Supermarket retailer Foodstuffs said it will install the country’s largest solar panel farm to power its North Island distribution centre that is currently under construction at the Landing Business Park.

The renewable energy solution technically known as photovoltaic (PV) array is made up of 2915 solar panels covering a total area of about 6000sqm, which would be enough to power 213 average-sized houses.

According to Foodstuffs, the system has been designed to make the office completely “zero carbon” for operational electrical consumption related to the office, something that will be confirmed during its first year of operation.

The new distribution centre, which is at 74886sqm, will serve all Pak ‘n Save, New World and Four Square supermarkets in the North Island.

A contract has been awarded to Reid Technology, a privately-owned New Zealand company, for the supply and installation of the 1.166MWp grid-connected solar panel system.

Lindsay Rowles, general manager Property, Foodstuffs North Island, said this renewable energy installation reflects Foodstuffs commitment to carbon emissions reduction.

“This entire project which will see the establishment of an ambient distribution centre and the consolidation of the operations of three existing centres,” Rowles said.

According to the company, the solar panels would generate enough electricity a year to drive 8.8 million kilometres in an electric car.

Any excess electricity will be sold into the grid.