Groundwork has commenced at New Zealand’s second utility-scale solar farm in Edgecumbe, with leading solar energy company, Lodestone Energy, yesterday turning soil.

The site will utilise approximately 60,000 Trina PV modules with tracking technology, which will be installed by Christmas this year. Power generation is expected in early 2024.

The 32MW farm is expected to generate 54GWh of power a year.

Gary Holden, Managing Director of Lodestone Energy, says this occasion marks a pivotal point in the company’s journey to delivering Aotearoa’s largest solar project.

“Breaking ground on our second solar farm is an incredible milestone which brings us one step closer to providing Kiwis with a more sustainable power option, helping Aotearoa meet its zero carbon goals.

“Throughout this project, we’ve worked closely with local iwi, Ngati Awa, who blessed the site at yesterday’s ground-breaking ceremony.”

The ground-breaking event promoted large-scale solar energy in Aotearoa, bringing together Lodestone’s team and board, with local iwi, construction partners Infratec and New Energy, and panel supplier Trina Solar, all attending.

“We’re committed to maximising New Zealand's renewable energy output in the most sustainable way. Alongside planting native trees around the perimeter of the site, our design ensures machinery and livestock can happily operate around the solar panels so agriculture and grazing can continue,” says Holden.

In addition to the Edgecumbe and Kaitaia farms, Lodestone has solar farms in Waiotahe, Whitianga and Dargaville already planned.   

“Our Edgecumbe solar farm will generate enough electricity to supply more than 6,000 typical New Zealand small businesses, farms, homes and apartments every year. While we're proud to see great progress in Edgecumbe and Kaitaia, we know this is just the beginning,” Holden concludes.

Lodestone Energy is now developing the second phase of its capital plan, with a number of new sites under advanced stages of investigation.  

Credit: Supplied