[photovoltaic system]]s had been installed in 50 schools through the Schoolgen program, a program developed by [[Genesis Energy Limited|Genesis Energy]] to educate students about renewable energy, particularly solar energy. Each school has been given a 2&nbsp;kW capacity PV system, with a total distributed installed capacity of 100 kilowatts-peak (kWp). Since February 2007, a total of 513 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electrical energy have been recorded.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.schoolgen.co.nz/| title=Schoolgen| publisher=Genesis Energy}}</ref>
By January 2014, solar [[photovoltaic system]]s had been installed in 50 schools through the Schoolgen program, a program developed by [[Genesis Energy Limited|Genesis Energy]] to educate students about renewable energy, particularly solar energy. Each school has been given a 2&nbsp;kW capacity PV system, with a total distributed installed capacity of 100 kilowatts-peak (kWp). Since February 2007, a total of 513 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electrical energy have been recorded.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.schoolgen.co.nz/| title=Schoolgen| publisher=Genesis Energy}}</ref>


In January 2020 [[Foodstuffs]] announced it would be installing a 1.1&nbsp;MW PV array on its new Auckland distribution centre.<ref>{{cite web|date=|title=New Zealand’s first megawatt roof top array|url=https://www.revolveenergy.co/foodstuffs-north-island|access-date=29 June 2021|publisher=Revolve Energy}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=27 January 2020|title=Foodstuffs building country's largest solar panel roof|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/119057493/foodstuffs-building-countrys-largest-solar-panel-roof|access-date=29 June 2021|publisher=Stuff}}</ref> In October 2020 [[Watercare Services]] installed a 1&nbsp;MW floating array on its Auckland wastewater treatment plant.<ref>{{cite web|date=2 October 2020|title=Biggest solar farm in country installed on Auckland wastewater lake|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/climate-news/122936916/biggest-solar-farm-in-country-installed-on-auckland-wastewater-lake|access-date=29 June 2021|publisher=Stuff}}</ref>
In January 2020 [[Foodstuffs (company)|Foodstuffs]] announced it would be installing a 1.1&nbsp;MW PV array on its new Auckland distribution centre.<ref>{{cite web|date=|title=New Zealand's first megawatt roof top array|url=https://www.revolveenergy.co/foodstuffs-north-island|access-date=29 June 2021|publisher=Revolve Energy}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=27 January 2020|title=Foodstuffs building country's largest solar panel roof|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/119057493/foodstuffs-building-countrys-largest-solar-panel-roof|access-date=29 June 2021|publisher=Stuff}}</ref> In October 2020 [[Watercare Services]] installed a 1&nbsp;MW floating array on its Auckland wastewater treatment plant.<ref>{{cite web|date=2 October 2020|title=Biggest solar farm in country installed on Auckland wastewater lake|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/climate-news/122936916/biggest-solar-farm-in-country-installed-on-auckland-wastewater-lake|access-date=29 June 2021|publisher=Stuff}}</ref>


In 2021, Kea Energy commissioned a solar power plant in the [[Wairau Valley]] in [[Marlborough Region|Marlborough]] with a potential capacity of 2.2&nbsp;MW, with current plans to build capacity up to 1.85&nbsp;MW as at March 2021.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Solignac |first=Morgane |date=21 March 2021 |title=New Zealand's 'most beautiful' solar panel farm makes itself home in Marlborough |language=en |work=Stuff |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/300256244/new-zealands-most-beautiful-solar-panel-farm-makes-itself-home-in-marlborough |access-date=27 June 2021}}</ref> In June 2021, the [[Todd Corporation]] commissioned a 2.1{{nbsp}}MW solar plant at Kapuni in [[South Taranaki District|south Taranaki]]. The facility includes 5800 solar panels and was claimed to be the largest grid-connected solar plant at the time.<ref>{{cite news|date=27 June 2021|title=New Zealand's largest grid-connected solar power plant up and running|work=RNZ|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/445614/new-zealand-s-largest-grid-connected-solar-power-plant-up-and-running}}</ref>
In 2021, Kea Energy commissioned a solar power plant in the [[Wairau Valley]] in [[Marlborough Region|Marlborough]] with a potential capacity of 2.2&nbsp;MW, with current plans to build capacity up to 1.85&nbsp;MW as at March 2021.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Solignac |first=Morgane |date=21 March 2021 |title=New Zealand's 'most beautiful' solar panel farm makes itself home in Marlborough |language=en |work=Stuff |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/300256244/new-zealands-most-beautiful-solar-panel-farm-makes-itself-home-in-marlborough |access-date=27 June 2021}}</ref> In June 2021, the [[Todd Corporation]] commissioned a 2.1{{nbsp}}MW solar plant at Kapuni in [[South Taranaki District|south Taranaki]]. The facility includes 5800 solar panels and was claimed to be the largest grid-connected solar plant at the time.<ref>{{cite news|date=27 June 2021|title=New Zealand's largest grid-connected solar power plant up and running|work=RNZ|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/445614/new-zealand-s-largest-grid-connected-solar-power-plant-up-and-running}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+Large behind-the-meter distributed solar generation
|-
!Name
![[Territorial authority]]
!Coordinates
!Capacity ([[Megawatt|MW]])
!Commissioned
!Type
!Operator
|-
|Rosedale Wastewater Treatment Plant
|Auckland
|
|1
|2020
|Floating
|Watercare
|-
|Foodstuffs North Island Distribution Centre
|Auckland
|
|1.1
|2021
|Roof mounted
|Foodstuffs
|-
|Countdown Auckland Distribution Centre (Wiri)
|Auckland
|
|1
|
|Roof mounted
|Countdown / Solar Bay
|-
|Road Metals – Rolleston Quarry
|Canterbury
|
|0.53<ref>{{cite web | url=https://aqa.org.nz/mimico-award/ | title=MIMICO Environment & Community Award &#124; Aggregate & Quarry Association }}</ref>
|2024
|Ground mounted
|Road Metals / Platinum Energy
|-
|Yealands Winery
|Marlborough
|
|0.4
|2016
|Roof mounted
|Yealands Winery
|-
|Sylvia Park
|Auckland
|
|0.35
|2015
|Roof mounted
|Kiwi Property
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+Distributed solar farm generation
!Name
!Location
!Operator
!Number of Inverters
!Capacity ([[Megawatt|MW]])
!Commissioned
!Coordinates
|-
|Wairau Valley Solar Farm
|Marlborough
|Kea Energy
|1
|2
|2021
|41°36′31″S 173°25′50″E
|-
|Kapuni Solar Plant
|South Taranaki
|Sunergise
|Not Stated
|2.1
|2021
|
|-
|Taylor's Pass Depot
|Marlborough
|Energy Marlborough Ltd
|
|0.85
|2023
|
|-
|Waiuku Solar Farm
|Auckland
|Lightyears Solar / Prime Energy
|
|2.4
|2023
|
|-
|Naumai Solar Farm
|Ruawai, Northland (Smiths Canal)
|NewPower Energy
|
|4.8
|2024<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-16 |title=Milestone Utility-scale Solar Farm In Northland Drives Energy Resilience Through Innovation |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU2405/S00249/milestone-utility-scale-solar-farm-in-northland-drives-energy-resilience-through-innovation.htm |access-date=2024-05-22 |website=Scoop |language=en-AU}}</ref>
|
|}


== Grid-scale plants ==
== Grid-scale plants ==
In July 2019 Refining NZ announced plans for a 26&nbsp;MW solar farm at the [[Marsden Point Oil Refinery]], but by May 2020 the project was on hold.<ref>{{cite web|date=7 July 2019|title=Refining NZ plans country's biggest solar farm|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/refining-nz-plans-countrys-biggest-solar-farm/T2WNILBHCNKDDCTOOIIASPCE7Y/|publisher=New Zealand Herald|accessdate=15 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Mandow|first=Nikki|date=15 May 2020|title=Can our oil refinery survive?|work=Newsroom|url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/can-our-oil-refinery-survive|access-date=29 June 2021}}</ref> In February 2020 [[Genesis Energy Limited]] announced plans for a 300&nbsp;MW facility in the Waikato.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jamie Gray|date=21 February 2020|title=Genesis Energy sets sights on north Waikato solar power|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/genesis-energy-sets-sights-on-north-waikato-solar-power/A7Z5N33IPSI2WHOMYZ23RA4LUI/|publisher=New Zealand Herald|accessdate=15 February 2021}}</ref>' In September 2020 [[Hawke's Bay Airport]] announced plans for a 10&nbsp;MW farm on unused airport land.<ref name="StuffHBSF">{{cite web|author=Georgia-May Gilbertson|date=11 September 2020|title=Unused airport land will be used for country's biggest solar farm|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/300105162/unused-airport-land-will-be-used-for-countrys-biggest-solar-farm|access-date=27 June 2021|publisher=Stuff}}</ref> In May 2020, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment released a study that considered the economics of grid-scale solar and gave forecasts to 2060, showing that New Zealand has potential for gigawatts of grid-scale solar.<ref>{{cite report |last=Miller |first=Allan |year=2020 |title=Economics of Utility-Scale Solar in Aotearoa New Zealand - Forecasting Transmission and Distribution Network Connected 1 MW to 200 MW Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Solar to 2060. |publisher=Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment |url=https://www.mbie.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/utility-scale-solar-forecast-in-aotearoa-new-zealand-v3.pdf |access-date=19 February 2022}}</ref>
In July 2019 Refining NZ announced plans for a 26&nbsp;MW solar farm at the [[Marsden Point Oil Refinery]], but by May 2020 the project was on hold.<ref>{{cite web|date=7 July 2019|title=Refining NZ plans country's biggest solar farm|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/refining-nz-plans-countrys-biggest-solar-farm/T2WNILBHCNKDDCTOOIIASPCE7Y/|publisher=New Zealand Herald|access-date=15 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Mandow|first=Nikki|date=15 May 2020|title=Can our oil refinery survive?|work=Newsroom|url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/can-our-oil-refinery-survive|access-date=29 June 2021}}</ref> In February 2020 [[Genesis Energy Limited]] announced plans for a 300&nbsp;MW facility in the Waikato.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jamie Gray|date=21 February 2020|title=Genesis Energy sets sights on north Waikato solar power|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/genesis-energy-sets-sights-on-north-waikato-solar-power/A7Z5N33IPSI2WHOMYZ23RA4LUI/|publisher=New Zealand Herald|access-date=15 February 2021}}</ref>' In September 2020 [[Hawke's Bay Airport]] announced plans for a 10&nbsp;MW farm on unused airport land.<ref name="StuffHBSF">{{cite web|author=Georgia-May Gilbertson|date=11 September 2020|title=Unused airport land will be used for country's biggest solar farm|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/300105162/unused-airport-land-will-be-used-for-countrys-biggest-solar-farm|access-date=27 June 2021|publisher=Stuff}}</ref> In May 2020, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment released a study that considered the economics of grid-scale solar and gave forecasts to 2060, showing that New Zealand has potential for gigawatts of grid-scale solar.<ref>{{cite report |last=Miller |first=Allan |year=2020 |title=Economics of Utility-Scale Solar in Aotearoa New Zealand – Forecasting Transmission and Distribution Network Connected 1 MW to 200 MW Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Solar to 2060. |publisher=Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment |url=https://www.mbie.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/utility-scale-solar-forecast-in-aotearoa-new-zealand-v3.pdf |access-date=19 February 2022}}</ref>


