Award-Winning Solar Pumping Project Sets New Benchmark for Sustainable Water Management

When Think Water Gisborne was tasked with delivering a high-performance off-grid water pumping solution for Pāmu Farms, the team needed to overcome significant challenges.

The system had to reliably deliver 100 cubic metres of water per day at 160 metres of head, entirely powered by solar energy and located in a remote environment with limited infrastructure. The result was an innovative solar-powered pumping system, supported by solar technology supplied through Rheem Solar Solutions, that not only met the farm's operational requirements but also earned Think Water Gisborne the title of New Zealand Project of the Year within the Think Water network.

A Custom Solution for a Unique Challenge

Rather than selecting a standard off-the-shelf system, the project team developed a customised dual-pump configuration designed specifically for the site's terrain, distance and power requirements.

Working in collaboration with Grundfos, the team engineered a solution that could efficiently transfer power to the pumping system while minimising installation complexity and cost. A smart design allowed a single DC cable to cross the river separating the solar array from the pumps, simplifying the overall system layout while maintaining performance.

Harnessing the Power of Solar

At the heart of the project is a 60-panel solar array supplied through Rheem Solar Solutions, featuring high-efficiency 585W bifacial solar panels. Designed to maximise energy generation throughout varying weather and light conditions, the array provides reliable renewable power to support year-round operation.

The system was carefully engineered to make the most of existing infrastructure while maintaining long-term reliability and low maintenance requirements. Innovative electrical design, including a DC split-power arrangement between the pumps, helped improve efficiency while reducing system complexity.

Delivering Sustainable Outcomes

Installing and commissioning the system required careful planning. The solar array was located on the opposite side of a river from the pumping equipment, creating additional challenges around access, cabling and maintenance. Through close collaboration between suppliers and project partners, these challenges were successfully overcome.

Today, the fully autonomous system operates without the need for diesel fuel or grid electricity, providing a reliable and cost-effective water supply while significantly reducing emissions and operating costs. The project demonstrates how renewable energy can be successfully integrated into critical agricultural infrastructure, even in remote locations.

Collaboration Drives Innovation

This award-winning installation highlights what can be achieved when specialist expertise, innovative thinking and quality technology come together.
Congratulations to Think Water Gisborne on delivering a project that is setting a new benchmark for off-grid water infrastructure in New Zealand. We are proud that Rheem Solar Solutions solar technology played a role in helping bring this innovative project to life.

Looking for a solar-powered pumping or off-grid energy solution?

Whether you're in agriculture, water management, or commercial operations, Rheem Solar Solutions can help design a solar solution that delivers reliable performance while reducing operating costs and environmental impact. Contact our team to learn more.
This project was originally featured by Think Water New Zealand and has been adapted and republished with permission for the Rheem Solar Solutions audience.