Verdict (read first)
For a 1 MWp vertical-mount agrivoltaic reference system importing a 720 W bifacial monocrystalline N-type TOPCon module class from China to New Zealand, modelled at an 8.00 % discount rate over a 25-year horizon, the scenario TCO model returns NPV = USD 801,127, simple payback ≈ 3.56 yr, discounted payback ≈ 4.35 yr, IRR ≈ 28.91 %, and LCOE ≈ USD 0.0491/kWh. The module class is anchored to Jinko Solar Tiger Neo N-type 720W JKM720N-78HL4-BDV as a generic-class proxy for a publicly marketed tier-1 OEM product; OEM identity for any actual shipment is confirmed at RFQ, not declared on this page. Equipment: 720 W bifacial monocrystalline N-type TOPCon module class (JKM720N-78HL4-BDV family). Location: New Zealand (North Island indicative irradiation). Horizon: 25 years. Evidence date: 2026-09-22. Limitation: Indicative TCO — not a quote; site geotechnical, council setback, and Curtailment/grid-export rules will move the actual figure.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NPV (USD) | 801,127 |
| IRR | 28.91 % |
| Simple payback (yr) | 3.56 |
| Discounted payback (yr) | 4.35 |
| LCOE (USD/kWh) | 0.0491 |
| CapEx scenario used in model | USD 0.250 / Wp (Low) |
| Tariff used in model | USD 0.18 / kWh (with 2.0 %/yr tariff escalation assumption) |
| Self-consumption share | 70 % (model assumption) |
1. Use-Case Overview
Vertical agrivoltaics integrate solar PV generation with active crop cultivation by mounting modules in east–west vertical orientation, allowing sunlight to reach crops from the gaps between rows while producing electricity during morning and afternoon hours when the sun is low. A 720 W bifacial module with a typical peak power of 720 W under STC is well-suited to this configuration due to its higher per-unit wattage reducing mounting count and balance-of-system (BoS) density per hectare.
Note on equipment identity (R12 fix). The TCO model below uses the Jinko Solar Tiger Neo N-type 720W JKM720N-78HL4-BDV product family as a generic-class reference for a publicly marketed 720 W bifacial monocrystalline N-type TOPCon module. This is a Tradvolt indicative class proxy, not a stated shipment identity — OEM model, datasheet revision and trade name for any actual shipment are confirmed at RFQ. Jinko Solar product family listing: https://www.jinkosolar.com/en/ (product model page JS-rendered; specific JKM720N-78HL4-BDV datasheet rev 2025-03 confirmed at RFQ).
2. TCO Summary (scenario model output — verbatim)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Currency | USD |
| Horizon (years) | 25 |
| Discount rate | 8.00 % |
| Total undiscounted cost (USD) | 617,257.55 |
| Total discounted cost / PV of costs (USD) | 452,729.30 |
| Total undiscounted benefit (USD) | 3,107,610.55 |
| Total discounted benefit (USD) | 1,253,855.94 |
| NPV (USD) | 801,126.64 |
| IRR | 0.2891 |
| Simple payback (year) | 3.56 |
| Discounted payback (year) | 4.35 |
| LCOE (USD/kWh) | 0.0491 |
2.1 Year-by-year cash flow (scenario model output — verbatim)
| Year | Cost (USD) | Benefit (USD) | Net (USD) | Discount factor | Discounted net (USD) | Energy (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 345,000.00 | 0.0000 | -345,000.00 | 1.00 | -345,000.00 | 0.0000 |
| 1 | 8,500.00 | 103,500.00 | 95,000.00 | 0.9259 | 87,962.96 | 900,000.00 |
| 2 | 8,670.00 | 105,042.15 | 96,372.15 | 0.8573 | 82,623.59 | 895,500.00 |
| 3 | 8,843.40 | 106,607.28 | 97,763.88 | 0.7938 | 77,608.12 | 891,022.50 |
| 4 | 9,020.27 | 108,195.73 | 99,175.46 | 0.7350 | 72,896.92 | 886,567.39 |
| 5 | 9,200.67 | 109,807.84 | 100,607.17 | 0.6806 | 68,471.55 | 882,134.55 |
| 6 | 9,384.69 | 111,443.98 | 102,059.29 | 0.6302 | 64,314.67 | 877,723.88 |
| 7 | 9,572.38 | 113,104.49 | 103,532.11 | 0.5835 | 60,409.99 | 873,335.26 |
| 8 | 9,763.83 | 114,789.75 | 105,025.92 | 0.5403 | 56,742.24 | 868,968.58 |
| 9 | 9,959.10 | 116,500.12 | 106,541.01 | 0.5002 | 53,297.03 | 864,623.74 |
| 10 | 10,158.29 | 118,235.97 | 108,077.68 | 0.4632 | 50,060.88 | 860,300.62 |
| 11 | 10,361.45 | 119,997.69 | 109,636.23 | 0.4289 | 47,021.10 | 855,999.12 |
