CAPE REINGA - Northland sunshine will soon power the Cape Reinga lighthouse.
A contractor will begin installing solar panels next week.
Maritime Safety Authority deputy director Tony Martin said the panels would be 5m off the ground and secured to deter thieves and vandals.
The panels are expected to charge the batteries with
a 20-day power supply.
Mr Martin said positioning them on the seaward side of the tower would maximise sun exposure and minimise the visual impact for visitors approaching on foot.
"The characteristics of the light will change slightly from one flash in 13 seconds to one flash every 12 seconds."
The slight change would help mariners to distinguish the Cape Reinga light from the Cape Brett light, which flashes every 15 seconds. The upgrade is expect to improve reliability and reduce running costs of the light, which is now fuelled by batteries powered by diesel generators.
The switch to solar power will also reduce the fire risk.
Cape Reinga will be the 75th light to be solar-powered. Twenty others run off mains power and one on diesel.
- NZPA
