Harnessing Marlborough’s Sun
Welcome to Ra Nui Solar
Based in beautiful Marlborough, Ra Nui, a division of Flight Group, is a family-owned business that fits seamlessly with the ethos of the region. How so? As one of the sunniest places in New Zealand, Marlborough provides the perfect canvas for harnessing the sun’s energy. The sun is also a huge part of Marlborough’s economic landscape—it’s what ripens our world-class Sauvignon Blanc grapes and lends the wine its tropical notes; it’s what makes the region a popular tourism destination; it’s what makes our farming, forestry and aquaculture thrive. And we are here to provide a renewable energy source to these industries that are striving to become carbon neutral. We are passionate about doing things well; doing things efficiently; and doing things thoughtfully, when it comes to the environment and the community.
Why Ra Nui Solar
Solar energy is the most renewable, abundant energy source on the planet. Though it’s currently a small industry, we believe it’s the future, especially for sunny regions like Marlborough. Using solar will limit industries’ reliance on fossil fuels and hydro, in turn relieving pressure on the environment, namely our waterways, and lowering their carbon footprint. As the South Island’s largest solar farm and with the expertise of Stronach Power Consulting, we are capable of providing up to 20 percent of Blenheim’s daytime energy needs. With Marlborough’s energy costs among the highest in the country, we need alternatives, for both the bottom line and for our environment.
As a bonus, there is little loss to productive farm land with a solar farm like ours. Research has shown that 85 percent of the land beneath a solar farm is still grazable and can provide shade for stock on particularly hot days.
Charitable Outreach and Corporate Responsibility
We believe that environmental dedication is only one part of the equation with corporate responsibility. That’s why we’re proud to offer proceeds from Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) sales to Orphan’s Aid. (RECs are credits that renewable energy generators receive and can sell on the open market as an energy commodity to corporations trying to meet emissions goals to offset carbon. It’s a win-win for corporations -- lower their emissions and support this worthwhile organization.) Orphan’s Aid founder Sue van Shreven has made it her mission to help hundreds of children who are in need and we are proud to support her mission.
Our Technical Partner
Wayne Stronach, founder of Stronach Power Consulting, has over 30 years of experience in the electrical supply business, including more than a decade as a senior manager at Marlborough Lines. He has been involved in a range of generation projects including hydro, diesel, solar and battery storage.
Beyond his engineering expertise, Wayne is well versed in regulation and compliance, and health and safety matters.