New Zealand Photovoltaic Container Agriculture

Will agrivoltaic be New Zealand's First Utility-scale solar farm?

Integrating material cycles into the analysis of an accelerating energy transition for Aotearoa – New Zealand. 13th International Sustainability Transitions Conference, Melbourne, Stellenbosch, Washington DC. Raghuvanshi, P. (2023). Agrivoltaic project is all set to become New Zealand's first utility-scale solar farm.

Will Lincoln University develop New Zealand's first 'high-value' agripv solar farm?

Visualisation of the Lincoln University agriPV solar farm. Image: Lincoln University. Lincoln University revealed plans on Wednesday (10 July) to develop New Zealand’s first ‘high-value’ agrivoltaic (agriPV) solar farm.

Is land suitable for agrivoltaics in Aotearoa New Zealand?

The answer may well be agrivoltaics, which is gaining traction globally. It means using rural land for both electricity generation and agriculture (including horticulture). Large areas of the country have been shown to be suitable for this dual land-use approach. This map shows land considered suitable for agrivoltaics in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Why are there no photovoltaic options available in Aotearoa New Zealand?

In addition, due to the complexity and current low demand, there are no photovoltaic options available in Aotearoa New Zealand. This is something that needs to be addressed given the forecast increase in photovoltaic installations in the country.

What is agrivoltaics in livestock farming?

Agrivoltaics is the integration of agriculture and solar energy production and seeks to find synergies between the two to create a complementary system. Agrivoltaics relates to all agricultural activities. However, for the purpose of this report, solar integration with livestock farming is the focus.

Should agrivoltaics be used on dairy farms?

The financial analysis of agrivoltaics in the dairy farm case study suggested it was significantly less lucrative and indicates that incorporation of solar generation on dairy farms might be best suited to non-productive areas and/or the installation of panels on shed roofs, rather than agrivoltaics.