MainPower acting chief executive says the Thongcaster Rd site will be the first solar farm on the MainPower network.
Once completed, it will produce enough energy to power around 1250 homes.
The MainPower board approved its construction and received the required consents for a 7.3MW solar farm on a 10-hectare site at Thongcaster Rd earlier this year. A groundbreaking ceremony was held last month.
Lightyears Solar was awarded the engineering, procurement and construction contract and began pre-work in October.
Matt Shanks, co-founder and director of Lightyears Solar, said the company was ‘‘really passionate’’ about building high-quality solar farms that serve the local community and help produce affordable, renewable energy.
‘‘Our partnership with MainPower allows us to pool our expertise and resources to expand solar power infrastructure across North Canterbury, and we’re excited to get started on the project.
‘‘We have built several solar farms in the area already and are close to completion on a 5 MW solar farm in Swannanoa, which is also on MainPower’s network.’’
‘‘This project is a key investment for MainPower and our network,’’ Whiffen said.
‘‘I’d like to extend my thanks to our immediate neighbours for their support and input during the planning process.
‘‘I’m confident that, once complete in May next year, this project will be a key asset for our network and a great example of our community working with us to decarbonise our place and create a sustainable future for our region.’’
