Generating · Swannanoa
Waimakariri 1
- Size
- 5 MW
- Network
- MainPower
- Completion date
- 2026 Q1
Waimakariri 1 is a community-scale solar farm with 5 MW of capacity, commissioned in April 2026.
The solar farm covers eight hectares of an existing farm in the Waimakariri district and will produce enough energy to power approximately 1100 homes annually.
The site contains thousands of solar panels that track the movement of the sun across the day, producing clean electrical energy for the needs of the local district, and to help offset electricity from fossil fuels imported into the North Canterbury region.
Designed with agrivoltaics in mind, the design features increased row spacing and elevated panel heights, enabling ongoing agricultural activities beneath and around the solar arrays. This approach supports continued grazing and pasture management alongside energy production.
