New Zealand's largest grid-connected solar power plant is up and running at Kapuni in South Taranaki.

The Kapuni Solar Power Plant can produce enough electricity for more than 520 homes. Photo: Supplied / Sunergise

The 2.1 megawatt Kapuni Solar Power Plant features 5800 ground-mounted photovoltaic panels and can generate enough electricity to power more than 520 homes.

The Todd Corporation has developed the project under the Sunergise brand.

Sunergise general manager Paul Makumbe said the plant represents Sunergise's first step into ground-mounted solar in New Zealand.

"The energy landscape in New Zealand is changing, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and solar plants like Kapuni will help by producing clean, renewable energy," Makumbe said.

Sunergise provides rooftop solar to commercial customers in New Zealand.

A related company, Sunergise International, is a developer and operator of solar generation in the Pacific Islands and is currently constructing a 6MW grid-connected solar power plant in Tonga, with projects also progressing in Fiji and the Solomon Islands.

Makumbe said Sunergise and its related companies had more than 20 years' experience in designing and installing solar photovoltaic, battery, hybrid and mini grid systems across the Pacific.

Sunergise and Todd Generation were now taking steps to actively increase solar generation in New Zealand across grid scale and commercial rooftop installations, he said.