Trina Solar, a leader in smart photovoltaic (PV)and energy storage solutions, has successfully completed New Zealand’s Kohirā solar farm in partnership with Lodestone Energy.
At 64 hectares with 61,000 bifacial dual-glass panels, the Kohirā solar farm is now one of the largest solar farms in New Zealand and marks a major milestone in the country’s transition to renewable energy sources.
Located near Kaitāia, the farm integrates Trina Solar’s high-efficiency Vertex 550-watt bifacial modules mounted on TrinaTracker’s Vanguard 2P smart tracking systems. With a 33-megawatt DC capacity, the solar is expected to generate around 55 gigawatts of renewable electricity per hour every year – enough to power over 7770 households.
The integrated module-tracker solution from Trina Solar optimises energy generation through bifacial panel design and smart tracking algorithms that adjust the panel angles.
In addition, the wide row spacing and two-metre tracker height facilitate agrivoltaic farming practices, allowing agricultural activities alongside solar energy production.
This dual-use approach is crucial for markets like New Zealand, which often have limited land availability.
Trina Solar Head of Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands Edison Zhou said the partnership between Trina and Lodestone Energy has been characterised by close collaboration from technical design to commissioning.
“We eagerly anticipate future collaborations, delivering technological excellence to advance New Zealand’s zero-carbon future,” Zhou said.
Lodestone Energy Managing Director Gary Holden highlighted the companies’ aligned goals.
“Our collaboration with Trina Solar enables us to fulfill our goal of supplying renewable solutions to more consumers in New Zealand while ensuring economic sustainability,” Holden said.
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