Lake Waikare Solar Farm

Overview

Lake Waikare is a 170 MW Floating Solar Farm on top of Lake Waikare in the Waikato District. The site is located in a region with strong solar resource and is close to infrastructure with the nearest suitable existing substation is at the very robust Huntly substation, 2 km northeast of the lake.

Lake Waikare Solar Farm

Waikato

Key Information

  • Land

    The lake covers a total of 3,442 Ha and has an average depth of 1.5m

  • Energy Yield

    The project will generate about 244 GWh annual generation with a P50 capacity factor of 16.4%

  • Environmental Considerations

    The lake is currently in supertrophic state, with high levels of microscopic algae, low water quality, and high nutrient levels

  • Maōri Partnerships

    The local iwi is Waikato Tainui, with consultation having begun and a cultural impact assessment underway

  • Commercial & Construction Considerations

    The site is close to grid infrastructure, with poor lake quality benefitting the project due to environmental co-benefits. The lake and transmission line corridor is easily acccessible