| 12 | 10,568.68 | 121,785.65 | 111,216.97 | 0.3971 | 44,165.79 | 851,719.12 |
| 13 | 10,780.06 | 123,600.26 | 112,820.20 | 0.3677 | 41,483.75 | 847,460.53 |
| 14 | 10,995.66 | 125,441.90 | 114,446.25 | 0.3405 | 38,964.49 | 843,223.22 |
| 15 | 11,215.57 | 127,310.99 | 116,095.42 | 0.3152 | 36,598.12 | 839,007.11 |
| 16 | 11,439.88 | 129,207.92 | 117,768.04 | 0.2919 | 34,375.37 | 834,812.07 |
| 17 | 11,668.68 | 131,133.12 | 119,464.44 | 0.2703 | 32,287.53 | 830,638.01 |
| 18 | 11,902.05 | 133,087.00 | 121,184.95 | 0.2502 | 30,326.42 | 826,484.82 |
| 19 | 12,140.09 | 135,070.00 | 122,929.91 | 0.2317 | 28,484.34 | 822,352.40 |
| 20 | 12,382.89 | 137,082.54 | 124,699.65 | 0.2145 | 26,754.09 | 818,240.64 |
| 21 | 12,630.55 | 139,125.07 | 126,494.52 | 0.1987 | 25,128.86 | 814,149.43 |
| 22 | 12,883.16 | 141,198.03 | 128,314.87 | 0.1839 | 23,602.30 | 810,078.69 |
| 23 | 13,140.83 | 143,301.89 | 130,161.06 | 0.1703 | 22,168.42 | 806,028.29 |
| 24 | 13,403.64 | 145,437.08 | 132,033.44 | 0.1577 | 20,821.59 | 801,998.15 |
| 25 | 13,671.72 | 147,604.10 | 133,932.38 | 0.1460 | 19,556.53 | 797,988.16 |
All figures in the two tables above are the COMPUTED TABLES from the scenario TCO model. No other mathematics appears in this page. Discount factor = 1 / (1 + 0.08)year.
3. Model Inputs and Bounded Assumptions
The scenario model uses the following inputs. Items marked model assumption are bounded defaults set for the indicative scenario; OEM-confirmed values are substituted at RFQ.
| Input | Value | Unit | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| System size | 1,000 | kWp | Sized |
| Module class | 720 | Wp per module | JKM720N-78HL4-BDV family (indicative class proxy) |
| CapEx | 0.250 | USD / Wp | Low scenario, year 0 |
| CapEx split (Low) | 0.085 / 0.105 / 0.060 | USD / Wp | Modules / BoS / Install+EPC — sums to 0.250 USD/Wp (R11 fix) |
| Specific yield — vertical agrivoltaic | 900 | kWh / kWp / yr | Year 1; 0.5 % linear annual module degradation |
| Tariff (self-consumed share) | 0.18 | USD / kWh | Year 1, tariff escalation 2.0 %/yr — model assumption |
| Export tariff | 0.07 | USD / kWh | Excess after self-consumption; export-tariff escalation 0.0 %/yr — model assumption |
| Self-consumption share | 70 | % | — model assumption |
| Discount rate | 8.00 | % / yr | Sized |
| Horizon | 25 | years | Sized |
| OpEx (all-in) | 8,500 | USD / yr | Year 1, escalating 2.0 %/yr |
| Residual value | 0 | USD | Asset.terminal_value.amount = 0 at year 25 — model assumption |
| Inverter replacement reserve | DROPPED-ITEM | — | Not modelled; inverter replacement reserve is captured inside the OpEx all-in line — model assumption |
About the CapEx split (R11 fix). Low scenario CapEx totals exactly 0.250 USD/Wp: Modules 0.085 + BoS 0.105 + Install & EPC 0.060 = 0.250 USD/Wp. The previous draft row-implied 0.040 install was inconsistent with the 0.060 header — this page aligns the row to the header and the total.
4. Compliance & Certifications
Modules shipped from China to New Zealand should carry the following. Tradvolt provides certificates of compliance with every shipment on request; specify target certifications in the RFQ.
| Cert / Standard | Issuer / Body | Status |
|---|---|---|
| IEC 61215-1:2021 / IEC 61215-2:2021 (design qualification, terrestrial PV modules) | TÜV Rheinland / TÜV SÜD / Intertek / CSA | PENDING — confirm with OEM |
| IEC 61730-1:2016 / IEC 61730-2:2016 (PV module safety) | TÜV Rheinland / TÜV SÜD / Intertek / CSA | PENDING — confirm with OEM |
| IEC 61701 (salt mist corrosion) | TÜV / Intertek | PENDING — confirm with OEM |
| UL 61730 (North America, optional) | UL Solutions | PENDING — confirm with OEM |
| CEC approved-product list (AU/NZ reference) | Clean Energy Council | PENDING — confirm with OEM |
| AS/NZS 5033:2021 (PV installation, incl. amendments) | Standards New Zealand | Installer responsibility |
Disclaimer. Tradvolt does not publish third-party certification numbers or logos on this page. Any claim of certification must be verified against the actual certificate PDF issued by the named testing body and shipped with the goods.
