Auckland, New Zealand – Trinasolar, a global leader in photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage solutions, proudly announces the completion of the Rangitaiki Solar Farm in the Bay of Plenty.
Collaborating with Lodestone Energy, this landmark project showcases the seamless integration of expertise, cutting-edge technology, and strategic partnerships, setting a new standard for grid-scale solar in New Zealand.
As a comprehensive solutions provider, Trinasolar has showcased its ability to deliver complete renewable energy systems, from modules to trackers, ensuring top-tier quality and efficiency.
Maximizing Land Use Through Agrivoltaics
Gary Holden, Managing Director of Lodestone Energy, highlighted the benefits of agrivoltaics, stating, “Agrivoltaics addresses local community concerns regarding land use. By integrating solar farms with agricultural activities, Lodestone Energy can maintain approximately 80% of grass productivity, ensuring the land continues to support local farming needs.”
Agrivoltaics, the combination of agriculture and solar energy production, is central to the Rangitaiki Solar Farm’s design. The farm utilizes nearly 60,000 bi-facial Trinasolar Vertex modules mounted on TrinaTracker’s Vanguard 2P tracker systems.
This innovative setup allows sheep to graze freely beneath the raised modules, optimizing land use efficiency.
This dual-use approach not only enhances energy production, with a 32 MW capacity generating enough electricity to power 7,500 homes annually, but also supports sustainable farming practices, offering a win-win for both the energy and agriculture sectors.
Edison Zhou, Head of Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands at Trinasolar Asia Pacific, further explained the suitability of the 2P trackers for pasture management, allowing animals to move freely and benefit from the shade while promoting continuous grass growth.
Streamlined Installation and Efficient Logistics
Nick Murray, Program Delivery Manager at Lodestone Energy, emphasized the pioneering nature of the 2P setup, stating, “The 2P setup was initially seen as a risk as it was new to New Zealand. However, partnering with a total solutions supplier like Trinasolar allowed us to address any questions quickly.” The integrated tracker and module supplier model proved invaluable for efficient project delivery.
Despite logistical challenges with transporting modules and equipment to New Zealand’s smaller ports, Trinasolar’s role as the sole vendor simplified the process, ensuring compatibility and minimizing potential issues.
Murray praised the ease of installation and expert support from Trinasolar, emphasizing their contribution to the project’s completion in just eight months.
Testbed for Future Agrivoltaic Initiatives
The Rangitaiki Solar Farm serves as a testing ground for various agrivoltaic endeavors. Lodestone is exploring the cultivation of crops like strawberries between the solar module rows.
This not only optimizes land usage but also enhances the efficiency of bifacial solar modules by reflecting sunlight onto them. Murray expressed their commitment to supporting local agriculture and fostering collaboration with universities to trial various agrivoltaic techniques.
A Greener and More Sustainable Future
The successful integration of agrivoltaics at the Rangitaiki Solar Farm represents a major advancement in the renewable energy sector.
By combining solar power generation with sustainable farming, Trinasolar and Lodestone Energy are paving the way for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future in New Zealand.