The apple season starts with clean energy: rooftop solar supports Kaiaponi Farms in Gisborne
Kaiaponi Farms’ rooftop solar installation nears completion
Work is progressing well on a major rooftop solar installation for Kaiaponi Farms. The system, designed to deliver clean, renewable energy to the operation, has been installed to a capacity of 637.26 kWp, making it one of the largest commercial rooftop solar arrays in the Tairāwhiti region.
The installation includes 988 high-efficiency 645W JA Solar panels, supported by five Sungrow 110CX P2 inverters and a robust Clenergy aluminium mounting system. Together, these components form a future-ready energy solution capable of generating substantial renewable power for the locally owned fruit grower, packer and distributor.
This solar system will help Kaiaponi Farms reduce its reliance on grid electricity and cut operating costs while reinforcing the company’s longer-term commitment to sustainability. The installation not only aligns with wider efforts across New Zealand to increase renewable energy uptake, but also builds on the farm’s ongoing investment in efficient infrastructure.
The project has involved coordinated work with local partners and contractors, with all teams focused on delivering a high quality energy solution. The image below shows the installation progress, highlighting the scale of the rooftop solar system. Commissioning and grid connection are scheduled in the coming weeks, after which the system will begin producing clean energy for the site.
For more background on Kaiaponi Farms’ solar investment and the wider context of the project, read more in the NZ Herald article here.
This installation was delivered in collaboration with our partners First Light Electrical, Universal Engineering and Moa Out East.
