GameChange Solar Enters New Zealand With Dannevirke Solar Farm Project

GameChange Solar, a global supplier of solar tracker and fixed-tilt racking technology, has secured its first solar tracker project in New Zealand with Bright Fern Energy's upcoming Dannevirke Solar Farm.

Sharing project details in a press release, the United States-based company said, “GameChange Solar’s 23 MWp utility-scale project marks a key milestone in its footprint in Oceania, expanding its tracker presence into a new geography with locally adapted solutions. Bright Fern Energy is a cornerstone customer for GameChange Solar in the New Zealand market.”

The company added that the project will comprise GameChange Solar's Genius Tracker™ 1P system with a four-string configuration and integrated SpeedClamp™ technology, designed to reduce module installation time and costs.

It added, "This will be the first deployment of speed clamps in the region. The system is also equipped with HailStow™ functionality, which tilts modules to a safer angle during hail events, helping to mitigate potential damage and reduce insurance premiums. GameChange Solar's early engineering involvement, particularly its detailed cut and fill assessment, was a key differentiator in optimising site design and reducing overall project costs."

Hail Stow Solution

Previously, companies like US-based FTC Solar have released the Automated Hail Stow Solution, meant to lessen hailstorm damage to solar panels. According toFTC Solar, solar panel systems are particularly vulnerable to hailstorms, with US insurance claims amounting to an average of USD 58.4 million for each event.

Similarly, DNV, the independent energy expert and assurance provider, has also launched a new service last year to provide solar photovoltaic developers with actionable, verified assessments of large hail risk across North America. DNV has partnered with Jupiter Intelligence, a climate risk analytics firm, to leverage its climate science for a statistical approach to evaluating hail risk due to climate change. 

About The Project

Sharing the project details, Gamechange Solar said, the project is located near the town of Dannevirke and is expected to be commissioned by March 2026. It represents the first of three fully consented projects that Bright Fern Energy will be taking through construction over the next 18 months, it added. 

"GameChange Solar brought engineering insight, experience, and a clear understanding of project execution from an early stage in the process," said Cassidy Prent, acting Chief Executive Officer, Bright Fern Energy. "They aligned with our technical priorities and were able to provide solutions tailored to our site conditions. We see them as a strong partner for this project."

"Our collaboration with Bright Fern Energy is an important step in strengthening our presence in New Zealand and across Oceania," said Vaibhav Joshi, Managing Director – Oceania, GameChange Solar. "Our technology is designed to adapt to varied terrain and weather conditions, enabling more efficient builds and long-term reliability for utility-scale projects in this region. This project reflects our ability to align with developer objectives and deliver solutions that perform both in design and on the ground."