Trinasolar to Supply 80 MW for New Zealand’s Largest Agrivoltaic Solar Farm
Trinasolar has partnered with Lodestone Energy to supply 80 MW of Vertex N 605W modules for New Zealand’s first agrivoltaic solar project—also the largest in the country. This project is expected to stimulate crop growth and increase farm yields, providing a significant boost to the local agricultural sector.
Agrivoltaics Meets New Zealand’s Largest Solar Project
Trinasolar New Zealand is partnering with Irish-owned developer Lodestone Energy on this groundbreaking initiative, the nation’s first agrivoltaic system and its largest single solar project. For this project, Trinasolar will supply 80 megawatts (MW) of its high-efficiency Vertex N 605W modules. This collaboration highlights the growing importance of renewable energy as New Zealand aims to integrate solar power with its existing hydroelectric resources, as detailed in Lodestone Energy’s 220 MW solar project.
The agrivoltaic system is designed to stimulate crop growth and boost farm yields, providing powerful support for the local agricultural sector. By integrating photovoltaic (PV) modules with agricultural activities, this project creates a sustainable model that benefits both energy production and food cultivation.
Vertex N Modules: Powering Agrivoltaic Innovation in New Zealand
The Vertex N 605W modules are a key component of this project, featuring cutting-edge technology that enhances solar efficiency. These modules contain 210mm N-type i-TOPCon cells, offering a conversion efficiency of up to 22.4%. Their advanced manufacturing process also delivers higher efficiency, lower degradation rates, and a more stable power output over time.
As reported by PV Tech, the agrivoltaic system will integrate these high-performance modules into the farming landscape. This dual-use approach optimizes land by allowing for both renewable energy production and crop cultivation, maximizing the land’s utility while ensuring the local community benefits from increased energy security and enhanced agricultural productivity.
Environmental and Economic Benefits for New Zealand
Installation of the Vertex N modules is expected to significantly reduce the region’s carbon footprint. By generating clean energy, the project will help decrease reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to New Zealand’s broader environmental goals. The agrivoltaic system is also designed to improve soil conditions, which can lead to higher crop yields and more sustainable farming practices.
Economically, the project is poised to create new jobs in both the renewable energy and agricultural sectors. The integration of solar technology with farming activities will require skilled workers for installation, maintenance, and agricultural operations. This, in turn, will boost the local economy by offering new opportunities for employment and growth.
Trinasolar and Lodestone Energy Lead New Zealand’s Agrivoltaics Push
Both Trinasolar and Lodestone Energy have a strong track record in the renewable energy sector. Trinasolar, known for its innovative solar solutions, has been a leader in developing high-efficiency PV modules to meet the growing demand for clean energy. Lodestone Energy, an Irish-owned developer, has been instrumental in advancing renewable energy projects across New Zealand, such as its acquisition of two major solar sites that boosted capacity by 53 MW, as reported in Lodestone Energy’s project updates.
Their collaboration on this agrivoltaic project highlights a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation. By combining their expertise, Trinasolar and Lodestone Energy are setting a new standard for renewable energy projects in New Zealand. The project’s success could pave the way for similar initiatives across the country, further accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The partnership between Trinasolar and Lodestone Energy marks a significant milestone in New Zealand’s renewable energy journey. By integrating high-efficiency solar modules with agricultural activities, the project enhances energy production while supporting sustainable farming practices. As the largest solar project in the country, it serves as a powerful model for future renewable energy initiatives and demonstrates the potential of agrivoltaic systems to transform the energy landscape.
