Tonga/Meridian Popua Solar Plant

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New Zealand renewable energy developer Meridian Energy, and Tonga Power, a state-owned enterprise, were planning the development of the 1.32MW Popua Solar Plant, at the Popua Power Station, Southeast of the island capital of Kukualofa on Tongatapu. The project was to include 5760 PV panels, mounted to 240 Conergy SolarGiant III frames. The capacity factor was expected to be 20%, generating 1,880 MWh annually. Construction started in November 2011, an was expected to be completed in July 2012. The plant was to be operated by Tonga Power. The project was implemented by Reid Technology, from New Zealand. Conenergy, from Australia, supplied the mounting system. The project is expected to transfer ownership to Tonga Power in 2017. Total cost was NZD$7.9 million (US$6.4 million), provided as a grant by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade Aid Programme. http://www.meridianenergy.co.nz/assets/PDF/What-we-do/Our-projects/Popua-project/Popua-Fact-Sheet-English.pdf http://www.meridianenergy.co.nz/what-we-do/our-power-stations/solar/maama-mai/