Sunergise switched on NZ’s Largest Rooftop Solar
A new benchmark for commercial solar in New Zealand
Sunergise has switched on the country’s largest-ever rooftop solar installation at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare’s East Tāmaki campus in Auckland.
The 5.3-megawatt system is more than double the size of New Zealand’s previous largest rooftop array – a 2.3 MW installation at Mānawa Bay, also by Sunergise.
The project took 9 months to build and was delivered under Sunergise’s SunPlus™ Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), meaning Fisher & Paykel Healthcare pays only for the generated electricity, with no upfront capital cost.
The system will generate more than 6,600 MWh annually, which is enough to power more than 1,000 average New Zealand homes.
It will also offset more than 486 tonnes of planet-warming carbon dioxide (CO₂) annually.
The installation comes as New Zealand grapples with the economic consequences of an oil supply crisis triggered by conflict in the Middle East, leading to renewed urgency around energy resilience.
Above: NZ’s largest rooftop solar array at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare’s HQ in East Tāmaki, Auckland.
New Zealand’s solar sector is growing rapidly. Industry research projects installed solar capacity to triple from 860 MW in 2026 to more than 2,100 MW by 2031, with commercial and industrial rooftop adoption accelerating as businesses seek to reduce electricity costs and meet sustainability targets.
“This is a landmark project for New Zealand. A 5.3-megawatt system on the rooftop of one of the country’s most recognised companies shows what’s possible when businesses commit to clean energy at scale,” said Paul Makumbe, CEO and Founder of Sunergise.
“The current fuel crisis is a reminder of how exposed New Zealand is to global energy shocks. Solar installations, like what we’ve built at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, give businesses long-term price certainty and energy resilience, something that’s never been more valuable.
“Our clients are doing the right thing for climate change while making savings on their existing power bills.”
“It’s a simple process, especially with Sunergise’s PPA model which enables businesses to get solar with no upfront costs and get immediate cost savings.”
Under the PPA, Sunergise owns, operates and maintains the solar system. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare purchases the electricity generated, eliminating upfront capital expenditure and providing long-term protection against rising power prices.
The solar panels have been installed on two buildings, including the Daniell Building which holds a 5 Green Star performance rating for environmental sustainability. The building already features double-glazed windows, rainwater harvesting, electric vehicle charging stations and high-efficiency heating and cooling.
“We’re committed to leaving a lasting positive impact on society and the environment. Adding New Zealand’s largest rooftop solar array is a natural extension of our commitment to minimising environmental impact while continuing to grow our research, development and manufacturing capability,” said Jonti Rhodes, Vice President – Supply Chain, Facilities & Sustainability at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.
“We take a long-term view across the business, and that includes how we power our buildings. Working with Sunergise has allowed us to invest in clean energy, build resilience into our operations while continuing our core mission of improving patient care and outcomes.”
“Investing in renewables is not only the right thing to do, it’s the smartest business strategy to implement. Hopefully this serves as an example to other New Zealand businesses.”
The project was delivered jointly by Sunergise EPC, Sunergise Asset Co and Fisher & Paykel Home Solutions by bringing together Sunergise’s engineering and construction expertise with Fisher & Paykel Home Solutions’ supplier, customer relationships and logistics expertise.
Sunergise has now installed more than 50 MWp of solar across New Zealand and the Pacific. We have recently acquired Vector’s PowerSmart and Todd Corporation’s Pacific solar operations, bringing together three of the region’s most established renewable energy operators under the Sunergise Group, which now employs 85 people across New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
Special thanks to JA Solar, SMA Solar and Clenenergy for supporting the installation with high-quality panels, inverter and innovative mounting systems.
Sunergise Acquires Todd’s Pacific Solar Operations
Strengthening Leadership Across the Pacific
Sunergise has acquired Todd’s Pacific solar operations, making it the largest privately-owned commercial and industrial solar company in the Pacific.
The acquisition completes Sunergise’s buy-back of the solar companies which it sold to Todd in 2018.
Three brands, one vision
Today’s announcement comes off the back of Sunergise’s acquisition of Vector’s PowerSmart last year, and brings together three of the Pacific’s most established renewable energy operators allowing Sunergise to grow its offerings across the region.
As part of the Sunergise Group, PowerSmart and Todd’s Pacific Solar Operations (which includes Fiji based Clay Energy), will continue operating as standalone brands. They will benefit from expanded capital, engineering, and project development capability.
Our Founder and CEO Paul Makumbe said the acquisition reinforces the company’s long-term vision:
“Sunergise has always been about building long-term energy resilience for New Zealand and the Pacific. Acquiring Todd’s Pacific operations, after buying PowerSmart from Vector, strengthens our ability to support more customers and deliver renewable infrastructure that genuinely enables the energy transition across NZ and the Pacific. By bringing together the deep technical expertise of Sunergise, PowerSmart, and Clay Energy, we now offer unrivalled capability in both remote microgrids that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and large-scale commercial and industrial solar. This combination positions us strongly for the next phase of growth across the Pacific and New Zealand.”
Sunergise has delivered large solar projects throughout the Pacific for more than 25 years and is currently working on renewable energy installations across New Zealand, Fiji, Niue, Tokelau, Vanuatu and the Cook Islands.
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.
Sunergise and Hancocks Toast Solar Power Plant Launch
Sunergise New Zealand and Hancocks Wine, Spirit & Beer Merchants today celebrate the launch of a 211kWp solar power system to improve efficiencies at Hancocks’ Auckland Centre.
The 211 kWp solar implementation at Hancocks’ brand new large-scale facility in Auckland’s newest industrial and logistics hub at Māngere will provide both economic and environmental benefits. The grid-connected rooftop system is expected to generate 271 MWh of energy annually while offsetting 26,379 kg of carbon from entering the atmosphere – equivalent to planting 3,156 trees.
Sunergise New Zealand operations director René Kuys says, “We are delighted to be able to provide, clean, green, cost effective solar power to Hancocks’ Auckland centre. Sunergise has over 20MW of solar installed around the region, it is exciting to see a New Zealand business with such a strong history sharing our vision for a renewably powered future and taking a positive approach to meet today’s energy needs.”
Hancocks owner Joe Jakicevich adds, “The new Hancock’s facility included a massive roof area, so it made sense to be generating our own power. Not just as an economic saving, but more importantly, as something we do for the environment. It fits with other initiatives we have to support our community. It was a major project and we chose to take the step with Sunergise because of their expertise in large scale implementations.”
Hancocks is a 100% New Zealand family owned and operated business, established in 1859. A special, limited edition New Zealand sparkling wine helped mark the launch and part of the Sunergise 10 year anniversary celebrations.
"The new Hancock’s facility included a massive roof area, so it made sense to be generating our own power. Not just as an economic saving, but more importantly, as something we do for the environment. It fits with other initiatives we have to support our community. It was a major project and we chose to take the step with Sunergise because of their expertise in large scale implementations."
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Hancocks is a 100% New Zealand family owned and operated business, established in 1859. A special, limited edition New Zealand sparkling wine helped mark the launch and part of the Sunergise 10 year anniversary celebrations.
