Preliminary Assessment - Tūmanako Rānui

PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT

After selecting the site, we will assess these factors to ensure the solar farm is viable.

LAND ACCESS, CONSENTS, GRID CONNECTION

  • Consents: Seeking land use resource consent and potential subdivision consent, based on local Council planning regulations.
  • Grid connection: Evaluating the ability to connect the solar farm to the grid, either through Transpower or a local distributor. Transpower’s initial assessment can take up to 25 - 45 days to complete (45 days at their busiest times).
  • Land access: Obtaining permission to access the site, which may include agreements with adjoining landowners for exclusive or non-exclusive use.
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the lifespan of a solar farm?

    The usual lifespan of a solar farm is 35 – 45 years. At the end of the lease, the solar panels will either be replaced with new technology, or the solar farm will be decommissioned. The land is returned to its original state and the old ...

  • How much land do you need and what sort of terrain is best?

    Sunny and flat land near the grid is ideal for solar farming. Typically, a 1 megawatt (MW) solar farm requires approximately 2 hectares of land. To be economically viable, a minimum of 15 MW, which equates to around 30 hectares of land, would be needed as ...

  • Solar Farm Grid Connection

    The solar farm can connect to the main electricity grid and can also connect behind the meter.

  • How do solar panels work?

    Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity. They are made up of small units called solar cells, which are like small power generators that work by absorbing light. They contain a special material that can absorb energy particles (photons) that carry the sun’s power. When ...

  • Do Solar Panels Work on Cloudy Days?

    Yes, even though more power is created when the sun is shining, electricity is still produced on cloudy days and during winter. Creating an uninterrupted supply of electricity.