Project overview
AA Solar partnered with a large post-harvest agribusiness operation on the Coromandel Peninsula to design a 110 kW grid-connected rooftop solar power system tailored to its high daytime loads. The system uses 342 JA Solar 450W PV modules (153.9 kW DC) and an SMA Sunny Tripower CORE2 11 kW inverter to maximise yield and reliability on the existing roof structures.
Average site consumption is approximately 1,549 kWh per day, with the new system expected to produce around 532kWh per day of solar energy, directly offsetting grid imports during peak operating hours. Around 57% of solar generation is self-consumed on site, aligning neatly with the facility's load profile.
Design and technology
The solar array is split across multiple roof sections with 15° tilt and a mix of easterly and northerly orientations to capture generation across the working day. AA Solar used detailed half-hour consumption and local irradiance modelling to optimise array sizing, orientation, and string design to maximise commercial and industrial solar performance.
Key components include JA Solar Deep Blue 4.0 Pro 450W bifacial modules and an SMA Sunny Tripower CORE2 inverter with 12 MPPTs and 24 strings, providing high efficiency and design flexibility for complex commercial roofs. Antai Solar aluminium mounting systems were selected to meet New Zealand wind and structural requirements while ensuring longterm durability in a coastal environment.
Financial and environmental outcomes
The customer’s estimated annual electricity bill is modelled to drop from about $130,380 to $97,050 in year one, delivering first-year bill savings of roughly $33,336 before GST. Over a 25year system life, the project is forecast to return an internal rate of return of 19.66% and a net present value of approximately $439,638. Delivering a payback in just over 5 years.
The solar power system avoids an estimated 23.9 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year, supporting the client’s sustainability goals and improving its environmental reporting. With an assumed electricity price of 21c/kWh, an escalation of 3% per annum, on-site generation valued at 0.05c/kWh, and export credits at 12 c/kWh, the estimated savings grow steadily over time.
Delivery and support
AA Solar provided a full turnkey service, including system design, network connection application, installation, commissioning, and performance verification.
The system is backed by a 5-year whole-of-system workmanship and performance warranty from AA Solar, plus manufacturer warranties on the SMA inverter and JA Solar modules (30-year linear power warranty on the modules).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is commercial and industrial solar a good fit for agribusiness and processing sites?
Commercial and industrial solar is wellmatched to agribusiness operations because many loads, such as refrigeration, packing, and processing, run during daylight hours when solar generation is highest. This alignment increases self-consumption of solar power and improves the payback period for solar power systems installed on commercial roofs.
How long did it take for this 110 kW solar power system to achieve payback?
Modelling for this project shows an estimated simple payback period of around 5 years and 3 months, based on current tariffs, export credits, and assumed escalation. After payback, the system continues to generate lowcost electricity for the remainder of its 25year modelled life.
What brands and components were used in this commercial and industrial solar installation?
The system uses 342 JA Solar 450W modules (Deep Blue 4.0 Pro series), an SMA Sunny Tripower CORE2 110 kW inverter, and Antai Solar aluminium mounting structures. These Tier1 components were selected to balance efficiency, warranties, and local compliance for New Zealand commercial conditions.
How much of the site’s energy does the solar power system cover?
The site consumes roughly 1.55 MWh per day, with the solar array producing about 532 kWh per day on average. Around 57% of that solar generation is consumed on site, contributing to approximately 20% selfpowered consumption overall.
Can systems like this be scaled for other commercial and industrial solar customers?
Yes, the design principles used here - load analysis, detailed simulation, and modular solar power systems using multiMPPT inverter scale well from sub100 kW up into the megawatt range. AA Solar routinely adapts this approach for warehouses, processing plants, and other large commercial roofs across New Zealand.
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