FAQ'S

SOLAR FARM OPERATIONS

Solar panels on a solar farm work just like those of rooftops, but the increased number and careful placement of panels maximise electricity generation potential. The produced electricity is then transmitted to the power grid through high-voltage power lines and an inverter, supplying homes and businesses in the area with clean energy. Usually, the panels are placed at an angle to get the maximum sunlight. They need very little maintenance and are cleaned during the year.Read more
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 a minimum, plus space for essential equipment like inverters, as well as allow for maintenance and cleaning between the rows of panels.Read more
Yes, ‘solar grazing’ or using land for food (grazing) and energy generation (solar panels) is a great example of dual land use. The grazing benefits farmers, solar farm operators and the site itself, which needs less mowing and herbicide. Grazing cows and goats generally does not take place because of the potential damage to solar panels. One recent New Zealand study found that adding solar panels to a six hectare sheep paddock could increase income for the farm by close to $1 million, with net profit increasing over $420,000.Read more
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 solar technology is recycled.
  • The decommissioning process is (in reverse order): The solar facility is disconnected from the utility power grid.
  • Photovoltaic panels are disconnected, collected, and either shipped to another project, salvaged, or recycled.
  • Electrical interconnection and distribution cables are removed and recycled.
  • Photovoltaic panel racks are removed and recycled.
  • Electrical and electronic devices are removed and recycled.
  • There are no permanent changes to the site. Read more
The solar farm can connect to the main electricity grid and can also connect behind the meter.Read more

SOLAR TECHNOLOGY

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 the sunlight hits the solar cells, they create an electric current. Read more
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. Read more
No, there are no known risks to human health from solar panel technology. It’s the same technology you find around the world on people’s homes, with no adverse health effects demonstrated. Read more
Solar cells are made from one of the world’s most common compounds, silicone dioxide (sand of quartz). They are coated with a material that stops reflection. Inside the panel is an electrical circuit made of copper, with a glass layer and capped with an aluminum or steel frame. These panels are recyclable being made up of 90 percent glass. Read more
There can be some glint and glare, but specialized models can guide planting to ensure that the solar farm has minimal local visual impact. Read more

ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Some of the benefits include:
    • Long term income stability from leasing the landUse of non-productive pasture-land
    • Sharing usable pasture with animals like sheep
    • Diversification of income – an additional revenue stream, beneficial for farmers or landowners who may face fluctuations in agricultural income streams.
    • Environmental ethics – solar farming contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy generation.
    • This benefits landowners who can achieve aspirations for commitment to sustainability, responsible land use, and addressing climate change.
Read more
Land can be brought back to agricultural uses at the end of the operational life (between 35-45 years) for solar installations. A long-term solar farm can provide a recovery period for land, increasing the value for agriculture in the future. Giving soil rest can also maintain soil quality and contribute to the biodiversity of agricultural land. Read more
Solar farming in New Zealand contributes to renewable energy generation, job creation, energy independence, economic growth, technological advancements, and environmental benefits. It fosters sustainable development and strengthens the economy. It helps to achieve our objective to generate 100 percent of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030.Read more
Solar farms are typically concealed with screening vegetation and panels are mounted close to the ground (less than 3m high). Generally, solar farms do not generate traffic, as there are minimal staff, with only occasional visits necessary for maintenance and cleaning. They also do not generate odors, or pollution. While there is no in-depth study of the impact, we know that solar farms do not cast a shadow on neighbouring properties, cause any light flicker or have the visual impact of a wind farm, and so the impacts on property value are minimal. Read more
The majority of projects are on a lease, but it is possible to buy the land on an ‘option to purchase’ arrangement. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis.Read more
Large solar farms can lead to permanent job creation through maintenance, and also temporary jobs during construction (~12 months for 50MW solar farm, or 18-24 months for larger solar farms).Read more

THE ENVIRONMENT

Solar farms help to address climate change by
    • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Reduction of air pollution by generating electricity without emitting harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases. (Solar panels have a negligible carbon footprint compared to traditional energy sources.)
    • Reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which are extracted through mining and drilling, lowering our overall carbon footprint.
    • Solar panels are recyclable at their end of life, lowering the lifetime and manufacturing emissions.
    • Encouraging the transition to a renewable energy economy.
    • Fostering innovation and development of clean technologies, creating jobs and driving economic growth.
    • Fostering sustainable development by providing a sustainable and decentralised energy solution that can work in remote and underprivileged areas. This   promotes energy access, equality,and resilience.
    • Solar panels also make very little noise, and use very little water making them a low impact land use overall.
Read more
Aotearoa New Zealand’s goal is to produce all electricity fromrenewable sources by 2030 to help fight climate change and solar farms will play a key role in that transition. However there are many reasons why solar farming is a good choice New Zealand. Solar energy is plentiful in New Zealand. Tapping into this locally available, renewable resource means we can sustainably produce more electricity to meet our increasing demand. Solar farms can help preserve natural landscapes, ecosystems, and biodiversity by utilising low-quality or previously developed land. They are a low impact, sustainable land use. Solar farms increase our energy resilience, diversify our sources, and ensure a reliable, decentralised electricity supply in New Zealand, especially important due to our vulnerability to natural disasters and climate-related events causing widespread blackouts. Regional New Zealand benefits from development and sustainable job creation. Solar farms are typically developed in regional areas and they need local skilled employees for installation, maintenance, and operational roles.Solar farms enhance energy security by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, avoiding vulnerability to price fluctuations and supply disruptions from overseas markets.Read more
Solar farming in New Zealand contributes to renewable energy generation, job creation, energy independence, economic growth, technological advancements, and environmental benefits. It fosters sustainable development and strengthens the economy. It helps to achieve our objective to generate 100 percent of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Read more