In February 2021 Far North Solar Farm applied for resource consent for a 16&nbsp;MW farm at [[Pukenui Solar Farm|Pukenui]] on the [[Aupouri Peninsula]] in Northland.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/green-business/124224899/new-zealands-largest-solar-farm-proposed-for-top-of-country |title=New Zealand's largest solar farm proposed for top of country |author=Denise Piper |publisher=Stuff |date=14 February 2021 |accessdate=15 February 2021}}</ref> In May 2021 Lodestone Energy announced plans for five solar farms in the upper North Island, capable of generating 400&nbsp;GWh annually.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/125090584/300m-plan-for-five-solar-energy-farms-providing-1pc-of-countrys-supply |title=$300m plan for five solar energy farms, providing 1pc of country's supply |author=Tom Pullar-Strecker |publisher=Stuff |date=12 May 2021 |access-date=12 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/442354/solar-power-planned-network-will-increase-generation-eight-fold-company |title=Solar power: Planned network will increase generation eight-fold - company |publisher=RNZ |date=12 May 2021 |access-date=12 May 2021}}</ref>
In February 2021 Far North Solar Farm applied for resource consent for a 16&nbsp;MW farm at [[Pukenui Solar Farm|Pukenui]] on the [[Aupouri Peninsula]] in Northland.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/green-business/124224899/new-zealands-largest-solar-farm-proposed-for-top-of-country |title=New Zealand's largest solar farm proposed for top of country |author=Denise Piper |publisher=Stuff |date=14 February 2021 |access-date=15 February 2021}}</ref> The development subsequently stalled due to a lack of network capacity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Melville |first=Brent |title=Far North Solar Farm a 'dead duck'? |url=https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/energy/far-north-solar-farm-a-dead-duck |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=businessdesk.co.nz |language=en}}</ref>


In December 2021 [[Christchurch Airport]] announced it would be hosting a 150&nbsp;MW plant at Kōwhai Park, to be scaled up over 30 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/127150000/solar-plant-powering-30000-homes-to-be-built-at-christchurch-airport |title=Solar plant powering 30,000 homes to be built at Christchurch Airport |author=Liz McDonald |publisher=Stuff |date=1 December 2021 |access-date=1 December 2021}}</ref><ref name="RNZKPSolar">{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/456977/new-kowhai-park-at-christchurch-airport-to-generate-renewable-energy |title=New Kōwhai Park at Christchurch Airport to generate renewable energy |publisher=RNZ |date=1 December 2021 |access-date=1 December 2021}}</ref> On 30 December 2021 Island Green Power announced plans for a 200{{nbsp}}MW solar farm in Waikato.<ref name="IGP1">{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/300483184/100m-solar-farm-pitch-for-north-waikato |title=$100m solar farm pitch for north Waikato |publisher=Stuff |author=Sharnae Hope |date=30 December 2021 |access-date=30 December 2021}}</ref> In April 2022 Helios Energy announced plans for a series of farms with a combined output of 1&nbsp;GW.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/128393342/top-google-exec-backs-13-billion-investment-in-nz-solar-power |title=Top Google exec backs $1.3 billion investment in NZ solar power |author=Tom Pullar-Strecker |publisher=Stuff |date=19 April 2022 |access-date=19 April 2022}}</ref> In May 2022 Far North Solar Farm announced a partnership with Aquila Capital to build 1&nbsp;GW of generation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/466954/solar-power-companies-plan-to-start-building-at-multiple-sites |title=Solar power: companies plan to start building at multiple sites |publisher=RNZ |date=11 May 2022 |access-date=25 May 2022}}</ref>
In December 2021 [[Christchurch Airport]] announced it would be hosting a 150&nbsp;MW plant at Kōwhai Park, to be scaled up over 30 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/127150000/solar-plant-powering-30000-homes-to-be-built-at-christchurch-airport |title=Solar plant powering 30,000 homes to be built at Christchurch Airport |author=Liz McDonald |publisher=Stuff |date=1 December 2021 |access-date=1 December 2021}}</ref><ref name="RNZKPSolar">{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/456977/new-kowhai-park-at-christchurch-airport-to-generate-renewable-energy |title=New Kōwhai Park at Christchurch Airport to generate renewable energy |publisher=RNZ |date=1 December 2021 |access-date=1 December 2021}}</ref> On 30 December 2021 Island Green Power announced plans for a 200{{nbsp}}MW solar farm in Waikato.<ref name="IGP1">{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/300483184/100m-solar-farm-pitch-for-north-waikato |title=$100m solar farm pitch for north Waikato |publisher=Stuff |author=Sharnae Hope |date=30 December 2021 |access-date=30 December 2021}}</ref> In April 2022 Helios Energy announced plans for a series of farms with a combined output of 1&nbsp;GW.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/128393342/top-google-exec-backs-13-billion-investment-in-nz-solar-power |title=Top Google exec backs $1.3 billion investment in NZ solar power |author=Tom Pullar-Strecker |publisher=Stuff |date=19 April 2022 |access-date=19 April 2022}}</ref> In May 2022 Far North Solar Farm announced a partnership with offshore investment fund Aquila Capital to build 1&nbsp;GW of generation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/466954/solar-power-companies-plan-to-start-building-at-multiple-sites |title=Solar power: companies plan to start building at multiple sites |publisher=RNZ |date=11 May 2022 |access-date=25 May 2022}}</ref>

In May 2021 Lodestone Energy announced plans for five solar farms in the upper North Island, capable of generating 400&nbsp;GWh annually.<ref>{{cite web |author=Tom Pullar-Strecker |date=12 May 2021 |title=$300m plan for five solar energy farms, providing 1pc of country's supply |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/125090584/300m-plan-for-five-solar-energy-farms-providing-1pc-of-countrys-supply |access-date=12 May 2021 |publisher=Stuff}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=12 May 2021 |title=Solar power: Planned network will increase generation eight-fold – company |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/442354/solar-power-planned-network-will-increase-generation-eight-fold-company |access-date=12 May 2021 |publisher=RNZ}}</ref> The 32&nbsp;MWp [[Lodestone Two Solar Farm|Lodestone Two]], northwest of [[Kaitaia]], began generating electricity in November 2023.<ref name=":0" /> As the first solar farm to exceed 10&nbsp;MW, Lodestone Two was also the first required to participate in the [[New Zealand electricity market|wholesale electricity market]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-30 |title=Let the sun shine! |url=http://www.ea.govt.nz/news/eye-on-electricity/let-the-sun-shine/ |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=Electricity Authority |language=en}}</ref>

===Operating===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Name
!Location!! Operator !! data-sort-type="number"| DC Capacity ([[Nominal power (photovoltaic)|MWp]]) !! Nameplate Capacity (MWac) !! Commissioned !! Coordinates
|-
|[[Kohirā Solar Farm|Kohirā]]
|[[Kaitaia]], Northland|| [[Lodestone Energy]] || 32<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ea.govt.nz/news/eye-on-electricity/let-the-sun-shine/ |title=Let the sun shine! |publisher=Electricity Authority |date=1 December 2023 |access-date=11 December 2023}}</ref> || 23<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/503380/a-task-in-itself-country-s-largest-solar-power-station-built-in-kaitaia|title='A task in itself': Country's largest solar power station built in Kaitāia |publisher=Radio New Zealand |author=Peter de Graaf |date=27 November 2023 |access-date=28 November 2023}}</ref> || 2023<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/lodestone-eastlands-new-solar-power-projects-switched-on-generating-electricity/R3OPBZ3MQFDANEYBNEHQWDKQOI/ |title=Lodestone, Eastland's new solar power projects switched on, generating electricity |publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=24 November 2023 |access-date=25 November 2023}}</ref>
|| {{Coord|35|4|54|S|173|13|10|E}}
|-
|[[Rangitaiki Solar Farm|Rangitaiki]]
|[[Edgecumbe]], Bay of Plenty
|Lodestone Energy
|32
|23
|2024<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lodestone Energy – LinkedIn Post |url=https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lodestoneenergy_renewableenergy-solar-powerfulpeaceful-activity-7170970987029491713-rv1R |access-date=17 Mar 2024 |website=Lodestone Energy (LinkedIn)}}</ref>
| {{Coord|37|59|46.83|S|176|48|35.86|E}}
|-
|[[Gisborne Airport#Te Ihi o te Ra solar farm|Te Ihi o te Ra]]<ref>{{cite web |author=Andrew Ashton |date=11 January 2022 |title=Harnessing the sun |url=https://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/local-news/20220111/harnessing-the-sun/ |access-date=4 February 2022 |publisher=Gisborne Herald}}</ref>
|Gisborne Airport, [[Gisborne, New Zealand|Gisborne]]
|[[Eastland Generation]]
|5.2
|
|2023<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-23 |title=Tairāwhiti's Solar Farm Debut: New Zealand's Largest |url=https://gisborneairport.nz/about-us/news/tairawhitis-solar-farm-debut-new-zealands-largestnew-blog-post/ |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=Gisborne Airport |language=en-AU}}</ref>
| {{Coord|38|39|25.84|S|177|58|52.22|E}}
|}


