Project description

The Clandeboye Solar Farm is a renewable energy development near Clandeboye in South Canterbury, constructed by Ethical Power New Zealand Limited.

The project comprises photovoltaic modules across the site, six inverter stations, and associated supporting infrastructure and a maximum power output of 28MW. Once operational, the solar farm will capable of powering more than 6000 homes, and contribute to New Zealand’s growing renewable energy capacity.

Services

  • Geotechnical design of foundation elements.
  • Structural design of the foundation elements.
  • Construction monitoring and supervision of the works.

Client

  • Ethical Power New Zealand Limited, for Lodestone

Year

  • 2025 – 2026

Engineering challenges

The inverter stations are critical components of the solar farm’s electrical infrastructure. Each station houses a prefabricated Power Electronics FS42020MH central inverter, which must be transported to site and mounted on a permanent foundation.

Our solution

Tonkin + Taylor was engaged to undertake the foundation design for the six inverter stations.

Our design comprised:

  • A shallow reinforced concrete slab foundation for each inverter unit.
  • A shallow reinforced concrete slab functioning as a working platform surrounding the inverter foundations up to 2 m wide.

The foundation solution provides a practical and durable base for the prefabricated inverter stations while supporting safe access and installation activities around each unit.

Project outcomes

The foundation design was completed within the allocated budget and project timeframe, supporting the efficient delivery of the Clandeboye Solar Farm.

We have now collaborated on six solar farm projects with Ethical Power, helping support the delivery of renewable energy infrastructure across New Zealand.

Find out more about the project: https://ethical-power.com/projects/clandeboye-solar-farm/

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