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 at the end of December 2023, New Zealand has 365 MW of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) solar power installed, of which 105 MW (29%) was installed that year.[1] In the 12 months to September 2023, 333 gigawatt-hours of electricity was estimated to have been generated by grid-connected solar, 0.77% 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

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]

Canterbury region - South Island

Canterbury, located in the South Island of New Zealand, is an ideal region for harnessing solar power. The region experiences a relatively high number of sunshine hours throughout the year, making it well-suited for solar energy generation.

In Canterbury, solar power systems, like photovoltaic panels, are capable of being installed on various properties such as residential, commercial, farms, and industrial, thereby allowing the generation of clean and sustainable energy. These panels convert sunlight into electricity, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and decreasing the carbon footprint.

Canterbury's strong dedication to environmental sustainability, combined with its plentiful sunlight, makes solar power a vital component of the region's energy landscape. It not only provides an eco-friendly alternative but also helps in reducing electricity bills over time.

As technology advances, solar panels are becoming more efficient and affordable, which will help solar power grow in Canterbury and throughout New Zealand. Many new solar companies have emerged in the region helping with the renewable energy revolution. Sunshine Solar is the most experienced leading solar energy installer in the area. They have over 20 years of expertise and have made a positive impact in the community through Upstream.

The future looks promising for solar power in Canterbury, New Zealand. The region's focus on sustainability and plenty of sunlight make solar energy an important part of the area's future energy plans. Solar power is expected to have a vital role in meeting the energy demands of the region and promoting an eco-friendly environment as technology advances and awareness increases.

Large behind-the-meter distributed solar generation
Name Territorial authority Coordinates Capacity (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
Yealands Winery Marlborough 0.4 2016 Roof mounted Yealands Winery
Sylvia Park Auckland 0.35 2015 Roof mounted Kiwi Property
Large standalone distributed solar generation
Name Territorial authority Coordinates Number of Inverters Capacity (MW) Commissioned Type Operator
Wairau Valley Solar Farm Marlborough 41°36′31″S 173°25′50″E 1 2 2021 Ground mounted Kea Energy
Kapuni Solar Plant South Taranaki Not Stated 2.1 2021 Ground mounted Sunergise
Taylor's Pass Depot Marlborough 0.85 2023 Ground mounted Energy Marlborough Ltd
Waiuku Solar Farm Auckland 2.4 2023 Ground mounted Lightyears Solar / Prime Energy

Grid-scale plants

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.[11][12] In February 2020 Genesis Energy Limited announced plans for a 300 MW facility in the Waikato.[13]' In September 2020 Hawke's Bay Airport announced plans for a 10 MW farm on unused airport land.[14] 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.[15]

In February 2021 Far North Solar Farm applied for resource consent for a 16 MW farm at Pukenui on the Aupouri Peninsula in Northland.[16]

In December 2021 Christchurch Airport announced it would be hosting a 150 MW plant at Kōwhai Park, to be scaled up over 30 years.[17][18] On 30 December 2021 Island Green Power announced plans for a 200 MW solar farm in Waikato.[19] In April 2022 Helios Energy announced plans for a series of farms with a combined output of 1 GW.[20] In May 2022 Far North Solar Farm announced a partnership with Aquila Capital to build 1 GW of generation.[21]

In May 2021 Lodestone Energy announced plans for five solar farms in the upper North Island, capable of generating 400 GWh annually.[22][23] The 32 MWp Lodestone Two, northwest of Kaitaia, began generating electricity in November 2023.[24] As the first solar farm to exceed 10 MW, Lodestone Two was also the first required to participate in the wholesale electricity market.[25]

Operating

Name Location Operator DC Capacity (MWp) Nameplate Capacity (MWac) Commissioned Coordinates
Lodestone Two Kaitaia, Northland Lodestone Energy 32[26] 23[27] 2023[24] 35°4′54″S 173°13′10″E / 35.08167°S 173.21944°E / -35.08167; 173.21944
Te Ihi o te Ra[28] Gisborne Airport, Gisborne Eastland Generation 5.2 2023[29]

Proposed and under construction

Only solar plants over 5 MW generating capacity are listed.