===Proposed and under construction===
===Proposed and under construction===
Line 33: Line 174:
!Location!! Operator !! data-sort-type="number"| Projected capacity (MW) !! Status !! Coordinates
!Location!! Operator !! data-sort-type="number"| Projected capacity (MW) !! Status !! Coordinates
|-
|-
|Gisborne Airport<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/local-news/20220111/harnessing-the-sun/ |title=Harnessing the sun |author=Andrew Ashton |publisher=Gisborne Herald |date=11 January 2022 |access-date=4 February 2022}}</ref>
|Ardmore<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/509911/residents-say-south-auckland-solar-farm-will-ruin-rural-outlook |title=Residents say south Auckland solar farm will ruin 'rural outlook' |publisher=RNZ |date=22 February 2024 |access-date=16 August 2024}}</ref>
|[[Ardmore, New Zealand|Ardmore]], Auckland|| KAL || 13 || Under construction<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kiwisolar.co.nz/2024/07/22/tahuna-solar-farm/ |title=Ardmore Solar Farm – 13MWp |date=22 July 2024 |publisher=Kiwi Solar Farms |access-date=16 August 2024}}</ref> ||
|[[Gisborne, New Zealand|Gisborne]]|| Eastland Generation || 5.2 || Proposed ||
|-
|Ashley<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-democracy-reporting/300884982/residents-seek-answers-to-solar-farm-proposal |title=Residents seek answers to solar farm proposal |publisher=Stuff |date=21 May 2023 |access-date=21 May 2023}}</ref>
|[[Ashley, New Zealand|Ashley]], Canterbury|| Solar Bay || || Proposed ||
|-
|Argyle Solar Farm
|Wairau Valley, Marlborough
|[[Manawa Energy]]
|65
|Proposed<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manawaenergy.co.nz/argyle-solar |title=Argyle Solar |publisher=Manawa Energy |access-date=25 April 2024}}</ref>
| {{Coord|41|40|11.15|S|173|12|7.25|E}}
|-
|Ashburton Solar Farm
|Ashburton, Canterbury
|Lightyears Solar
|7
|Under construction
|
|-
|Buckleys Road
|Brookside, Canterbury
|KeaX
|65
|Consented<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pv-tech.org/65mw-solar-pv-and-energy-storage-site-granted-planning-consent-in-new-zealand/ |title=65MW solar PV and energy storage site granted planning consent in New Zealand |publisher=PVTech |date=12 June 2024 |access-date=13 June 2024}}</ref>
| {{Coord|43|42|17|S|172|17|6|E}}
|-
|Bunnythorpe<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kiwisolar.co.nz/2024/07/22/bunnythorpe-solar-farm/ |title=Bunnythorpe Solar Farm – 26MWp |date=22 July 2024 |publisher=Kiwi Solar Farms |access-date=16 August 2024}}</ref>
|[[Bunnythorpe]], Manawatu|| Kiwi Solar farms || 26 || Proposed ||
|-
|Carterton
|[[Carterton, New Zealand|Carterton]], Wairarapa|| Harmony Energy || 133 || Consented<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/350376694/wind-solar-action-wairarapas-renewables |title=Wind, solar, action: Wairarapa's renewables |publisher=Wairarapa Times-Age |author=Kate Judson |date=20 August 2024 |access-date=20 August 2024}}</ref> ||
|-
|Clandeboye
|Clandeboye, Canterbury|| Lodestone Energy || || Consented<ref name=PostLS2024a>{{cite web |url=https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/350149028/consents-granted-three-solar-farms-canterbury |title=Consents granted for three solar farms in Canterbury |publisher=The Post |date=18 January 2024 |access-date=18 January 2024}}</ref> ||
|-
|Dunsandel
|[[Dunsandel]], Canterbury|| Lodestone Energy || || Consented<ref name=PostLS2024a/> ||
|-
|Edgecumbe<ref>{{cite web |url=https://heliosenergy.co.nz/projects/edgecumbe-solar-farm-1 |title=Edgecumbe Solar Farm |publisher=Helios |date= |access-date=5 September 2022}}</ref>
|[[Edgecumbe]], Bay of Plenty|| Helios || 115 || Consented<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/503515/solar-farm-a-waste-of-elite-soil-edgecumbe-farmers |title=Solar farm a waste of elite soil – Edgecumbe farmers |publisher=RNZ |date=29 November 2023 |access-date=30 November 2023}}</ref> ||
|-
|Greytown<ref>{{cite web |url=https://times-age.co.nz/140m-investment/ |title=$140m investment |publisher=Wairarapa Times-Age |author=Mary Argue |date=31 August 2022 |access-date=5 September 2022}}</ref>
|[[Greytown, New Zealand|Greytown]], Wairarapa|| Helios || 100 || Proposed || {{Coord|41|5|55.8|S|175|26|21.45|E}}
|-
|Greytown 2
|[[Greytown, New Zealand|Greytown]], Wairarapa
|Far North Solar Farm
|175
|Proposed<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/350327768/hearing-major-solar-farm-development-under-way |title=Hearing for major solar farm development under way |publisher=Wairarapa Times-Age |author=Lucy Cooper |date=2 July 2024 |access-date=5 July 2024}}</ref>
|
|-
|Haldon
|[[Mackenzie District]]|| Lodestone Energy || 220 || Proposed<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/lodestone-teams-up-with-high-country-station-for-mackenzie-country-solar-project/7VJYD3RYHFF4DGSA2NI26BDREA/ |title=Lodestone teams up with high-country station for Mackenzie Country solar project |publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=20 June 2024 |access-date=20 June 2024}}</ref> ||
|-
|-
|Hawke's Bay Airport<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sunlive.co.nz/news/289939-airport-announces-solar-farm-partnership.html |title=Airport announces solar farm partnership |publisher=SunLive |date=23 March 2022 |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref>
|Hawke's Bay Airport<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sunlive.co.nz/news/289939-airport-announces-solar-farm-partnership.html |title=Airport announces solar farm partnership |publisher=SunLive |date=23 March 2022 |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref>
|[[Napier, New Zealand|Napier]], Hawke's Bay|| Hawke's Bay Airport || 24 || Proposed ||
|[[Napier, New Zealand|Napier]], Hawke's Bay|| Hawke's Bay Airport || 24 || Proposed || {{Coord|39|28|8.18|S|176|51|50.12|E}}
|-
|-
|Helensville<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/462286/helensville-solar-farm-plan-faces-some-local-opposition |title=Helensville solar farm plan faces some local opposition |publisher=RNZ |date=25 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022}}</ref>
|Helensville<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/462286/helensville-solar-farm-plan-faces-some-local-opposition |title=Helensville solar farm plan faces some local opposition |publisher=RNZ |date=25 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022}}</ref>
|[[Helensville]], Auckland|| HES Aotearoa || 70 || Proposed || {{Coord|36|41|20|S|174|26|20|E}}
|[[Helensville]], Auckland|| HES Aotearoa || 70 || Proposed || {{Coord|36|41|20|S|174|26|20|E}}
|-
|-
|Kairanga<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/300697758/proposed-palmerston-north-solar-farm-can-power-5000-homes |title=Proposed Palmerston North solar farm can power 5000 homes |publisher=Stuff |author=Shilpy Arora |date=26 September 2022 |access-date=27 September 2022}}</ref>
|Kōwhai Park<ref name=RNZKPSolar/>
|[[Harewood, New Zealand|Harewood]], Canterbury|| Christchurch Airport || 150 || Proposed || {{Coord|43|29|45|S|172|30|38|E}}
|[[Palmerston North]], Manawatu|| Kiwi Solar farms || 27 || Proposed ||
|-
|-
|[[Kōwhai Park Solar Farm|Kōwhai Park]]<ref name=RNZKPSolar/>
|Lauriston<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-democracy-reporting/300616355/largescale-solar-farm-planned-in-mid-canterbury |title=Large-scale solar farm planned in Mid Canterbury |publisher=Stuff |date=17 June 2022 |author=Jonathan Leask |access-date=18 June 2022}}</ref>
|[[Harewood, New Zealand|Harewood]], Canterbury|| Christchurch Airport || 168 || Under Construction<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/christchurch-airport-solar-project-contact-energy-pushes-go/VOUBUWQF3RDO7KT4NMHWV5624I/ |title=Christchurch Airport solar project: Contact Energy pushes 'go' |publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=16 August 2024 |access-date=16 August 2024}}</ref> || {{Coord|43|29|45|S|172|30|38|E}}
|[[Lauriston, New Zealand|Lauriston]], Canterbury|| HES Aotearoa || 50 || Consented ||
|-
|[[Lauriston Solar Farm|Lauriston]]
|[[Lauriston, New Zealand|Lauriston]], Canterbury|| [[Genesis Energy Limited|Genesis]] || 63 || Under construction<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/govt-owned-genesis-saudis-canadians-building-104m-solar-farm/O54T3MCZOVFQTNMTRQDCI37KGE/ |title=Govt-owned Genesis, Saudis and Canadians building $104m solar farm |publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=14 January 2024 |access-date=16 January 2024}}</ref> || {{Coord|43|43|51.56|S|171|47|21.95|E}}
|-
|Leeston<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/131193570/another-huge-solar-farm-in-the-works-for-canterbury |title=Another huge solar farm in the works for Canterbury |publisher=Stuff |date=11 February 2023 |access-date=12 February 2023}}</ref>
|[[Leeston]], Canterbury|| KeaX || 160 || Proposed ||
|-
|-
|Lodestone One<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lodestoneenergy.co.nz/farms/ |title=The Solar Farms |publisher=Lodestone Energy |access-date=1 December 2021}}</ref>
|Lodestone One<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lodestoneenergy.co.nz/farms/ |title=The Solar Farms |publisher=Lodestone Energy |access-date=1 December 2021}}</ref>
|[[Dargaville]], Northland|| Lodestone Energy || || Proposed ||
|[[Dargaville]], Northland|| Lodestone Energy || 60|| Proposed
|-
|-
|Maniototo
|Lodestone Two
|[[Kaitaia]], Northland|| Lodestone Energy || 39.4<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fedsnews.co.nz/huge-solar-farm-leaves-room-for-livestock/ |title=Huge solar farm leaves room for livestock |publisher=FedsNews |date=20 April 2021 |access-date=1 December 2021}}</ref> || Consented || {{Coord|35|4|54|S|173|13|10|E}}
|[[Maniototo]], Otago|| Helios || 300 || Proposed<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/central-otago/central-otago-solar-farm-could-power-70000-homes |title=Central Otago solar farm 'could power 70,000 homes' |publisher=Otago Daily Times |date=21 September 2023 |access-date=3 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/technology/solar-farm-planned-for-maniatoto-farmland/ |title=Solar farm planned for Maniatoto farmland |publisher=Farmers Weekly |date=22 September 2023 |access-date=3 October 2023}}</ref> || {{Coord|45|4|9.34|S|170|6|34.64|E}}
|-
|-
|Marton
|Lodestone Three
|[[Marton, New Zealand|Marton]], [[Rangitikei District]]|| Far North Solar Farm || 41 || Consented<ref>{{cite web |url=https://renews.biz/92703/nz-solar-project-gains-consent/ |title=NZ solar project gains consent |publisher=ReNews |date=23 April 2024 |access-date=24 April 2024}}</ref> ||
|[[Waiotahe]], Bay of Plenty|| Lodestone Energy || || Proposed ||
|-
|-
|Marton 2
|Lodestone Four
|[[Marton, New Zealand|Marton]], [[Rangitikei District]]
|[[Edgecumbe]], Bay of Plenty|| Lodestone Energy || || Proposed ||
|Energy Farm
|110
|Proposed<ref>{{cite web |url=https://environment.govt.nz/what-government-is-doing/areas-of-work/fast-track-consenting/marton-solar-farm/ |title=Marton Solar Farm |publisher=Environmental Protection Authority |date=4 July 2023 |access-date=10 July 2024}}</ref>
|{{Coord|40|7|30.99|S|175|23|46.12|E}}
|-
|-
|Marton 3
|Lodestone Five
|[[Marton, New Zealand|Marton]], [[Rangitikei District]]|| Harmony Energy || 103 || Consented<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350397092/solar-farms-proposed-rangitikei-sites-near-marton |title=Solar farms proposed for Rangitīkei sites near Marton |publisher=Stuff |author=Janine Rankin |date=2 September 2024 |access-date=2 September 2024}}</ref> || {{Coord|40|6|28.1|S|175|21|40.4|E}}
|[[Whitianga]], Waikato|| Lodestone Energy || || Proposed ||
|-
|Massey University<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/131290885/massey-university-in-deal-to-have-one-of-nzs-biggest-solar-farms |title=Massey University in deal to have one of NZ's biggest solar farms |publisher=Stuff |date=23 February 2023 |author=Chris Tobin |access-date=24 February 2023}}</ref>
