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2.3MWp grid connected photovoltaic array on Auckland Airport’s new outlet centre. Auckland Airport’s modern retail outlet centre, Mānawa Bay at opening had the largest rooftop solar system in New Zealand, on top of the 35,000m2 building.
There is about 200 MW of rooftop solar on residential buildings across New Zealand. The rest is commercial and industrial solar installations, where the business uses some or all of the solar generation on site. Any leftover generation is fed into the distribution network for other businesses and households to use.
At 2.3-megawatts, the solar array is expected to generate the equivalent of 80 per cent of the 100-store centre’s power usage. Auckland Airport’s Chief Commercial Officer Mark Thomson said sustainability is a core feature of the purpose-built premium outlet shopping centre.
Flyover of the Manawa Bay Outlet Centre roof-top solar, at Auckland Airport Mānawa Bay, Auckland Airport’s modern retail outlet centre, currently under construction, is set to have the largest rooftop solar system in NZ, at 2.3 megawatts.
When people ask me about a BESS project, I like to explain it as the giant rechargeable battery for our electrical grid. Just like the battery in your phone stores energy for when you need it, a Battery Energy Storage System collects electricity when it’s abundant and releases it when demand spikes. Think of it as a reservoir for electricity.
What makes BESS projects particularly valuable is their versatility. They can operate as standalone facilities or be integrated with existing power infrastructure. Currently, 80% of solar projects operational in the United States are paired with energy storage, creating hybrid systems that maximize efficiency and reliability.
Integration Depth will increase dramatically. Rather than standalone systems, BESS projects will become more deeply integrated with both renewable generation and energy-consuming devices, creating seamless energy ecosystems where production, storage, and consumption are orchestrated together. Regulatory Recognition of storage’s value is growing.
A BESS project may store and deliver energy, but it still needs basic utilities to function properly. Water access is crucial, primarily for firefighting systems. Some designs also use water for cooling, though many modern systems are air-cooled. Ironically, these massive power providers also need their own power supply.
