Think Water Gisborne’s Pāmu Farms Solar Project

New Zealand 2025 Project of the Year

Each year, Think Water’s Project of the Year Award celebrates excellence in capability, collaboration, and innovation across the network. It recognises projects that go beyond scale or budget—highlighting those that demonstrate technical mastery, creativity, and real-world impact.

In 2025, Think Water Gisborne earned the Project of the Year (New Zealand) title for a groundbreaking solar pumping installation that redefines what’s possible in remote water management.

Tasked with designing a high-performance, off-grid system for Pāmu Farms, the Gisborne team delivered a solution that combined engineering precision with environmental responsibility in one of the country’s most challenging landscapes.

The project required a system capable of reliably delivering 100 cubic metres of water per day at 160 metres of head—powered entirely by solar energy. Rather than adopt an off-the-shelf product, the team engineered a bespoke dual-pump configuration tailored to the site’s steep terrain, isolation, and unique power requirements. Working closely with Grundfos, they developed a smart integration design that used only a single DC cable to cross the river, significantly reducing installation costs and simplifying the system layout.

Every element of the project reflected careful planning and innovation. A Rheem 60-panel solar array featuring 585 W bifacial panels was installed to maximise energy yield even in fluctuating light conditions, ensuring consistent performance throughout the year. By leveraging existing infrastructure wherever possible, the team kept capital costs down while achieving long-term reliability and low maintenance demands. Their DC split-power design between pumps eliminated the need for sine-wave filters—another example of intelligent, cost-effective engineering.

Executing such a system in a remote area presented serious logistical challenges.

The solar array had to be built on the opposite side of the river from the pumps, demanding precise planning for access, cable routing, and maintenance. Delivering stable DC power across that span without voltage drop or interference required close technical collaboration and innovation. Synchronising two pumps to share power intelligently throughout the day called for refined electrical design and commissioning expertise.

The result is a fully autonomous, zero-emission pumping system that operates with remarkable efficiency and reliability. It eliminates the need for diesel or mains power, dramatically reducing the site’s carbon footprint and ongoing operational costs. Just as importantly, it demonstrates what can be achieved when sustainability and performance are treated as equal priorities.

Through this project, Think Water Gisborne has set a new benchmark for off-grid water infrastructure in New Zealand. Their work exemplifies the Think Water philosophy—combining technical excellence, supplier collaboration, and a deep commitment to sustainable water management.

It’s a project worthy of national recognition and a clear reflection of the innovation driving the Think Water network forward.

Congratulations Think Water Gisborne!