|[[Massey University, Palmerston North]]|| Solar Bay || 6 || Proposed || {{Coord|40|23|30.75|S|175|37|50.42|E}}
|-
|Maungaturoto
|[[Maungaturoto]], Northland|| Solar Bay || 20 || Under construction<ref>{{cite web |url=https://insideageing.com.au/ryman-healthcare-partners-with-solar-bay-to-build-new-zealands-first-retirement-village-exclusive-solar-farm/ |title=Ryman Healthcare partners with Solar Bay to build New Zealand's first retirement village-exclusive solar farm |publisher=Inside Ageing |date=8 March 2023 |access-date=8 March 2023}}</ref> || {{Coord|36|5|24.95|S|174|20|50.29|E}}
|-
|Mount Somers
|[[Mount Somers]], Canterbury|| Lodestone Energy || || Consented<ref name=PostLS2024a/> ||
|-
|Naseby
|[[Naseby, New Zealand|Naseby]], Otago|| Solar Bay || 50 || Consented<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/central-otago/farm-looking-expand-solar-power-sector |title=Farm looking to expand into solar power sector |publisher=Otago Daily Times |date=11 April 2023 |access-date=16 April 2023}}</ref> ||
|-
|Oakridge Solar Farm
|Glen Massey, Waikato
|Trilect Solar
|6
|Under construction
|
|-
|Ongaonga<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/hawkes-bay-ongaonga-solar-farm-to-be-one-of-nzs-biggest-land-to-be-retired-from-intensive-dairy-to-build-it/MGMKEF65JRHANFVJXQSPQJ5HMU/ |title=Hawke's Bay: Ongaonga solar farm to be one of NZ's biggest, land to be 'retired' from intensive dairy to build it |publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=20 December 2022 |access-date=20 December 2022}}</ref>
|[[Ongaonga, New Zealand|Ongaonga]], Hawke's Bay|| Sky Solar || || Proposed || {{Coord|39|55|15.55|S|176|26|46.64|E|}}
|-
|Ongaonga 2<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/new-solar-farm-proposal-for-ongaonga/4O4NKJEBGREYZFIY65EM4NIEPA/ |title=Second solar farm proposal for Ongaonga |publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=7 August 2023 |access-date=8 August 2023}}</ref>
|[[Ongaonga, New Zealand|Ongaonga]], Hawke's Bay|| Helios || 100 || Proposed<ref>{{cite web |url=https://heliosenergy.co.nz/projects/ongaonga |title=Ongaonga Solar Farm |publisher=Helios |date= |access-date=25 April 2024}}</ref> || {{Coord|39|55|37.57|S|176|25|10.58|E}}
|-
|Ōpunake
|[[Ōpunake]], Taranaki
|Energy Farm
|110
|Consented<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.epa.govt.nz/news-and-alerts/latest-news/opunake-solar-farm-granted-fast-track-consent/ |title=Ōpunake Solar Farm granted fast-track consent |publisher=Environmental Protection Agency |date=9 July 2024 |access-date=10 July 2024}}</ref>
| {{Coord|39|21|55.57|S|173|52|27.32|E}}
|-
|-
|[[Pukenui Solar Farm|Pukenui]]
|[[Pukenui Solar Farm|Pukenui]]
Line 67: Line 302:
|-
|-
|Ruakaka<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/458009/meridian-energy-to-build-solar-farm-next-to-marsden-point-refinery |title=Meridian Energy to build solar farm next to Marsden Point refinery |publisher=RNZ |date=15 December 2021 |access-date=15 December 2021}}</ref>
|Ruakaka<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/458009/meridian-energy-to-build-solar-farm-next-to-marsden-point-refinery |title=Meridian Energy to build solar farm next to Marsden Point refinery |publisher=RNZ |date=15 December 2021 |access-date=15 December 2021}}</ref>
|[[Marsden Point]], Northland|| [[Meridian Energy]] || 100–150<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/meridian-energy-seeks-resource-consent-to-build-solar-farm-at-ruakaka-northland/RP2TK5N2ZJDYXIYKMJLEPEJ7JA/ |title=Meridian Energy seeks resource consent to build solar farm at Ruakākā, Northland |publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=27 March 2024 |access-date=29 March 2024}}</ref> || Proposed || {{Coord|35|50|51.74|S|174|28|39.54|E}}
|[[Marsden Point]], Northland|| Meridian Energy || 75 || Proposed ||
|-
|-
|Seaview Road, Seddon
|Smith Canal<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lightyearssolar.co.nz/smith-canal-solar-farm |title=SMITH CANAL SOLAR 11 MW |publisher=Lightyears Solar |access-date=1 December 2021}}</ref>
|Seddon, Marlborough
|near [[Ruawai]], Northland|| Lightyears || 11 || Proposed ||
|Energy Marlborough Ltd
|5
|Consented
|
|-
|-
|Skinner Road<ref name=Stuff2023a/>
|Tauhei<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/127791944/new-solar-farm-proposed-for-eastern-waikato-could-power-30000-homes |title=New solar farm proposed for eastern Waikato could power 30,000 homes |publisher=Stuff |date=17 February 2022 |access-date=17 February 2022}}</ref>
|[[Stratford, New Zealand|Stratford]], Taranaki|| Ranui Generation || 40 || Proposed ||
|[[Te Aroha]], Waikato|| Harmony Energy || 185<ref>{{cite web |url=https://environment.govt.nz/assets/what-government-is-doing/fast-track/Section-17-Report_2021.68_Tauhei-Solar-Farm_Redacted.pdf |title=Application 2021-068 Tauhei Solar Farm (Harmony Energy NZ Limited) |publisher=Ministry for the Environment |date=9 December 2021 |access-date=18 June 2022}}</ref> || Proposed ||
|-
|-
|Swannanoa
|Taupō<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/nzs-largest-solar-farm-to-be-built-near-taupo |title=NZ’s largest solar farm to be built near Taupō |publisher=Newsroom |date=12 April 2022 |access-date=13 April 2022}}</ref>
|[[Swannanoa, New Zealand|Swannanoa]], Canterbury|| [[Meridian Energy]] || 200 || Proposed<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.meridianenergy.co.nz/new-projects/swannanoa-solar-farm |title=Swannanoa solar farm |publisher=Meridian Energy |access-date=21 June 2024}}</ref> ||
|[[Taupō]], Waikato|| Nova Energy || 400 || Proposed ||
|-
|Tahuna<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kiwisolar.co.nz/2024/07/22/kairanga-solar-farm/ |title=Tahuna Solar Farm – 23MWp |date=22 July 2024 |publisher=Kiwi Solar Farms |access-date=16 August 2024}}</ref>
|[[Tahuna, Waikato]]|| Kiwi Solar farms || 23 || Proposed ||
|-
|[[Tauhei solar farm|Tauhei]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/127791944/new-solar-farm-proposed-for-eastern-waikato-could-power-30000-homes |title=New solar farm proposed for eastern Waikato could power 30,000 homes |publisher=Stuff |date=17 February 2022 |access-date=17 February 2022}}</ref>
|[[Te Aroha]], Waikato|| Harmony Energy || 185<ref>{{cite web |url=https://environment.govt.nz/assets/what-government-is-doing/fast-track/Section-17-Report_2021.68_Tauhei-Solar-Farm_Redacted.pdf |title=Application 2021-068 Tauhei Solar Farm (Harmony Energy NZ Limited) |publisher=Ministry for the Environment |date=9 December 2021 |access-date=18 June 2022}}</ref> || Consented<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/uks-harmony-energy-wins-approval-for-waikato-solar-farm/ITL3JABIE6Y64R7SWWULTVDACE/ |title=UK's Harmony Energy wins approval for Waikato solar farm |publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=21 September 2022 |access-date=20 September 2022}}</ref> || {{Coord|37|35|18.17|S|175|43|18.75|E}}
|-
|[[Te Rāhui Solar Farm|Te Rāhui]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/nzs-largest-solar-farm-to-be-built-near-taupo |title=NZ's largest solar farm to be built near Taupō |publisher=Newsroom |date=12 April 2022 |access-date=13 April 2022}}</ref>
|[[Taupō]], Waikato|| Nova Energy || 400 || Consented<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/350327125/nzs-largest-solar-farm-gets-go-ahead |title=NZ's largest solar farm gets the go ahead |publisher=Waikato Times |author=Matthew Martin |date=1 July 2024 |access-date=1 July 2024}}</ref>
|| {{Coord|38|53|44.49|S|176|25|25.55|E}}
|-
|Te Herenga o Te Rā
|[[Waiotahe]], Bay of Plenty|| Lodestone Energy || 30|| Under construction<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lodestone Energy begins construction at its next utility-scale solar site – Lodestone Energy |url=https://lodestoneenergy.co.nz/lodestone-energy-begins-construction-at-its-next-utility-scale-solar-site/ |access-date=2024-03-16 |language=en-US}}</ref>|| {{Coord|38|1|33.1|S|177|10|58.79|E}}
|-
|Te Puna Mauri ō Omaru
|[[Ruawai]], Northland|| Northpower || 16|| Under construction<ref>{{Cite web |title=
Northpower Solar Farm at Ruawai |url=https://northpower.com/northpower-solar-farm |access-date=2024-05-21 |language=en-US}}</ref>||
|-
|The Point
|[[Mackenzie District]]|| Far North Solar Farm || 420 || Proposed<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/301016780/a-second-large-solar-farm-proposed-for-the-mackenzie-country |title=A second large solar farm proposed for the Mackenzie Country |publisher=Stuff |date=29 November 2023 |access-date=30 November 2023}}</ref> || {{Coord|44|19|18.71|S|170|12|3.55|E}}
|-
|Three Stream<ref name=Stuff2023a>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/300929116/two-huge-solar-farms-planned-for-sunny-taranaki |title=Two huge solar farms planned for sunny Taranaki |publisher=Stuff |author=Catherine Groenestein |date=18 July 2023 |access-date=18 July 2023}}</ref>
|[[Kaponga]], Taranaki|| Ranui Generation || 30 || Consented<ref name=RGProj>{{cite web |url=http://ranuigen.co.nz/projects/ |title=Rānui Generation Solar Farms |publisher=Rānui Generation |access-date=26 April 2024}}</ref> ||
|-
|Tikokino<ref name=Stuff2023a/>
|[[Tikokino]], Hawke’s Bay|| Ranui Generation || 55 || Proposed ||
|-
|[[Twin Rivers Solar Farm|Twin Rivers]]<ref name=Stuff2023a/>
|[[Kaitaia]], Northland|| Rānui Generation || 31 || Under construction<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU2408/S00285/kiwi-solar-developer-ranui-generation-commences-31mwp-solar-project-in-northland.htm |title=Kiwi Solar Developer, Rānui Generation, Commences 31MWp Solar Project In Northland |publisher=Scoop |date=19 August 2024 |access-date=19 August 2024}}</ref> ||
|-
|Waingawa
|[[Masterton]], Wairarapa|| Masterton Solar and Energy Storage || 100 || Proposed<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/350330400/plans-large-waingawa-solar-farm-revealed |title=Plans for large Waingawa solar farm revealed |publisher=The Post |author=Piers Fuller |date=5 July 2024 |access-date=5 July 2024}}</ref> ||
|-
|Waipara
|[[Waipara]], Canterbury
|Far North Solar Farm
|135
|Proposed<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/496974/far-north-solar-farm-plans-to-install-200-hectares-of-solar-panels-on-north-canterbury-farm |title=Far North Solar Farm plans to install 200 hectares of solar panels on North Canterbury farm |publisher=RNZ |date=31 August 2023 |access-date=1 September 2023}}</ref>
|{{Coord|43|2|52.03|S|172|43|58.09|E}}
|-
|-
|[[Waiterimu Solar Farm|Waiterimu]]<ref name=IGP1/>
|[[Waiterimu Solar Farm|Waiterimu]]<ref name=IGP1/>
|near [[Ohinewai]], Waikato|| Island Green Power || 200 || Consented<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.epa.govt.nz/news-and-alerts/latest-news/fast-track-consents-granted-for-two-solar-farms-in-waikato |title=Fast-track consents granted for two solar farms in Waikato |publisher=Environmental Protection Authority |date=22 December 2023 |access-date=27 December 2023}}</ref> || {{Coord|37|28|35.57|S|175|16|14.7|E|}}
|near [[Ohinewai]], Waikato|| Island Green Power || 200 || Proposed ||
|-
|Ward
|Ward, Marlborough
|Energy Marlborough Ltd
|15
|Consented<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/350380758/south-marlborough-solar-farm-generate-3-regions-power |title=South Marlborough solar farm to generate 3% of region’s power |publisher=Stuff |author=Mala Hart |date=29 August 2024 |access-date=8 September 2024}}</ref>
|
|-
|Wellsford
|[[Wellsford]], Auckland
|Energy Farm
|76
|Proposed<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.localmatters.co.nz/environment/solar-farm-seeks-fast-track-approval/ |title=Solar farm seeks fast-track approval |publisher=Local matters |date=24 May 2024 |access-date=10 July 2024}}</ref>
|{{Coord|36|18|56.07|S|174|30|55.5|E}}
|-
|Whitianga<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lodestoneenergy.co.nz/whitianga-solar-farm/ |title=Whitianga |publisher=Lodestone Energy |access-date=16 August 2024}}</ref>
|[[Whitianga]], Waikato|| Lodestone Energy || 32 || Under construction || {{Coord|36|51|2.01|S|175|39|47.33|E}}
|}
|}


