Powering a Renewable Future
S-Rack has been making significant strides in New Zealand’s renewable energy landscape, contributing to some of the country’s most impactful solar projects. With with over 175,000 solar panels currently installed across multiple sites, S-Rack’s solar mounting solutions have played a pivotal role in delivering over 126.5MW of clean energy. This growing portfolio demonstrates S-Rack’s ability to handle large-scale projects while ensuring efficiency, durability, and sustainability in every build.
The Challenge
Designing mounting systems for solar farms at scale across diverse terrains in New Zealand presents numerous logistical and engineering challenges. Spanning coastal developments and major airport expansions, each project required careful coordination to meet structural, regulatory, and environmental demands. S-Rack’s expertise in solar mounting was instrumental in ensuring each installation met the highest standards of compliance and efficiency.
Key Challenges and Solutions
Site-Specific Engineering: Each solar farm’s location, from 100kW in Ashburton to 32MW in Te Ohaki, demanded tailored solutions. S-Rack collaborated closely with New Zealand based and registered engineers and developers to design mounting systems that optimised solar capture while often working with challenging ground conditions
Regulatory Approvals: Working in multiple jurisdictions meant navigating various planning regulations. S-Rack’s thorough documentation and precision engineering helped streamline approvals, ensuring projects moved forward without unnecessary delays.
Efficient design: From early wins like the 500kW Te Araroa farm to landmark projects such as the 32MW Pukenui Taiohi development, S-Rack’s optimised design solutions drove efficient execution.By leveraging pre-assembled components and detailed site planning, the team minimised disruption and maximised efficiency.
Impact
These projects have significantly boosted New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity, demonstrating the flexibility and strength of S-Rack’s solar mounting systems. Landmark installations include Te Ohaaki (32MW), one of the country’s largest fixed-tilt solar developments; New Plymouth Airport (12MW), which is pioneering sustainable energy integration in aviation infrastructure; and Pukenui (20MW), enhancing regional energy independence. Smaller but equally impactful projects such as Kapuni and Takaka (both 3MW) support local communities with clean energy, while Oakridge (4MW) showcases the adaptability of solar solutions across diverse environmental conditions.
Commitment to Sustainability
S-Rack’s involvement in New Zealand’s renewable transformation showcases its dedication to advancing solar energy on a grand scale. As part of NWI Group, S-Rack continues to innovate in solar mounting solutions, ensuring each project is built to last while maximising performance.
Liam Turner, General Manager of S-Rack, reflected on the company’s impact: “Scaling up solar in New Zealand has been an exciting challenge. What began with 200 kW sites has now evolved into 200 MW scale-ups. Every site has reinforced the value of collaboration, expertise, and precision. We’re proud to contribute to a more sustainable future.”
With a proven track record in delivering high-quality solar mounting solutions, S-Rack remains at the forefront of New Zealand’s and the greater Oceania region’s renewable energy revolution.
About s-rack
S-rack designs and delivers structural mounting systems for commercial solar infrastructure across Australia. With a focus on engineering and large-scale delivery, s-rack provides end-to-end solutions for carports, ground mounts and custom structural applications.
Liam Turner
l.turner@s-rack.com.au
https://www.s-rack.com.au
