We Say/You Say: Solar Farms

Reporter Whangārei Leader

Kia ora neighbours,

What do you think the next steps should be for decarbonisation?

Jacinda Ardern has officially opened what is going to be the largest solar farm in the country.

The 12 hectare site in Pukenui will contain 32,000 solar panels and is set to cost $30 million. The farm will generate enough electricity to power 3000 homes in the Far North.

Ardern acknowledged the difficulty to move away from fossil fuels. With hydro lake storage down, the country will turn to coal to fulfil winter energy needs.

"Removing fossil fuels from our electricity system is a big step, it requires major changes in the way we do things and investment in new technologies," she said.

The panels will last for 30 years before needing to be replaced as part of the scheme. Regular maintenance required to keep up to industry standards will create five full-time positions for the solar farm.

What do you think about the project? Share your thoughts below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comments featured in the conversations section of the Whangārei Leader.