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Lion NZ, a New Zealand-based alcoholic beverage company, has announced the installation of 'one of the largest rooftop solar arrays in the country' at its largest production site, The Pride, in East Tamaki.
The site is New Zealand’s largest brewery, with the 1.21-megawatt solar array being installed on the warehouse roof. It is estimated it will provide 14.4% of site’s electricity.
Lion NZ’s managing director, Craig Baldie, said increasing the use of renewable electricity supports Lion’s ongoing commitment to decarbonise its business. He commented: “Being one of the largest rooftop solar arrays in the country, the 2,424 panels covering an area of around 5,400m2 will be visible from flights into and out of nearby Auckland Airport."
Baldie continued: “Since 2019 – our Science Based Targets baseline year – we have reduced Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions at the Pride by 13% per kilolitre of beverage produced".
Lion has partnered with Meridian Energy, Reid Technology and Solar Vision for the project. In total, the solar array comprises 2,424 panels and weighs around 74,251kg (the panels themselves weigh 57,000kg).
Baldie explained that when The Pride opened in 2010, it wasn’t designed for rooftop solar, with one key challenge being whether the roof could hold the weight, which required a significant structural assessment, as well as balancing costs.
Lion, which has a portfolio of brands including Speight's, Steinlager and Lion Red, is a member of the Climate Leaders Coalition. The solar panels project is being funded through a power purchase agreement with Meridian.