NZ SolarFarms installation at Nelson Airport

NZ SolarFarms installation at Nelson Airport designed to create ‘The Solar Gateway’ to region

NZ SolarFarms’ 11 kW solar array project at Nelson Airport is designed to create ‘The Solar Gateway’ to the Nelson/Tasman region. Installation of an array of 44 photovoltaic panels began at the airport today (subs 19 November) with commissioning due to be completed by the end of the month.

“We are delighted that Nelson Airport has chosen to partner with us on this project.” says NZ SolarFarms Chief Executive, Matt Winstone. “This is a very visible and high profile commitment to solar power generation in the Nelson and Tasman region and illustrates the airport’s commitment to sustainability and future energy security.”

Nelson Airport Chairman, Paul Steere, says that the investment in solar panels is an Airport Company initiative that firstly makes sense financially and also provides an important signal that the airport is committed to reducing its carbon footprint. “As a local community utility we believe that it’s important to demonstrate responsible use of energy. Solar is an energy source that particularly suits our region and its value can be publicly demonstrated within our business.”

Stage one of the project includes the installation of an interactive display screen in the airport concourse that will allow members of the public to access information about the power generated and the resulting reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

“The touch screen will mean that visitors to the airport can see how the solar panels are performing in real time,” says Winstone. “It will also provide links to other sustainability initiatives across the region.”

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About NZ SolarFarms:
NZ SolarFarms is a specifically created social enterprise that delivers training and employment opportunities through the provision of cost-effective commercial and grid-scale solar photovoltaic solutions at sites around New Zealand. NZ SolarFarms is New Zealand’s only specialist solar PV company focusing on the power utility and public sectors and is a subsidiary of the Nelson based innovative greentech business cluster the greenXchange™.

About Nelson Airport Limited:
Nelson Airport Limited is the fourth busiest airport in New Zealand by commercial aeroplane movements. The company scores consistently highly amongst Australasian airport companies for its fiscal performance and was selected as New Zealand Airport of the Year in 2012 - the third time it has won the award since 2005. Nelson Airport is proud to be the "Gateway to Nelson/Tasman", one of New Zealand's top recreational destinations and its sunniest region.

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