Mercury is building a research and development center for solar, battery storage and other energy technologies at its previous natural gas base.
South-facing power was launched in Auckland.
Fraser Whineray chief executive said the center would be an unprecedented test base for solar technology in New Zealand.
The initial installation to be completed by November will include the height-
The world's leading Trina Solar and efficient glass panels with three battery technologies (
From LG Chemical, SolaX and Enphase)
Charging solutions for smart electric vehicles and advanced energy analysis and monitoring equipment.
The old fossil
Less than a decade ago, fuel generation in the South peaked at 500,000 tons per year.
"This is to expand our strength in renewable energy and provide proven new options, particularly electric cars and solar energy," said Whineray . ".
Whineray said he doubted whether many consumers would be able to get out of the grid.
"People who want to get into the solar sector still need the grid, and the vast majority of us don't have big enough north facing roofs at all, and you have to spend too much on batteries.
While it's a niche market, it's important that the company is leading the way in solar.
Mercury has acquired solar companies.
"This will be part of the global energy landscape, so let's get into it," says Whineray . ".
Matthew old, a mercury executive who led the development, said the company will try out a variety of solar panels, including providing new levels of efficiency, new designs and 30-
Annual performance guarantee.