The Kohirā solar farm is a photovoltaic power station near Kaitaia in the Far North District of New Zealand. The farm is owned by Lodestone Energy.[1] When complete, the farm will generate 55 GWh of electricity a year, with a nameplate capacity of 32 MWp DC[2] and 23 MW AC.[3]
| Kohirā | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Location | Far North District |
| Coordinates | 35°4′54″S 173°13′10″E / 35.08167°S 173.21944°E |
| Status | Operating |
| Owner(s) | Lodestone Energy |
| Solar farm | |
| Type | Flat-panel PV |
| Solar tracker | Single-axis |
| Site area | 20.5 ha |
| Power generation | |
| Nameplate capacity | 23 MW AC (32 MW DC) |
| Annual net output | 55 GWh |
The farm uses elevated racks, allowing the area underneath the panels to be used for sheep pasture.[4]
Construction of the farm began in December 2022.[5] It generated its first electricity in November 2023.[6][7] It began transmitting electricity to the grid in February 2024.[8][9][10]
The farm was gifted the name "Kohirā" ("suncatcher") by local iwi Te Rarawa.[11]
