Bright Fern Energy has partnered with U.S. tracker manufacturer GameChange Solar to build a 23 MWp solar farm in New Zealand’s North Island, with commissioning scheduled for March 2026.
The project is the first of three Bright Fern developments moving into construction over the next 18 months.
The Dannevirke farm will use GameChange’s Genius Tracker™ 1P system with a four-string setup. The design incorporates SpeedClamp™, which reduces installation time and labour costs, and HailStow™, which automatically angles panels during hailstorms to limit damage.
“GameChange Solar brought engineering insight, experience, and a clear understanding of project execution from an early stage,” said Cassidy Prent, acting chief executive of Bright Fern Energy. “They aligned with our technical priorities and tailored solutions to our site conditions.”
Vaibhav Joshi, GameChange’s managing director for Oceania, said the tracker was designed to adapt to terrain and weather challenges. “Our technology is designed to handle varied terrain and weather, enabling more efficient builds and long-term reliability,” he said.
While financing details were not disclosed, industry analysts expect the protective features to improve performance ratios and reduce insurance costs, making the project more attractive for investors.
The Dannevirke site will test how global equipment and capital perform in local conditions, with solar still a small share of New Zealand’s generation mix.