Tauhei Solar Farm

Client: Elecnor New Zealand
Location: Te Aroha, New Zealand

McKay’s work in the renewables sector is grounded in its design, engineering and construction capabilities. Delivering energy projects that support New Zealand’s vision for a sustainable future through practical and innovative solutions. Its expertise covers utility scale solar, geothermal energy, wind energy and battery energy storage systems.

Across New Zealand, large scale solar is becoming an important part of the country’s energy landscape, and McKay has played a central role in this shift. The company has delivered solar projects that provide reliable and efficient power at scale. This work covers the full project lifecycle, from feasibility assessments and detailed electrical design through to construction and commissioning. With proven experience across design, delivery and operations, McKay integrates advanced electrical systems to create high performance, compliant and future ready solar infrastructure.

The Project

McKay delivered the full electrical and balance-of-plant installation package for the 150 MW AC Tauhei Solar Farm in Waikato, New Zealand. The scope spans site establishment, trenching and cabling, DC and MV systems, inverter and switching station works, fibre and SCADA installation, and all associated testing and pre-commissioning. The project demonstrates McKay’s ability to execute complex, multi-disciplinary electrical construction in coordination with the EPC and civil teams.

Project Deliverables

The project brought together McKay staff from across the country, covering a broad scope of works.

• Site Establishment & Civil Works: McKay completed all site establishment works including installation and fit-out of temporary site offices, services, and power supply. The team performed all trenching, conduit installation, cable laying, joint bay preparation, and backfilling for AC, DC, MV, fibre, and communications routes. Works were delivered to engineered tolerances with QA inspections at each stage.
• DC Systems & Inverter Stations: The scope included full installation of string cabling, 1500 V DC sub-array cabling, and terminations into combiner boxes. McKay installed all combiner boxes, supports, and associated DC protection systems. Inverter stations were positioned, landed, and made ready for service, including all cable terminations, earthing, and internal electrical fit-out.
• Medium Voltage Works: Works included installing and terminating MV cables, installing 33 kV joints, installing surge protection, and delivering the complete electrical scope for the MV switching room. The team also completed the internal and external electrical installation for the O&M building and warehouse.

For more than 90 years, McKay has been delivering electrical and engineering solutions that support New Zealand’s growth, across the industrial, infrastructure, marine, renewables and construction sectors, providing innovative electrotechnology solutions to a wide range of industries. Learn more about McKay’s capabilities.