New Zealand’s latest and largest agrivoltaics farm, Te Herenga o Te Rā, is generating clean renewable energy while preserving the land’s agricultural value for sheep grazing. The 42MWp farm, a joint venture between Trinasolar and Lodestone Energy, began construction in December 2023 and achieved first generation in December 2024. Once fully operational, it will generate 69GWh of clean energy annually, enough to power nearly 10,000 homes. The farm features elevated solar modules that allow sheep to graze underneath, providing shade and reducing heat stress. The design also controls grass growth, reducing maintenance costs and herbicide use.
Lodestone Energy plans to reintroduce livestock to the farm later this year. The project builds on the company’s partnership with Trinasolar, with nearly 200,000 Trinasolar modules deployed across Lodestone’s three operational solar farms. The farm is a model for agrivoltaics, demonstrating how solar and agriculture can work together seamlessly. With global interest in agrivoltaics accelerating, Lodestone is at the forefront of delivering large-scale, dual-use projects, setting a benchmark for initiatives worldwide. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the environment and the local community.