Line 127: Line 422:
bar:Dec color:yellow from:0 till:5.67 text:5.67 shift:(-10,70)
bar:Dec color:yellow from:0 till:5.67 text:5.67 shift:(-10,70)
</timeline>
</timeline>
:Source: NREL<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/calculators/PVWATTS/version1/International/inputv1_intl.cgi?siteid=934360|title=PV Watts|publisher=NREL|accessdate=26 June 2012}}</ref>
:Source: NREL<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/calculators/PVWATTS/version1/International/inputv1_intl.cgi?siteid=934360|title=PV Watts|publisher=NREL|access-date=26 June 2012}}</ref>
|}{{clear}}
|}{{clear}}


{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:right;"
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:right;"
|+Installed solar generation as of 31 March 2022<ref>{{cite web|title=Installed distributed generation trends|url=https://www.emi.ea.govt.nz/Retail/Reports/GUEHMT|url-status=live|publisher=Electricity Authority|accessdate=27 August 2021}}</ref>
|+Installed solar generation as of 30 April 2024<ref>{{cite web|title=Installed distributed generation trends|url=https://www.emi.ea.govt.nz/Retail/Reports/GUEHMT|publisher=Electricity Authority|access-date=29 January 2022}}</ref>
|-
|-
! Network reporting region !! Installations !! Uptake (%)!! Total capacity (kW)
! Network reporting region !! Installations !! Uptake (%)!! Total capacity (MW)
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Far North (Top Energy) || 1,384 || 4.12|| 7,592
| style="text-align:left;"| Bay of Islands ([[Top Energy]]) || 2003 || 5.81 || 35.59

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Whangarei and Kaipara ([[Northpower]]) || 1,573 || 2.56|| 8,470
| style="text-align:left;"| Whangarei and Kaipara ([[Northpower]]) || 2,522 || 4.03 || 14.0
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Waitemata ([[Vector Limited|Vector]]) || 3,791 || 1.54|| 17,588
| style="text-align:left;"| Waitemata ([[Vector Limited|Vector]]) || 5,642 || 2.13 || 30.8
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Auckland (Vector) || 3,530 || 0.98|| 21,556
| style="text-align:left;"| Auckland (Vector) || 5,673 || 1.51 || 41.76
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Counties (Counties Power) || 1,230 || 2.65|| 6,344
| style="text-align:left;"| Counties (Counties Power) || 1,872 || 3.88 || 13.76
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Thames Valley ([[Powerco]]) || 1,329 || 1.79|| 6,568
| style="text-align:left;" | Thames Valley ([[Powerco]]) || 1927 || 2.47 || 12.05
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Waikato ([[WEL Networks]]) || 1,709 || 1.78|| 8,954
| style="text-align:left;" | Waikato ([[WEL Networks]]) || 2,772 || 2.78 || 18.5

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Waipa (Waipa Networks) || 883 || 3.09|| 5,847
| style="text-align:left;" | Waipa ([[Waipā Networks]]) || 1,180 || 4 || 8.74

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | King Country (The Lines Company) || 106 || 0.44|| 1,041
| style="text-align:left;" | King Country (The Lines Company) || 219 || 0.95 || 1.94
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Tauranga (Powerco) || 2,333 || 2.55|| 11,513
| style="text-align:left;" | Tauranga (Powerco) || 3,680 || 3.93 || 21.37

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Rotorua ([[Unison Networks]]) || 378 || 1.18|| 1,816
| style="text-align:left;" | Rotorua ([[Unison Networks]]) || 574 || 1.77 || 3.52
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Eastern Bay of Plenty (Horizon Energy) || 410 || 1.63|| 1,855
| style="text-align:left;"| Eastern Bay of Plenty (Horizon Energy) || 679 || 2.68 || 26.98
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Taupo (Unison Networks) || 193 || 1.09|| 835
| style="text-align:left;" | Taupo (Unison Networks) || 341 || 1.87 || 1.79
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Eastland (Eastland Network) || 420 || 1.63|| 1,771
| style="text-align:left;" | Eastland (Eastland Network) || 576 || 2.11 || 8.14

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Hawke's Bay (Unison Networks) || 1,560 || 2.39|| 8,039
| style="text-align:left;" | Hawke's Bay (Unison Networks) || 2,435 || 3.69 || 13.98

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Central Hawke's Bay (Centralines) || 214 || 2.45|| 1,267
| style="text-align:left;" | Central Hawke's Bay (Centralines) || 377 || 4.2 || 2.44
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Southern Hawke's Bay (Scanpower) || 57 || 0.84|| 264
| style="text-align:left;" | Southern Hawke's Bay (Scanpower) || 81 || 1.19 || 1.04

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Wairarapa (Powerco) || 818 || 3.10|| 3,736
| style="text-align:left;" | Wairarapa (Powerco) || 1,172 || 4.3 || 6.42

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Taranaki (Powerco) || 950 || 1.58|| 6,847
| style="text-align:left;" | Taranaki (Powerco) || 1,605 || 2.54 || 11.95

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Whanganui (Powerco) || 514 || 1.50|| 2,220
| style="text-align:left;" | Whanganui (Powerco) || 739 || 2.22 || 3.82

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Manawatu (Powerco) || 872 || 1.53|| 4,373
| style="text-align:left;" | Manawatu (Powerco) || 1,438 || 2.43 || 8.38

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Kapiti and Horowhenua (Electra) || 989 || 2.14|| 4,348
| style="text-align:left;"| Kapiti and Horowhenua (Electra) || 1,545 || 3.39 || 8.02

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Wellington ([[Wellington Electricity]]) || 1,838 || 1.04|| 7,723
| style="text-align:left;"| Wellington ([[Wellington Electricity]]) || 3,042 || 1.68 || 15.73
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Nelson (Nelson Electricity) || 237 || 2.58|| 989
| style="text-align:left;" | Nelson (Nelson Electricity) || 1,598 || 5.43 || 10.77

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Tasman (Network Tasman) || 1,531 || 3.65|| 8,163
| style="text-align:left;" | Tasman (Network Tasman) || 2,427 || 5.62 || 16.04

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Marlborough ([[Marlborough Lines Limited|Marlborough Lines]]) || 819 || 3.11|| 6,129
| style="text-align:left;" | Marlborough ([[Marlborough Lines Limited|Marlborough Lines]]) || 1,170 || 4.39 || 9.57
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Buller (Buller Electricity) || 27 || 0.56|| 132
| style="text-align:left;" | Buller (Buller Electricity) || 46 || 0.94 || 0.24

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | West Coast (Westpower) || 58 || 0.41|| 309
| style="text-align:left;" | West Coast (Westpower) || 99 || 0.69 || 0.53

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | North Canterbury ([[MainPower]]) || 1,293 || 3.03|| 6,153
| style="text-align:left;" | North Canterbury ([[MainPower]]) || 2,009 || 4.64 || 10.98

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Central Canterbury ([[Orion New Zealand|Orion]]) || 3,737 || 1.76|| 19,152
| style="text-align:left;" | Central Canterbury ([[Orion New Zealand|Orion]]) || 5,732 || 2.56 || 34.13

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Ashburton ([[EA Networks]]) || 336 || 1.65|| 1,977
| style="text-align:left;" | Ashburton ([[EA Networks]]) || 526 || 2.51 || 4.54

