The Kōwhai Park Solar Farm, rapidly taking shape on the western edge of Christchurch airport, is set to become the largest solar farm of its kind in New Zealand.
Spanning across 300 hectares, this 170MWdc project is located on land owned by both Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL) and Environment Canterbury. Lightsource BP and Contact Energy will develop the solar farm in partnership with CIAL. The electricity produced will connect to Orion’s 66kV distribution network, which will assist the Airport in achieving its electrification and decarbonisation goals and form the first stage of the wider Kōwhai Park Eco-system.
To power this monumental project, the farm uses 300,000 Astronergy 620W solar panels, installed on a ground-mounted tracking system. These high-quality ASTRO series solar panels can be applied in various scenarios, including utility-scale solar farms, commercial & industrial solar projects, and residential solar solutions. Both its bifacial and monofacial ASTRO series modules use large-size wafers to ensure top-tier performance in these demanding environments.
Astronergy, an intelligent manufacturing enterprise under the CHINT Group, focuses on the R&D, production and sales of high-efficiency crystalline silicon PV cells and PV modules. Founded in 2006, it is one of the earliest private enterprises in China to enter the photovoltaic field and is listed by Bloomberg NEF as a Tier 1 PV Module Maker. Astronergy is also recognised as a Pioneer and Explorer of Smart Manufacturing in PV in China, operating the World’s First PV “Internet + Transparent Factory”. With an automated production line (95% automation) and a highly information-integrated production mode, Astronergy enables monitoring and traceability throughout the production process from raw materials to finished products.
Green & Sustainable Manufacturing
The concept of sustainable development has been deeply rooted in the hearts of people around the world and has become a universal value consensus. As a new energy enterprise with sustainable development as its strategic orientation, Astronergy has the ability and responsibility to become the primary driving force driving the world towards a greener and low-carbon future.
They implement low-carbon actions through the production of each PV module, practice green behaviour through every employee, and guide our partners in the PV industry chain to build a sustainable ecology together. We believe, with combined efforts, we can contribute to a green, sustainable life in the near future and realise the harmonious co-existence between humans and nature.
N-Type TOPCon Technology
N-type TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) solar technology represents a high-efficiency cell structure designed to exceed traditional PERC performance, offering efficiencies exceeding 26%.
By utiliing phosphorus-doped (n-type) wafers, these cells reduce electron losses, resist light-induced degradation (LID), and deliver better performance in hot, low-light conditions.
Key Advantages
- Higher Efficiency & Output: The TOPCon tunnel layer minimises charge recombination, boosting output significantly over standard PERC cells.
- Superior Temperature Coefficient: N-type panels experience less power loss in high-temperature environments.
- Reduced Degradation: They suffer minimal LID and potential-induced degradation (PID), resulting in a longer lifespan and better warranty.
- High Bifaciality: Bifacial TOPCon panels often boast up to 85% bifaciality, yielding more energy from the rear side.
- ASTRO Series Solar Panels
Astronergy solar panels are available in New Zealand. Talk to your local Powerbase member about what models are current for your residential, commercial and industrial projects.
For more information, please visit their web site at: astronergy.com.au