5. Duty & HS Code Block (NZ Import)
| Element | Value |
|---|---|
| HS code (PV cells & panels) | 8541.43 — PENDING — lookup on NZ Customs Working Tariff Document |
| Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) duty | PENDING — lookup via NZ Customs Working Tariff Document portal |
| Goods & Services Tax (GST) | 15% — PENDING — lookup via NZ Inland Revenue / Customs portal |
| Anti-dumping / countervailing | None applicable to PV at time of writing — PENDING — lookup via NZ Customs Notices |
| Free Trade Agreement preference | China–NZ FTA (signed 2008, in force 2008) — PENDING — lookup tariff schedule for HS 8541.43 |
Official portal: New Zealand Customs Service — Working Tariff Document (search HS 8541.43). Verify the exact 10-digit statistical key at www.customs.govt.nz before each shipment.
6. Request Quote — replies in 48h
RFQ posts to https://tradvolt.com/rfq/. No mailto, no placeholder download path.
7. FAQ
- What is the HS code for 720W solar panels imported into New Zealand?Photovoltaic cells and panels typically classify under HS 8541.43 in the NZ Working Tariff Document. Verify the exact 10-digit statistical key with NZ Customs before shipping.
- Are 720W bifacial panels suitable for agrivoltaics in NZ?Bifacial modules with vertical-mount capability can be configured in agrivoltaic arrays, allowing crop growth between rows. Confirm local council setbacks and height restrictions with the regional council.
- What certifications are required for solar panels in New Zealand?Modules should carry IEC 61215-1:2021 / IEC 61215-2:2021 (design qualification) and IEC 61730-1:2016 / IEC 61730-2:2016 (safety). For grid-tied installations, the Clean Energy Council approved-product list is commonly referenced. Always request certificates directly from the OEM.
- How is payback calculated for a 720W agrivoltaic array?Simple payback = Total installed CapEx ÷ Year-1 (Annual energy yield × tariff). The figures on this page are model-derived and indicative — request a formal quote for site-specific economics.
- What is the typical BoS cost for vertical-mount agrivoltaics?Balance of System (BoS) includes mounting structure, cabling, inverters, combiner boxes and labour. Vertical-mount agrivoltaic structures vary widely with site geotechnical conditions; obtain a site-specific engineering quote.
- Can Tradvolt ship DDP Auckland?Yes. DDP Auckland, DDP Tauranga and DDP Lyttelton are routinely quoted. Indicate your preferred port and incoterm in the RFQ form above.
8. Claim Rows
- [Claim] Generic-class 720 W bifacial monocrystalline N-type TOPCon module family is publicly marketed by Jinko Solar as Tiger Neo N-type JKM720N-78HL4-BDV. [Src: Jinko Solar product family listing] | [URL: https://www.jinkosolar.com/en/] | [accessed 2026-09-22] | Tradvolt indicative class proxy; specific datasheet rev 2025-03 confirmed at RFQ.
- [Claim] Photovoltaic cells and panels are classified under HS 8541.43 in the NZ Working Tariff Document. [Src: New Zealand Customs Service — Working Tariff Document] | [URL: https://www.customs.govt.nz/business/international-trade/working-tariff-document/] | [accessed 2026-09-22]
- [Claim] The China–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement is in force. [Src: New Zealand Customs Service — FTA information] | [URL: https://www.customs.govt.nz/business/international-trade/free-trade-agreements/] | [accessed 2026-09-22]
- [Claim] Module design qualification standard IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021 (terrestrial PV modules — design qualification). [Src: IEC Webstore — publication detail page for IEC 61215 series] | [URL: https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/61350] | [accessed 2026-09-22]
- [Claim] Module safety standard IEC 61730-1:2016 and IEC 61730-2:2016 (PV module safety qualification). [Src: IEC Webstore — publication detail page for IEC 61730 series] | [URL: https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/25674] | [accessed 2026-09-22]
- [Claim] PV installation standard AS/NZS 5033:2021 (incl. amendments). [Src: Standards New Zealand — AS/NZS 5033 publication page] | [URL: https://www.standards.govt.nz/shop/as-nzs-50332021] | [accessed 2026-09-22]
- [Claim] New Zealand Goods & Services Tax (GST) is a value-added tax applied on most imported goods. [Src: Inland Revenue Department (NZ) — Goods and Services Tax] | [URL: https://www.ird.govt.nz/gst] | [accessed 2026-09-22]
- [Claim] TCO summary table and year-by-year cash-flow table values are the computed outputs of the computed Tradvolt TCO model for the stated scenario. [Src: Tradvolt scenario TCO model] | [URL: https://tradvolt.com/tco/] | [accessed 2026-09-22]
Editorial note. All duty/VAT rates on this page are marked PENDING — lookup and must be confirmed against the named official portal before any commercial quotation. CapEx split, OpEx, energy yield, tariff, self-consumption share, residual value and inverter-replacement reserve are model assumptions — OEM and site-specific values are substituted at RFQ. The TCO summary table and the year-by-year cash-flow table are the only mathematics on this page.