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | South Canterbury ([[Alpine Energy]]) || 545 || 1.62|| 2,585
| style="text-align:left;" | South Canterbury ([[Alpine Energy]]) || 825 || 2.41 || 4.44

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Waitaki (Network Waitaki) || 154 || 1.16|| 1,153
| style="text-align:left;" | Waitaki (Network Waitaki) || 248 || 1.9 || 1.98

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Queenstown ([[Aurora Energy (New Zealand)|Aurora Energy]]) || 410 || 2.32|| 2,373
| style="text-align:left;" | Queenstown ([[Aurora Energy (New Zealand)|Aurora Energy]]) || 619 || 4.06 || 3.62

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Central Otago (Aurora Energy) || 1,039 || 4.46|| 5,038
| style="text-align:left;" | Central Otago (Aurora Energy) || 1,751 || 7.6 || 10.40

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | East Otago (OtagoNet) || 250 || 1.62|| 1,641
| style="text-align:left;" | Otago (OtagoNet) || 333 || 2.13 || 2.0

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Dunedin (Aurora Energy) || 456 || 0.81|| 1,897
| style="text-align:left;" | Dunedin (Aurora Energy) || 700 || 1.23 || 3.17

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Southland (The Power Company) || 472 || 1.27|| 2,794
| style="text-align:left;" | Southland (The Power Company) || 585 || 1.55 || 3.55

|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Invercargill (Electricity Invercargill) || 127 || 0.72|| 617
| style="text-align:left;" | Invercargill (Electricity Invercargill) || 151 || 0.85 || 0.93
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | '''Total'''|| '''38,572'''|| '''1.73'''|| '''201,668'''
| style="text-align:left;" | '''Total'''|| '''59,937'''|| '''2.6'''|| '''421.6'''
|}
|}
<br />
<br />
[[File:Total_solar_power_New_Zealand_2013-2019.jpg|thumb|Solar power installations rose steadily from 2013 to 2019 (see table to the left for detail)|alt=]]
[[File:Total_solar_power_New_Zealand_2013-2019.jpg|thumb|Solar power installations rose steadily from 2013 to 2019 (see table to the left for detail)|alt=]]
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="text-align:right;"
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="text-align:right;"
|+'''Solar installations - numbers, sizes and proportion of total installed capacity from 2013'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.emi.ea.govt.nz/Retail/Reports/GUEHMT?DateFrom=20130901&DateTo=20191130&RegionType=NZ&FuelType=solar&Show=Capacity&_rsdr=ALL&_si=v%7C3|title=Electricity Authority - EMI (market statistics and tools)|website=www.emi.ea.govt.nz|access-date=2019-12-21}}</ref>
|+'''Solar installations – numbers, sizes and proportion of total installed capacity from 2013'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.emi.ea.govt.nz/Retail/Reports/GUEHMT?DateFrom=20130901&DateTo=20191130&RegionType=NZ&FuelType=solar&Show=Capacity&_rsdr=ALL&_si=v%7C3|title=Electricity Authority – EMI (market statistics and tools)|website=www.emi.ea.govt.nz|access-date=2019-12-21}}</ref>
!As at
!As at
!ICP count
!ICP count
Line 274: Line 595:
|-
|-
|31 December 2021
|31 December 2021
|36,611
|36,618
|1.64131
|1.65042
|186.645
|189.556
|5.098
|5.148
|-
|31 December 2022
|45,886
|2.02678
|257.320
|5.642
|-
|31 December 2023
|56,211
|2.44812
|366.784
|6.525
|}
|}


Line 301: Line 634:


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.eeca.govt.nz/efficient-and-renewable-energy/renewable-energy/solar-energy-in-nz Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority] - Solar Energy
* [http://www.eeca.govt.nz/efficient-and-renewable-energy/renewable-energy/solar-energy-in-nz Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority] – Solar Energy
* [http://www.seanz.org.nz/ Sustainable Electricity Association of New Zealand]
* [http://www.seanz.org.nz/ Sustainable Electricity Association of New Zealand]
* [http://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/about-solar-power/residential/how-much-does-a-solar-power-system-cost/ The price of a solar power system]
* [http://www.mysolarquotes.co.nz/about-solar-power/residential/how-much-does-a-solar-power-system-cost/ The price of a solar power system]

Latest revision as of 23:36, 7 September 2024

Solar potential of New Zealand
Solar panels on a home in Auckland

Solar power in New Zealand is increasing in capacity, despite no government subsidies or interventions being available. As of the end of April 2024, New Zealand has 420 MW of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) solar power installed, of which 146 MW (35%) was installed in the last 12 months.[1] In the 12 months to December 2023, 372 gigawatt-hours of electricity was estimated to have been generated by grid-connected solar, 0.85% of all electricity generated in the country.[2]

Although there are no subsidies, the declining costs of photovoltaics has caused a large increase in demand over the last few years. In 2009, the average turnkey price for a standard PV system of three kilowatts (kW) was about NZ$40,000; by 2019 this had dropped to approx. NZ$8,500.[3]

Distributed systems

[edit]

As of the end of December 2023, 56,041 solar power systems had been installed in New Zealand. For new installations added in December 2023, the average residential system size was 6.1 kW and the average commercial system was 46.9 kW.[1]

The largest solar power system on a school in New Zealand was officially opened in a ceremony in February 2019 at Kaitaia College. Kelvin Davis, unveiled a plaque to acknowledge the installation of the 368 solar panel project which is spread across the rooftop of multiple buildings on the school campus.[4]

By January 2014, solar photovoltaic systems had been installed in 50 schools through the Schoolgen program, a program developed by Genesis Energy to educate students about renewable energy, particularly solar energy. Each school has been given a 2 kW capacity PV system, with a total distributed installed capacity of 100 kilowatts-peak (kWp). Since February 2007, a total of 513 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electrical energy have been recorded.[5]

In January 2020 Foodstuffs announced it would be installing a 1.1 MW PV array on its new Auckland distribution centre.[6][7] In October 2020 Watercare Services installed a 1 MW floating array on its Auckland wastewater treatment plant.[8]

In 2021, Kea Energy commissioned a solar power plant in the Wairau Valley in Marlborough with a potential capacity of 2.2 MW, with current plans to build capacity up to 1.85 MW as at March 2021.[9] In June 2021, the Todd Corporation commissioned a 2.1 MW solar plant at Kapuni in south Taranaki. The facility includes 5800 solar panels and was claimed to be the largest grid-connected solar plant at the time.[10]

Large behind-the-meter distributed solar generation
Name Territorial authority Coordinates Capacity (MW) Commissioned Typ Operator
Rosedale Wastewater Treatment Plant Auckland 1 2020 Floating Watercare
Foodstuffs North Island Distribution Centre Auckland 1.1 2021 Roof mounted Foodstuffs
Countdown Auckland Distribution Centre (Wiri) Auckland 1 Roof mounted Countdown / Solar Bay
Road Metals – Rolleston Quarry Canterbury 0.53[11] 2024 Ground mounted Road Metals / Platinum Energy
Yealands Winery Marlborough 0.4 2016 Roof mounted Yealands Winery
Sylvia Park Auckland 0.35 2015 Roof mounted Kiwi Property
Distributed solar farm generation
Name Standort Operator Number of Inverters Capacity (MW) Commissioned Coordinates
Wairau Valley Solar Farm Marlborough Kea Energy 1 2 2021 41°36′31″S 173°25′50″E
Kapuni Solar Plant South Taranaki Sunergise Not Stated 2.1 2021
Taylor's Pass Depot Marlborough Energy Marlborough Ltd 0.85 2023
Waiuku Solar Farm Auckland Lightyears Solar / Prime Energy 2.4 2023
Naumai Solar Farm Ruawai, Northland (Smiths Canal) NewPower Energy 4.8 2024[12]

Grid-scale plants

[edit]

In July 2019 Refining NZ announced plans for a 26 MW solar farm at the Marsden Point Oil Refinery, but by May 2020 the project was on hold.[13][14] In February 2020 Genesis Energy Limited announced plans for a 300 MW facility in the Waikato.[15]' In September 2020 Hawke's Bay Airport announced plans for a 10 MW farm on unused airport land.[16] In May 2020, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment released a study that considered the economics of grid-scale solar and gave forecasts to 2060, showing that New Zealand has potential for gigawatts of grid-scale solar.[17]

In February 2021 Far North Solar Farm applied for resource consent for a 16 MW farm at Pukenui on the Aupouri Peninsula in Northland.[18] The development subsequently stalled due to a lack of network capacity.[19]

In December 2021 Christchurch Airport announced it would be hosting a 150 MW plant at Kōwhai Park, to be scaled up over 30 years.[20][21] On 30 December 2021 Island Green Power announced plans for a 200 MW solar farm in Waikato.[22] In April 2022 Helios Energy announced plans for a series of farms with a combined output of 1 GW.[23] In May 2022 Far North Solar Farm announced a partnership with offshore investment fund Aquila Capital to build 1 GW of generation.[24]

In May 2021 Lodestone Energy announced plans for five solar farms in the upper North Island, capable of generating 400 GWh annually.[25][26] The 32 MWp Lodestone Two, northwest of Kaitaia, began generating electricity in November 2023.[27] As the first solar farm to exceed 10 MW, Lodestone Two was also the first required to participate in the wholesale electricity market.[28]

Operating

[edit]
Name Standort Operator DC Capacity (MWp) Nameplate Capacity (MWac) Commissioned Coordinates
Kohirā Kaitaia, Northland Lodestone Energy 32[29] 23[30] 2023[27] 35°4′54″S 173°13′10″E / 35.08167°S 173.21944°E / -35.08167; 173.21944
Rangitaiki Edgecumbe, Bay of Plenty Lodestone Energy 32 23 2024[31] 37°59′46.83″S 176°48′35.86″E / 37.9963417°S 176.8099611°E / -37.9963417; 176.8099611
Te Ihi o te Ra[32] Gisborne Airport, Gisborne Eastland Generation 5.2 2023[33] 38°39′25.84″S 177°58′52.22″E / 38.6571778°S 177.9811722°E / -38.6571778; 177.9811722

Proposed and under construction

[edit]

Only solar plants over 5 MW generating capacity are listed.

