Papakura has tuned into the sun with its BP service station becoming the first in New Zealand to run solar-power.

The station is one of 200 BP solar service stations planned worldwide.

The new service station is part of the new motorway service center sited between Papakura and Drury. The BP station will receive up to one third of its required electrical demand from the sun's rays.

Pumps and lights at the station will draw from the solar panels and any excess electricity will be exported to the national grid during the day and the shortfall imported at night.

Instalation of the solar power system cost around $300,000.

BP promoters say solar energy has much potential for the future. BP plans to further its research which now spans two decades.

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