Our Projects / Building Our Farms

Lodestone Energy is taking Aotearoa New Zealand’s solar production to a new level.

Harnessing the power of the sun, Lodestone’s solar farms power both local networks and the national grid reliably, efficiently, and sustainably.

Our first five solar farms are located in Kaitaia, Edgecumbe, Waiotahe, Whitianga and Dargaville. Kohirā Solar Farm in Kaitaia and Rangitaiki Solar Farm in Edgecumbe are generating solar electricity and construction of Te Herenga o Te Rā Solar Farm is underway in Waiotahe.

We take pride in pioneering the nation’s large-scale solar industry and the first five sites are just the beginning. We’re actively sourcing the next sites across the country to meet the nation’s growing demand for solar power.

Innovating solar electricity production

We are the first company in Aotearoa to adopt agri-voltaic technology. Our farms are built to ensure land remains multi-use once solar panels are installed. Our panels are raised more than two metres from the ground, allowing machinery to work and livestock to exist happily around the solar arrays, meaning agriculture, horticulture, and grazing can continue at high productivity.

Multi-angled power generation

Our farms reflect our dedication to maintaining an innovative and environmentally sound approach. We’re delivering renewable solar at pace through 360,000 bi-facial modules across our first five farms, maximising our energy production potential. These solar panels don’t just generate electricity through direct light absorption either; they absorb light reflected off the land below the panels too. The panels are attached to single-axis trackers that follow the sun from east to west, getting the most sun into each panel.

The single axis trackers help Lodestone produce power earlier and later in the day when Kiwis need it most. Solar farms also play well with other forms of power generation, helping to keep the lakes fuller for longer and reliably meeting increasing loads across the country.

Minimising impact, maximising capacity

Solar farms make next to no noise, meaning little impact on neighbouring inhabitants (human, animal, or tree), release zero emissions, create no pollution, and use minimal water for cleaning. Our native tree belts also minimise visual impact while creating habitat for native birds and will be vigilantly controlled for pests.

But creating a greener Aotearoa isn’t just our present day kaupapa. We want the seeds we plant today to continue to withstand the test of time. It’s why our farms are designed to last a minimum of 35 years and remain operating at almost 80% of their original efficiency. After that our solar panels will either find a second life somewhere new or be sold for recycling.