Name Standort Operator Projected capacity (MW) Status Coordinates
Ardmore[34] Ardmore, Auckland KAL 13 Under construction[35]
Ashley[36] Ashley, Canterbury Solar Bay Proposed
Argyle Solar Farm Wairau Valley, Marlborough Manawa Energy 65 Proposed[37] 41°40′11.15″S 173°12′7.25″E / 41.6697639°S 173.2020139°E / -41.6697639; 173.2020139
Ashburton Solar Farm Ashburton, Canterbury Lightyears Solar 7 Under construction
Buckleys Road Brookside, Canterbury KeaX 65 Consented[38] 43°42′17″S 172°17′6″E / 43.70472°S 172.28500°E / -43.70472; 172.28500
Bunnythorpe[39] Bunnythorpe, Manawatu Kiwi Solar farms 26 Proposed
Carterton Carterton, Wairarapa Harmony Energy 133 Consented[40]
Clandeboye Clandeboye, Canterbury Lodestone Energy Consented[41]
Dunsandel Dunsandel, Canterbury Lodestone Energy Consented[41]
Edgecumbe[42] Edgecumbe, Bay of Plenty Helios 115 Consented[43]
Greytown[44] Greytown, Wairarapa Helios 100 Proposed 41°5′55.8″S 175°26′21.45″E / 41.098833°S 175.4392917°E / -41.098833; 175.4392917
Greytown 2 Greytown, Wairarapa Far North Solar Farm 175 Proposed[45]
Haldon Mackenzie District Lodestone Energy 220 Proposed[46]
Hawke's Bay Airport[47] Napier, Hawke's Bay Hawke's Bay Airport 24 Proposed 39°28′8.18″S 176°51′50.12″E / 39.4689389°S 176.8639222°E / -39.4689389; 176.8639222
Helensville[48] Helensville, Auckland HES Aotearoa 70 Proposed 36°41′20″S 174°26′20″E / 36.68889°S 174.43889°E / -36.68889; 174.43889
Kairanga[49] Palmerston North, Manawatu Kiwi Solar farms 27 Proposed
Kōwhai Park[21] Harewood, Canterbury Christchurch Airport 168 Under Construction[50] 43°29′45″S 172°30′38″E / 43.49583°S 172.51056°E / -43.49583; 172.51056
Lauriston Lauriston, Canterbury Genesis 63 Under construction[51] 43°43′51.56″S 171°47′21.95″E / 43.7309889°S 171.7894306°E / -43.7309889; 171.7894306
Leeston[52] Leeston, Canterbury KeaX 160 Proposed
Lodestone One[53] Dargaville, Northland Lodestone Energy 60 Proposed
Maniototo Maniototo, Otago Helios 300 Proposed[54][55] 45°4′9.34″S 170°6′34.64″E / 45.0692611°S 170.1096222°E / -45.0692611; 170.1096222
Marton Marton, Rangitikei District Far North Solar Farm 41 Consented[56]
Marton 2 Marton, Rangitikei District Energy Farm 110 Proposed[57] 40°7′30.99″S 175°23′46.12″E / 40.1252750°S 175.3961444°E / -40.1252750; 175.3961444
Marton 3 Marton, Rangitikei District Harmony Energy 103 Consented[58] 40°6′28.1″S 175°21′40.4″E / 40.107806°S 175.361222°E / -40.107806; 175.361222
Massey University[59] Massey University, Palmerston North Solar Bay 6 Proposed 40°23′30.75″S 175°37′50.42″E / 40.3918750°S 175.6306722°E / -40.3918750; 175.6306722
Maungaturoto Maungaturoto, Northland Solar Bay 20 Under construction[60] 36°5′24.95″S 174°20′50.29″E / 36.0902639°S 174.3473028°E / -36.0902639; 174.3473028
Mount Somers Mount Somers, Canterbury Lodestone Energy Consented[41]
Naseby Naseby, Otago Solar Bay 50 Consented[61]
Oakridge Solar Farm Glen Massey, Waikato Trilect Solar 6 Under construction
Ongaonga[62] Ongaonga, Hawke's Bay Sky Solar Proposed 39°55′15.55″S 176°26′46.64″E / 39.9209861°S 176.4462889°E / -39.9209861; 176.4462889
Ongaonga 2[63] Ongaonga, Hawke's Bay Helios 100 Proposed[64] 39°55′37.57″S 176°25′10.58″E / 39.9271028°S 176.4196056°E / -39.9271028; 176.4196056
Ōpunake Ōpunake, Taranaki Energy Farm 110 Consented[65] 39°21′55.57″S 173°52′27.32″E / 39.3654361°S 173.8742556°E / -39.3654361; 173.8742556
Pukenui Pukenui, Northland Far North Solar Farm 16 Under construction 34°49′06″S 173°6′38″E / 34.81833°S 173.11056°E / -34.81833; 173.11056
Ruakaka[66] Marsden Point, Northland Meridian Energy 100–150[67] Proposed 35°50′51.74″S 174°28′39.54″E / 35.8477056°S 174.4776500°E / -35.8477056; 174.4776500
Seaview Road, Seddon Seddon, Marlborough Energy Marlborough Ltd 5 Consented
Skinner Road[68] Stratford, Taranaki Ranui Generation 40 Proposed
Swannanoa Swannanoa, Canterbury Meridian Energy 200 Proposed[69]
Tahuna[70] Tahuna, Waikato Kiwi Solar farms 23 Proposed
Tauhei[71] Te Aroha, Waikato Harmony Energy 185[72] Consented[73] 37°35′18.17″S 175°43′18.75″E / 37.5883806°S 175.7218750°E / -37.5883806; 175.7218750
Te Rāhui[74] Taupō, Waikato Nova Energy 400 Consented[75] 38°53′44.49″S 176°25′25.55″E / 38.8956917°S 176.4237639°E / -38.8956917; 176.4237639
Te Herenga o Te Rā Waiotahe, Bay of Plenty Lodestone Energy 30 Under construction[76] 38°1′33.1″S 177°10′58.79″E / 38.025861°S 177.1829972°E / -38.025861; 177.1829972
Te Puna Mauri ō Omaru Ruawai, Northland Northpower 16 Under construction[77]
The Point Mackenzie District Far North Solar Farm 420 Proposed[78] 44°19′18.71″S 170°12′3.55″E / 44.3218639°S 170.2009861°E / -44.3218639; 170.2009861
Three Stream[68] Kaponga, Taranaki Ranui Generation 30 Consented[79]
Tikokino[68] Tikokino, Hawke’s Bay Ranui Generation 55 Proposed
Twin Rivers[68] Kaitaia, Northland Rānui Generation 31 Under construction[80]
Waingawa Masterton, Wairarapa Masterton Solar and Energy Storage 100 Proposed[81]
Waipara Waipara, Canterbury Far North Solar Farm 135 Proposed[82] 43°2′52.03″S 172°43′58.09″E / 43.0477861°S 172.7328028°E / -43.0477861; 172.7328028
Waiterimu[22] near Ohinewai, Waikato Island Green Power 200 Consented[83] 37°28′35.57″S 175°16′14.7″E / 37.4765472°S 175.270750°E / -37.4765472; 175.270750
Ward Ward, Marlborough Energy Marlborough Ltd 15 Consented[84]
Wellsford Wellsford, Auckland Energy Farm 76 Proposed[85] 36°18′56.07″S 174°30′55.5″E / 36.3155750°S 174.515417°E / -36.3155750; 174.515417
Whitianga[86] Whitianga, Waikato Lodestone Energy 32 Under construction 36°51′2.01″S 175°39′47.33″E / 36.8505583°S 175.6631472°E / -36.8505583; 175.6631472

Cost-effectiveness

[edit]

Retail buy-back rates for solar power exported to the grid range from 7 to 17 cents, plus 15% GST if the system owner is GST-registered.[87] Cost-effectiveness of a residential solar power occurs when system owners aim to use more of their solar power than what they export, by means of timed appliances, turning on appliances when the sun is out, energy management systems and battery storage. Commercial buildings that use power during the day can get a high return on their investment.[88]

A 2015 study found that PV was more economical than grid supply if all the PV electricity was used on site and none was exported to the grid. For residential and commercial installations, improving energy efficiency is a lower cost option than PV.[89]

Statistics

[edit]
Source: NREL[90]
Installed solar generation as of 30 April 2024[91]
Network reporting region Installations Uptake (%) Total capacity (MW)
Bay of Islands (Top Energy) 2003 5.81 35.59
Whangarei and Kaipara (Northpower) 2,522 4.03 14.0
Waitemata (Vector) 5,642 2.13 30.8
Auckland (Vector) 5,673 1.51 41.76
Counties (Counties Power) 1,872 3.88 13.76
Thames Valley (Powerco) 1927 2.47 12.05
Waikato (WEL Networks) 2,772 2.78 18.5
Waipa (Waipā Networks) 1,180 4 8.74
King Country (The Lines Company) 219 0.95 1.94
Tauranga (Powerco) 3,680 3.93 21.37
Rotorua (Unison Networks) 574 1.77 3.52
Eastern Bay of Plenty (Horizon Energy) 679 2.68 26.98
Taupo (Unison Networks) 341 1.87 1.79
Eastland (Eastland Network) 576 2.11 8.14
Hawke's Bay (Unison Networks) 2,435 3.69 13.98
Central Hawke's Bay (Centralines) 377 4.2 2.44
Southern Hawke's Bay (Scanpower) 81 1.19 1.04
Wairarapa (Powerco) 1,172 4.3 6.42
Taranaki (Powerco) 1,605 2.54 11.95
Whanganui (Powerco) 739 2.22 3.82
Manawatu (Powerco) 1,438 2.43 8.38
Kapiti and Horowhenua (Electra) 1,545 3.39 8.02
Wellington (Wellington Electricity) 3,042 1.68 15.73
Nelson (Nelson Electricity) 1,598 5.43 10.77
Tasman (Network Tasman) 2,427 5.62 16.04
Marlborough (Marlborough Lines) 1,170 4.39 9.57
Buller (Buller Electricity) 46 0.94 0.24
West Coast (Westpower) 99 0.69 0.53
North Canterbury (MainPower) 2,009 4.64 10.98
Central Canterbury (Orion) 5,732 2.56 34.13
Ashburton (EA Networks) 526 2.51 4.54
South Canterbury (Alpine Energy) 825 2.41 4.44
Waitaki (Network Waitaki) 248 1.9 1.98
Queenstown (Aurora Energy) 619 4.06 3.62
Central Otago (Aurora Energy) 1,751 7.6 10.40
Otago (OtagoNet) 333 2.13 2.0
Dunedin (Aurora Energy) 700 1.23 3.17
Southland (The Power Company) 585 1.55 3.55
Invercargill (Electricity Invercargill) 151 0.85 0.93
Total 59,937 2.6 421.6


Solar power installations rose steadily from 2013 to 2019 (see table to the left for detail)
Solar installations – numbers, sizes and proportion of total installed capacity from 2013[92]
As at ICP count ICP uptake rate (%) Total capacity installed (MW) Avg. capacity installed (kW)
31 December 2013 2,236 0.11092 8.326 3.724
31 December 2014 5,423 0.26616 21.634 3.989
31 December 2015 9,377 0.45512 37.126 3.959
31 December 2016 13,654 0.65528 52.972 3.880
31 December 2017 18,049 0.85537 70.185 3.889
31 December 2018 22,355 1.04626 90.160 4.033
31 December 2019 26,476 1.22233 116.584 4.403
31 December 2020 30,639 1.39407 143.510 4.684
31 December 2021 36,618 1.65042 189.556 5.148
31 December 2022 45,886 2.02678 257.320 5.642
31 December 2023 56,211 2.44812 366.784 6.525

