Massey’s proposed location for solar panel farm prone to flooding

Massey University is waiting for resource consent from the Palmerston North council to build a large solar panel farm, but a retired lecturer believes the location choice is a bad idea.  

Last year, Massey University announced plans to host one of NZ’s largest solar farms in partnership with Solar Bay. 

The solar arrays are expected to produce around 38% of the campus electricity. 

Massey aims to place these solar panels in a horse grazing location, as well as Orchard Carpark.  

Horse grazing area and estimated location. Photo / Elizabeth Moisson 

Alan Palmer, a retired professor that worked for Massey for 30 years said the site sits on the flood plain of the Turitea Stream.  

“We should not be placing major infrastructure on flood plains, there are no stop banks to prevent flooding, and it would destroy the natural nature of the stream.” 

Massey wants to decrease their carbon emissions with the solar panel project, however, Palmer said power generation will always have a carbon footprint.  

“Solar panels need mined minerals, some of which are found in NZ if we dig them up.” 

Solar panel farms should be on flat, gentle slopes, or in areas that are not prone to flooding, or away from vegetation, and grazing land, according to Manawa Energy.  

Allanah Ryan, the associate director in sustainability, policy and communication told Massive, “There is not much to update about this project at the moment as it is with the PNCC waiting for resource consent.”  

Ryan said the resource consent “shouldn’t be too far away”. 

Jayden Alcock, a second-year linguistics student was on board with the solar panel idea, however, he referenced the irony of the plans due to the university’s relationship with Fonterra.  

“It feels like a greenwashing exercise when they have a comfortable relationship with New Zealand's largest polluter (Fonterra) right across the road.”  

Ben Penno, president of the Horticulture Society felt good about the location as the solar panels “won't be in any commercially operated farms or native areas”. 

“Generally, I think it is fine to install the panels. It seems like an effective way for Massey to achieve carbon zero status while being fiscally responsible.”  

He felt as a research institute, it's probably good for Massey to be one of the first entities in the country to explore solar panels in paddocks.

He felt the plans align with the university’s values of supporting and advancing New Zealand farming and productivity. 

The university aims for the solar panel agreement with Solar Bay to continue for 25 years.  

After 25 years, the university wants to purchase all the electricity generated after their agreement is up and transfer ownership from Solar Bay to themselves.