Frequently Asked Questions
Contact us if you still have questions. Our team responds promptly and confidentially. We are committed to building long-term, trustworthy partnerships with every stakeholder and ensuring that every enquiry is treated with care and professionalism.
Q: What size projects does Sunlease Solar focus on?
A: We specialise in 5–20-megawatt utility-scale solar farms. These mid-sized projects are ideal for rural or semi-rural land that can be leased under long-term agreements.
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Q: How much land is needed for a 5 megawatt solar farm?
A: A 5 megawatt solar farm will need approximately 10 hectares of land (this MW/ land area ratio will scale pro-rata depending on the final system size).
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Q: What are the land characteristics that you look for in new opportunities?
A: We look for land that is ideally flat or gently sloping and located close to existing electrical infrastructure, such as a substation within approximately 5 km.
Q: What happens at the end of the Lease term?
A: All our leases include provisions for the full restoration of the land to its original condition, including make-good of any farm infrastructure such as fences or buildings.
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Q: Can the solar panels be recycled?
A: Yes. Over 90% of the components that make up solar panels can be recycled. The technology continues to evolve, improving how recycling is implemented and material recovery is achieved.
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Q: How long are typical leases for landowners?
A: Our leases typically run for 35 years, with options for extension. These agreements provide stable, predictable income for landowners without permanently altering the land.
Q: Can the land still be used for farming?
A: Yes. Our Solar farms are low-impact installations, many projects maintain grazing for sheep under and around the panels.
Q: As a landowner are there any costs for me?
A: No, Sunlease Solar manages and funds all technical approvals, grid connection studies, procurement, construction and operational aspects of the new solar farm.
Q: As a landowner do I take any development or operational risk?
A: No, Sunlease Solar takes all development and operational risk.
Q: How is electricity exported to the grid?
A: Power is delivered through the local distribution network or transmission substation, depending on grid availability. Sunlease Solar manages and funds all technical approvals, grid connection studies, and compliance with network operator requirements.
Q: What type of panels and technology do you use?
A: We install high-efficiency N-type crystalline silicon panels, often bifacial, combined with modern string or central inverters. This technology optimises energy yield in NZ’s variable climate and ensures minimal degradation over decades.
Q: Can investors participate in these projects?
A: Yes. We work with private investors, institutions, and funds, providing opportunities to invest in stable, long-term renewable energy assets.
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Q: Are solar farms safe and low-risk?
A: Utility-scale solar is considered a low-risk infrastructure asset. We mitigate operational and market risks through robust engineering, proven technology, and long-term contractual agreements.
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Q: How much rent will I receive for my land?
A: Landowners typically receive $5,000/ ha per annum in Year 1 rental payments. Annual rental increases across the lease term are then typically linked to CPI (consumer price index).
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Q: What are the usual steps required before an unconditional lease is agreed on my Property?
A: We typically follow a three-phase process for solar farm projects. This structured approach helps ensure that both landowners and Sunlease Solar have a clear understanding of how a project progresses from initial discussions through to long-term operations.
Phase 1 – Initial Assessment
• ~2 months
• Existing land use operations continue
• Heads of Terms legal agreement finalised
• Detailed site assessment & suitability analysis
• Initial grid connection study with local network provider
• Initial Resource Consent assessment
Phase 2 – Consenting
• ~12 months
• Existing land use operations continue
• Option to Lease and Lease Agreement finalised
• Grid connection agreement & Resource Consent approvals
• Engineering & design
• Contracting procurement
• Financial Close
Phase 3 – Construction & Operations
• 35+ years
• Land is utilised for solar development and operations
• Lease commencement & rent commencement
• Annual indexed lease payments
• Build & commissioning
• Ongoing operations & maintenance
• Full farm restoration and make good