NZ’s largest rooftop solar switched on at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
Today 12:15pm
Media release | Sunergise, New Zealand’s leading commercial solar company, has switched on the country’s largest-ever rooftop solar installation at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare’s East Tāmaki campus in Auckland.
The 5.3-megawatt system is more than double the size of New Zealand’s previous largest rooftop array, a 2.3 MW installation at Mānawa Bay, also by Sunergise.
The project took 9 months to build and was delivered under Sunergise’s SunPlus™ Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), meaning Fisher & Paykel Healthcarepays only for the generated electricity, with no upfront capital cost.
The system will generate more than 6,600 MWh annually, which is enough to power more than 1,000 average New Zealand homes. It will also offset more than 486 tonnes of planet-warming carbon dioxide (CO) annually.
The installation comes as New Zealand grapples with the economic consequences of an oil supply crisis triggered by conflict in the Middle East, leading to renewed urgency around energy resilience.
New Zealand’s solar sector is growing rapidly. Industry research projects installed solar capacity to triple from 860 MW in 2026 to more than 2,100 MW by 2031, with commercial and industrial rooftop adoption accelerating as businesses seek to reduce electricity costs and meet sustainability targets.
“This is a landmark project for New Zealand. A 5.3-megawatt system on the rooftop of one of the country’s most recognised companies shows what’s possible when businesses commit to clean energy at scale,” said Paul Makumbe, CEO and Founder of Sunergise.
“The current fuel crisis is a reminder of how exposed New Zealand is to global energy shocks. Solar installations, like what we’ve built at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, give businesses long-term price certainty and energy resilience, something that’s never been more valuable.
“Our clients are doing the right thing for climate change while making savings on their existing power bills.”
“It’s a simple process, especially with Sunergise’s PPA model which enables businesses to get solar with no upfront costs and get immediate cost savings.”
Under the PPA, Sunergise owns, operates and maintains the solar system. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare purchases the electricity generated, eliminating upfront capital expenditure and providing long-term protection against rising power prices.
The solar panels have been installed on two buildings, including the Daniell Building which holds a 5 Green Star performance rating for environmental sustainability. The building already features double-glazed windows, rainwater harvesting, electric vehicle charging stations and high-efficiency heating and cooling.
“We’re committed to leaving a lasting positive impact on society and the environment. Adding New Zealand’s largest rooftop solar array is a natural extension of our commitment to minimising environmental impact while continuing to grow our research, development and manufacturing capability,” said Jonti Rhodes, Vice President – Supply Chain, Facilities & Sustainability at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.
“We take a long-term view across the business, and that includes how we power our buildings. Working with Sunergise has allowed us to invest in clean energy, build resilience into our operations while continuing our core mission of improving patient care and outcomes.”
“Investing in renewables is not only the right thing to do, it’s the smartest business strategy to implement. Hopefully this serves as an example to other New Zealand businesses.”
The project was delivered jointly by Sunergise EPC, Sunergise Asset Co and Fisher & Paykel Home Solutions by bringing together Sunergise’s engineering and construction expertise with Fisher & Paykel Home Solutions’ supplier, customer relationships and logistics expertise.
Sunergise has now installed more than 50 MWp of solar across New Zealand and the Pacific. The company recently acquired Vector’s PowerSmart and Todd Corporation’s Pacific solar operations, bringing together three of the region’s most established renewable energy operators under the Sunergise Group, which now employs 85 people across New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare is New Zealand’s largest listed company by market capitalisation, and its products are sold in more than 120 countries.
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