First Solar Modules Installed at New Zealand's 400MW Te Rahui Solar Farm

en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Te Rahui solar farm project near Taupō, New Zealand, has reached a new milestone with the installation of its first photovoltaic modules. The project, a joint venture between Nova Energy and Meridian Energy, has a total capacity of 400 megawatts and will become New Zealand's largest solar power station upon completion.

EPC contractor Beon Energy Solutions has delivered the first five rows of modules. The Te Rahui solar farm will install approximately 900,000 modules across 1,022 hectares of land, which was originally a dairy farm. The project adopts an agrivoltaic model, with plans to graze sheep beneath the solar panels. The first 200MW phase represents an investment of NZ$300 million (approximately US$176.6 million), with commercial operations expected by mid-2026 and full capacity reached by mid-2027. The final investment decision for the second 200MW phase has not yet been announced, but both parties plan to accelerate its progress. Meridian Energy has signed a power purchase agreement to acquire all electricity generated by the project.

This project is part of Meridian's renewable energy expansion plan, under which the company aims to build seven large-scale renewable energy projects by 2030, with a total investment of NZ$2 billion, adding over 1,000MW of capacity. Previously, Meridian received approval for the 120MW Ruakaka solar farm in the Northland Region, which is expected to be completed by early 2027.

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