Pioneering Agrivoltaics in New Zealand — Trinasolar Celebrates Success of Rangitaiki Solar Farm

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• Photo voltaic developer, Lodestone Vitality once more companions with Trinasolar — with the partnership, the primary of its type for NZ, delivering grid scale challenge: Bringing agrivoltaics to the fore within the Bay of A lot, New Zealand
• Agrivoltaics includes twin use of land for photo voltaic power manufacturing and agriculture
• Trinasolar tracker and module provider mannequin chosen for streamlined operations and expedient timelines
• The design utilising 2 in portrait modules with autonomous monitoring enhances power manufacturing, boasting a capability of 32 MW and producing sufficient electrical energy to energy 7,500 Kiwi properties

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Trinasolar, a worldwide chief in sensible photovoltaic (PV) and power storage options, is proud to announce the profitable completion of the development of the Rangitaiki Photo voltaic Farm, positioned the Bay of A lot, New Zealand. In collaboration with Lodestone Vitality, this landmark challenge marks one other vital milestone in New Zealand’s renewable power panorama by seamlessly integrating experience, progressive know-how, and strategic partnerships — setting a brand new normal for grid-scale photo voltaic installations in New Zealand. As an built-in whole options supplier, Trinasolar has demonstrated its capability to ship complete renewable power options, from photo voltaic modules to trackers, guaranteeing the best requirements of high quality and effectivity.

Integrating Agrivoltaics for Optimum Land Use

“Agrivoltaics addresses local community concerns regarding land use. By integrating solar farms with agricultural activities, Lodestone Energy can maintain approximately 80% of grass productivity, ensuring that the land continues to support local farming needs,” defined Gary HoldenManaging Director of Lodestone Vitality.

Agrivoltaics, the apply of integrating agriculture with photo voltaic power manufacturing, is on the forefront of the Rangitaiki Photo voltaic Farm’s design, heralding a brand new period of renewable power.

Utilising almost 60,000 bi-facial Trinasolar Vertex modules mounted on TrinaTracker’s Vanguard 2P tracker programs, the farm maximises land use effectivity by permitting sheep to graze comfortably beneath the elevated modules. This progressive dual-use strategy not solely boosts power manufacturing, with a capability of 32 MW producing sufficient electrical energy to energy 7,500 Kiwi properties yearly, but additionally helps sustainable farming practices, offering mutual advantages for each the power and agriculture sectors in New Zealand.

“From a pasture management perspective, the 2P trackers are ideal. They allow animals to move freely under the modules without confinement, providing essential shade and promoting continuous grass growth even during dry conditions,” added Edison ZhouHead of Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands and Trinasolar Asia Pacific.

Nick MurrayProgram Supply Supervisor at Lodestone Vitality, highlighted the pioneering nature of this setup, “The 2P setup was initially perceived as a risk since no one had done it in New Zealand before. However, having a total solutions supplier like Trinasolar allowed us to get answers to our questions quickly. This collaboration was one of the greatest benefits, as we learned how to deliver grid-scale solar in New Zealandwith the robust support of Trinasolar.”

Progressive Options and Strategic Partnerships

As a complete options supplier, Trinasolar’s built-in tracker and module provider mannequin proved to be a game-changer for this challenge, enabling speedy decision of technical queries and guaranteeing a streamlined set up course of. This was the second time Lodestone had labored with Trinasolar on an agrivoltaics challenge, additional increasing on a confirmed idea.

One of the crucial difficult features of the challenge was the logistics of transporting modules and gear to New Zealand. With roughly 200 transport containers required, the nation’s smaller ports posed a big problem. Nonetheless, Trinasolar’s place as the only vendor facilitated higher monitoring and administration of logistics, considerably simplifying the method.

“Having a single vendor made tracking and managing logistics much easier. Once on-site, having one provider for installation ensured compatibility and minimised potential issues that might have arisen with multiple suppliers. The ease of installing Trinasolar’s trackers, along with their expert support, was crucial in achieving this milestone in just eight months,” stated Murray. “The experience gained from previous installations, combined with Trinasolar’s support, played a crucial role in our expedited timeline.”

The Rangitaiki Photo voltaic Farm additionally serves as a testbed for numerous agrivoltaic initiatives. Lodestone is exploring the trial of cultivation of crops, corresponding to strawberries, between the rows of photo voltaic modules. This methodology not solely optimizes land use but additionally enhances the effectivity of bifacial photo voltaic modules by reflecting daylight onto the modules.

“Our goal is to support local agriculture and foster collaboration. We’re in early discussions with universities to trial various agrivoltaic techniques. The Rangitaiki Solar Farm will serve as a prototype for these initiatives, allowing us to develop and refine our practices,” stated Murray.

Paving the Method for a Sustainable Future

The profitable integration of agrivoltaics on the Rangitaiki Photo voltaic Farm marks a big step ahead within the renewable power sector. By combining solar energy technology with sustainable farming practices, Trinasolar and Lodestone Vitality are paving the best way for a greener and extra sustainable future in New Zealand. This underscores Trinasolar’s dedication to advancing renewable power options and supporting New Zealand’s transition to a sustainable power future. This challenge not solely enhances the nation’s power portfolio but additionally units a precedent for future renewable power initiatives.

Supply: Trinasolar