Trina Solar, a global leader in smart photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage solutions, has announced the successful completion of New Zealand’s largest solar farm. Built in partnership with Lodestone Energy, the Kohirā solar farm spans 64 hectares in Kaitāia and is expected to play a significant role in the country’s efforts to achieve its renewable energy targets.
The farm, which boasts 61,000 Trina Solar Vertex bifacial dual glass panels, has a capacity of 33 MW DC. These panels are installed on TrinaTracker Vanguard 2P smart tracking systems, marking the first project in the Oceania region where both Trina Solar modules and the company’s smart tracking systems have been integrated. Once fully operational, the farm is anticipated to generate approximately 55 GWh annually, which is enough to power over 7,770 homes.
A key feature of the Kohirā solar farm is the incorporation of Trina Solar’s cutting-edge bifacial modules and Vanguard 2P trackers. The smart tracking system uses an advanced algorithm to optimise the panels’ angle, ensuring maximum energy generation throughout the day. In addition to increasing solar efficiency, the layout of the farm is designed with agrivoltaic farming in mind. The ample spacing between rows and the elevated height of the trackers provide room for agricultural activities to take place beneath the panels. This approach is particularly relevant for New Zealand, where the agricultural industry is prominent and land resources are increasingly scarce.
This project is seen as a significant milestone in Trina Solar’s commitment to offering comprehensive smart energy solutions. According to the company, using both their modules and trackers in a single project simplifies the installation process. Installers benefit from streamlined procurement and delivery, as well as coordinated after-sales service, helping to reduce costs and improve overall project efficiency.
Edison Zhou, Trina Solar’s Head of Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands, highlighted the close cooperation between Trina Solar and Lodestone Energy throughout the project. “From technical design to commissioning, we worked together to overcome challenges, such as the cohesionless soil on-site. The low foundation count of the Vanguard 2P tracker, along with our partnership on foundation design, helped us address these issues,” Zhou explained. He added that Trina Solar is eager to continue its partnership with Lodestone and contribute to New Zealand’s zero-carbon goals through further technological advancements.
Lodestone Energy’s Managing Director, Gary Holden, noted that their collaboration with Trina Solar is set to continue with the construction of another solar farm in Waiotahe. “This will be our third solar farm, and we are once again using Trina Solar’s panels and trackers to ensure optimal energy production,” Holden said. He emphasised that the partnership enables Lodestone Energy to provide renewable energy solutions to a growing number of consumers in New Zealand, helping to meet sustainability targets while ensuring economic stability.
The Kohirā solar farm is expected to serve as a blueprint for future renewable energy projects in New Zealand, as the country continues to move towards a zero-carbon future.