Name Location Operator Projected capacity (MW) Status Coordinates
Ashley[30] Ashley, Canterbury Solar Bay Proposed
Argyle Solar Farm Wairau Valley, Marlborough Manawa Energy 28 Proposed
Ashburton Solar Farm Ashburton, Canterbury Lightyears Solar 7 Proposed
Clandeboye Clandeboye, Canterbury Lodestone Energy Consented[31]
Dunsandel Dunsandel, Canterbury Lodestone Energy Consented[31]
Edgecumbe[32] Edgecumbe, Bay of Plenty Helios 115 Consented[33]
Greytown[34] Greytown, Wellington Helios 100 Proposed 41°5′55.8″S 175°26′21.45″E / 41.098833°S 175.4392917°E / -41.098833; 175.4392917
Hawke's Bay Airport[35] Napier, Hawke's Bay Hawke's Bay Airport 24 Proposed
Helensville[36] Helensville, Auckland HES Aotearoa 70 Proposed 36°41′20″S 174°26′20″E / 36.68889°S 174.43889°E / -36.68889; 174.43889
Kōwhai Park[18] Harewood, Canterbury Christchurch Airport 150 Proposed 43°29′45″S 172°30′38″E / 43.49583°S 172.51056°E / -43.49583; 172.51056
Lauriston[37] Lauriston, Canterbury Genesis[38] 63 Under construction[39]
Leeston[40] Leeston, Canterbury Keax 160 Proposed
Lodestone One[41] Dargaville, Northland Lodestone Energy 60 Proposed
Lodestone Three Waiotahe, Bay of Plenty Lodestone Energy Proposed
Lodestone Four Edgecumbe, Bay of Plenty Lodestone Energy 32 Under construction[42]
Lodestone Five Whitianga, Waikato Lodestone Energy Proposed
Maniototo Maniototo, Otago Helios 300 Proposed[43][44]
Massey University[45] 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[46]
Mount Somers Mount Somers, Canterbury Lodestone Energy Consented[31]
Naseby Naseby, Otago Solar Bay 50 Consented[47]
Ongaonga[48] 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[49] Ongaonga, Hawke's Bay Helios Energy 100 Proposed 39°55′39.22″S 176°25′25.48″E / 39.9275611°S 176.4237444°E / -39.9275611; 176.4237444
Palmerston North[50] Palmerston North, Manawatu Kiwi Solar farms 28 Proposed
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[51] Marsden Point, Northland Meridian Energy 75 Proposed
Seaview Road, Seddon Seddon, Marlborough Energy Marlborough Ltd 5 Consented
Skinner Road[52] Stratford, Taranaki Ranui Generation 40 Proposed
Smith Canal[53] near Ruawai, Northland Lightyears 11 Proposed
Tauhei[54] Te Aroha, Waikato Harmony Energy 185[55] Consented[56] 37°35′18.17″S 175°43′18.75″E / 37.5883806°S 175.7218750°E / -37.5883806; 175.7218750
Taupō[57] Taupō, Waikato Nova Energy 400 Consented[58] 38°53′44.49″S 176°25′25.55″E / 38.8956917°S 176.4237639°E / -38.8956917; 176.4237639
The Point Mackenzie District Far North Solar Farm 420 Proposed[59] 44°19′18.71″S 170°12′3.55″E / 44.3218639°S 170.2009861°E / -44.3218639; 170.2009861
Three Stream[52] Kaponga, Taranaki Ranui Generation 30 Proposed
Tikokino[52] Tikokino, Hawke’s Bay Ranui Generation 55 Proposed
Twin Rivers[52] Kaitaia, Northland Ranui Generation 30 Proposed
Waipara Waipara, Canterbury Far North Solar Farm 135 Proposed[60] 43°2′52.03″S 172°43′58.09″E / 43.0477861°S 172.7328028°E / -43.0477861; 172.7328028
Ward Ward, Marlborough Energy Marlborough Ltd 15 Proposed
Waiterimu[19] near Ohinewai, Waikato Island Green Power 200 Consented[61] 37°28′35.57″S 175°16′14.7″E / 37.4765472°S 175.270750°E / -37.4765472; 175.270750

Cost-effectiveness

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.[62] 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.[63]

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.[64]

Statistics

Source: NREL[65]
Installed solar generation as of 30 November 2023[66]
Network reporting region Installations Uptake (%) Total capacity (MW)
Bay of Islands (Top Energy) 1,887 5.49 34.79
Whangarei and Kaipara (Northpower) 2,328 3.73 13.23
Waitemata (Vector) 5,351 2.08 28.68
Auckland (Vector) 5,329 1.43 38.96
Counties (Counties Power) 1,760 3.64 10.00
Thames Valley (Powerco) 1,785 2.36 10.56
Waikato (WEL Networks) 2,550 2.58 16.65
Waipa (Waipa Networks) 1,140 3.88 8.24
King Country (The Lines Company) 207 0.86 1.84
Tauranga (Powerco) 3,369 3.61 19.20
Rotorua (Unison Networks) 457 1.41 2.84
Eastern Bay of Plenty (Horizon Energy) 625 2.47 3.01
Taupo (Unison Networks) 259 1.42 1.28
Eastland (Eastland Network) 530 2.04 7.57
Hawke's Bay (Unison Networks) 2,056 3.11 11.42
Central Hawke's Bay (Centralines) 302 3.39 1.92
Southern Hawke's Bay (Scanpower) 77 1.13 1.02
Wairarapa (Powerco) 1,088 4.01 5.76
Taranaki (Powerco) 1,467 2.41 12.64
Whanganui (Powerco) 703 2.03 3.64
Manawatu (Powerco) 1,292 2.23 7.29
Kapiti and Horowhenua (Electra) 1,463 3.12 7.58
Wellington (Wellington Electricity) 2,818 1.56 13.61
Nelson (Nelson Electricity) 336 3.64 1.55
Tasman (Network Tasman) 2,233 5.19 14.46
Marlborough (Marlborough Lines) 1,046 3.93 8.68
Buller (Buller Electricity) 40 0.82 0.21
West Coast (Westpower) 87 0.61 0.46
North Canterbury (MainPower) 1,873 4.26 9.96
Central Canterbury (Orion) 5,349 2.41 30.94
Ashburton (EA Networks) 484 2.32 3.84
South Canterbury (Alpine Energy) 756 2.21 3.98
Waitaki (Network Waitaki) 236 1.75 1.77
Queenstown (Aurora Energy) 666 3.55 3.89
Central Otago (Aurora Energy) 1,632 6.65 9.73
Otago (OtagoNet) 314 2.01 1.88
Dunedin (Aurora Energy) 660 1.16 2.91
Southland (The Power Company) 568 1.50 3.38
Invercargill (Electricity Invercargill) 147 0.83 0.91
Total 55,270 2.41 360.25


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[67]
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

See also

References

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External links

Solar power by country
Category