Feasibility Study to Install a 1 MW Grid Connected Solar Plant in Wairoa-Mahia Peninsular, New Zealand

Abstract

This study intends to investigate the voltage drop issue along the Mahia distribution network (11kV line) and further assess the feasibility of developing a grid tied 1MW solar farm in Wairoa District, New Zealand. The objective is to provide the solution for Wairoa’s local distribution Company to mitigate Voltage drops and increasing summer load demand arising due to the influx of visitors (est. spike of 800 to 3-5000 visitor’s over a 2-week period) to Mahia Peninsular. Furthermore, a solution to avoid transmission charges, increase supply security, reducing peak load demand and aim at substituting the non-environmental friendly operated 1MW diesel generator in Mahia.