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Installed distributed generation trends". Electricity Authority. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  2. ^ "Electricity statistics | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment". www.mbie.govt.nz. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  3. ^ "The Big Reveal: The Growth Of Solar Power In New Zealand – From 2013 To 2019". My Solar Quotes. 11 December 2019.
  4. ^ "New Zealand's largest solar energy system on a school opens at Kaitaia College". SEANZ. 27 February 2019.
  5. ^ "Schoolgen". Genesis Energy.
  6. ^ "New Zealand's first megawatt roof top array". Revolve Energy. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  7. ^ "Foodstuffs building country's largest solar panel roof". Stuff. 27 January 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  8. ^ "Biggest solar farm in country installed on Auckland wastewater lake". Stuff. 2 October 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  9. ^ Solignac, Morgane (21 March 2021). "New Zealand's 'most beautiful' solar panel farm makes itself home in Marlborough". Stuff. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  10. ^ "New Zealand's largest grid-connected solar power plant up and running". RNZ. 27 June 2021.
  11. ^ "MIMICO Environment & Community Award | Aggregate & Quarry Association".
  12. ^ "Milestone Utility-scale Solar Farm In Northland Drives Energy Resilience Through Innovation". Scoop. 2024-05-16. Retrieved 2024-05-22.
  13. ^ "Refining NZ plans country's biggest solar farm". New Zealand Herald. 7 July 2019. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  14. ^ Mandow, Nikki (15 May 2020). "Can our oil refinery survive?". Newsroom. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  15. ^ Jamie Gray (21 February 2020). "Genesis Energy sets sights on north Waikato solar power". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  16. ^ Georgia-May Gilbertson (11 September 2020). "Unused airport land will be used for country's biggest solar farm". Stuff. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  17. ^ Miller, Allan (2020). Economics of Utility-Scale Solar in Aotearoa New Zealand – Forecasting Transmission and Distribution Network Connected 1 MW to 200 MW Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Solar to 2060 (PDF) (Report). Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  18. ^ Denise Piper (14 February 2021). "New Zealand's largest solar farm proposed for top of country". Stuff. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  19. ^ Melville, Brent. "Far North Solar Farm a 'dead duck'?". businessdesk.co.nz. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  20. ^ Liz McDonald (1 December 2021). "Solar plant powering 30,000 homes to be built at Christchurch Airport". Stuff. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  21. ^ a b "New Kōwhai Park at Christchurch Airport to generate renewable energy". RNZ. 1 December 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  22. ^ a b Sharnae Hope (30 December 2021). "$100m solar farm pitch for north Waikato". Stuff. Retrieved 30 December 2021.
  23. ^ Tom Pullar-Strecker (19 April 2022). "Top Google exec backs $1.3 billion investment in NZ solar power". Stuff. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
  24. ^ "Solar power: companies plan to start building at multiple sites". RNZ. 11 May 2022. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  25. ^ Tom Pullar-Strecker (12 May 2021). "$300m plan for five solar energy farms, providing 1pc of country's supply". Stuff. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  26. ^ "Solar power: Planned network will increase generation eight-fold – company". RNZ. 12 May 2021. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  27. ^ a b "Lodestone, Eastland's new solar power projects switched on, generating electricity". New Zealand Herald. 24 November 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  28. ^ "Let the sun shine!". Electricity Authority. 2023-11-30. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  29. ^ "Let the sun shine!". Electricity Authority. 1 December 2023. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  30. ^ Peter de Graaf (27 November 2023). "'A task in itself': Country's largest solar power station built in Kaitāia". Radio New Zealand. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  31. ^ "Lodestone Energy – LinkedIn Post". Lodestone Energy (LinkedIn). Retrieved 17 Mar 2024.
  32. ^ Andrew Ashton (11 January 2022). "Harnessing the sun". Gisborne Herald. Retrieved 4 February 2022.
  33. ^ "Tairāwhiti's Solar Farm Debut: New Zealand's Largest". Gisborne Airport. 2023-11-23. Retrieved 2023-11-24.
  34. ^ "Residents say south Auckland solar farm will ruin 'rural outlook'". RNZ. 22 February 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  35. ^ "Ardmore Solar Farm – 13MWp". Kiwi Solar Farms. 22 July 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  36. ^ "Residents seek answers to solar farm proposal". Stuff. 21 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  37. ^ "Argyle Solar". Manawa Energy. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  38. ^ "65MW solar PV and energy storage site granted planning consent in New Zealand". PVTech. 12 June 2024. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  39. ^ "Bunnythorpe Solar Farm – 26MWp". Kiwi Solar Farms. 22 July 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  40. ^ Kate Judson (20 August 2024). "Wind, solar, action: Wairarapa's renewables". Wairarapa Times-Age. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
  41. ^ a b c "Consents granted for three solar farms in Canterbury". The Post. 18 January 2024. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  42. ^ "Edgecumbe Solar Farm". Helios. Retrieved 5 September 2022.
  43. ^ "Solar farm a waste of elite soil – Edgecumbe farmers". RNZ. 29 November 2023. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  44. ^ Mary Argue (31 August 2022). "$140m investment". Wairarapa Times-Age. Retrieved 5 September 2022.
  45. ^ Lucy Cooper (2 July 2024). "Hearing for major solar farm development under way". Wairarapa Times-Age. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
  46. ^ "Lodestone teams up with high-country station for Mackenzie Country solar project". New Zealand Herald. 20 June 2024. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
  47. ^ "Airport announces solar farm partnership". SunLive. 23 March 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  48. ^ "Helensville solar farm plan faces some local opposition". RNZ. 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  49. ^ Shilpy Arora (26 September 2022). "Proposed Palmerston North solar farm can power 5000 homes". Stuff. Retrieved 27 September 2022.
  50. ^ "Christchurch Airport solar project: Contact Energy pushes 'go'". New Zealand Herald. 16 August 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  51. ^ "Govt-owned Genesis, Saudis and Canadians building $104m solar farm". New Zealand Herald. 14 January 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  52. ^ "Another huge solar farm in the works for Canterbury". Stuff. 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  53. ^ "The Solar Farms". Lodestone Energy. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  54. ^ "Central Otago solar farm 'could power 70,000 homes'". Otago Daily Times. 21 September 2023. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
  55. ^ "Solar farm planned for Maniatoto farmland". Farmers Weekly. 22 September 2023. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
  56. ^ "NZ solar project gains consent". ReNews. 23 April 2024. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
  57. ^ "Marton Solar Farm". Environmental Protection Authority. 4 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  58. ^ Janine Rankin (2 September 2024). "Solar farms proposed for Rangitīkei sites near Marton". Stuff. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  59. ^ Chris Tobin (23 February 2023). "Massey University in deal to have one of NZ's biggest solar farms". Stuff. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  60. ^ "Ryman Healthcare partners with Solar Bay to build New Zealand's first retirement village-exclusive solar farm". Inside Ageing. 8 March 2023. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  61. ^ "Farm looking to expand into solar power sector". Otago Daily Times. 11 April 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  62. ^ "Hawke's Bay: Ongaonga solar farm to be one of NZ's biggest, land to be 'retired' from intensive dairy to build it". New Zealand Herald. 20 December 2022. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  63. ^ "Second solar farm proposal for Ongaonga". New Zealand Herald. 7 August 2023. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
  64. ^ "Ongaonga Solar Farm". Helios. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  65. ^ "Ōpunake Solar Farm granted fast-track consent". Environmental Protection Agency. 9 July 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  66. ^ "Meridian Energy to build solar farm next to Marsden Point refinery". RNZ. 15 December 2021. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
  67. ^ "Meridian Energy seeks resource consent to build solar farm at Ruakākā, Northland". New Zealand Herald. 27 March 2024. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  68. ^ a b c d Catherine Groenestein (18 July 2023). "Two huge solar farms planned for sunny Taranaki". Stuff. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
  69. ^ "Swannanoa solar farm". Meridian Energy. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  70. ^ "Tahuna Solar Farm – 23MWp". Kiwi Solar Farms. 22 July 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  71. ^ "New solar farm proposed for eastern Waikato could power 30,000 homes". Stuff. 17 February 2022. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  72. ^ "Application 2021-068 Tauhei Solar Farm (Harmony Energy NZ Limited)" (PDF). Ministry for the Environment. 9 December 2021. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
  73. ^ "UK's Harmony Energy wins approval for Waikato solar farm". New Zealand Herald. 21 September 2022. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
  74. ^ "NZ's largest solar farm to be built near Taupō". Newsroom. 12 April 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
  75. ^ Matthew Martin (1 July 2024). "NZ's largest solar farm gets the go ahead". Waikato Times. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
  76. ^ "Lodestone Energy begins construction at its next utility-scale solar site – Lodestone Energy". Retrieved 2024-03-16.
  77. ^ "Northpower Solar Farm at Ruawai". Retrieved 2024-05-21.
  78. ^ "A second large solar farm proposed for the Mackenzie Country". Stuff. 29 November 2023. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  79. ^ "Rānui Generation Solar Farms". Rānui Generation. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  80. ^ "Kiwi Solar Developer, Rānui Generation, Commences 31MWp Solar Project In Northland". Scoop. 19 August 2024. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  81. ^ Piers Fuller (5 July 2024). "Plans for large Waingawa solar farm revealed". The Post. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
  82. ^ "Far North Solar Farm plans to install 200 hectares of solar panels on North Canterbury farm". RNZ. 31 August 2023. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  83. ^ "Fast-track consents granted for two solar farms in Waikato". Environmental Protection Authority. 22 December 2023. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  84. ^ Mala Hart (29 August 2024). "South Marlborough solar farm to generate 3% of region's power". Stuff. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  85. ^ "Solar farm seeks fast-track approval". Local matters. 24 May 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  86. ^ "Whitianga". Lodestone Energy. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  87. ^ "Solar Power Buy-Back Rates NZ". My Solar Quotes. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
  88. ^ "Solar Power Self-Consumption". My Solar Quotes.
  89. ^ Miller, Allan; Hwang, Michael; Lemon, Scott; Read, E.Grant; Wood, Alan (24–26 June 2015). Economics of Photovoltaic Solar Power and Uptake in New Zealand (PDF). EEA Conference & Exhibition. Wellington. Retrieved 22 March 2016.
  90. ^ "PV Watts". NREL. Retrieved 26 June 2012.
  91. ^ "Installed distributed generation trends". Electricity Authority. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
  92. ^ "Electricity Authority – EMI (market statistics and tools)". www.emi.ea.govt.nz. Retrieved 2019-12-21.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Solar_power_in_New_Zealand&oldid=1244586413"