One of New Zealand's largest ever solar power systems has been switched on for the first time.

Te Oro Music and Arts Centre in the Auckland suburb of Glen Innes has been fitted out with a new 68-kilowatt system of 256 solar panels.

It's expected to generate 15-percent of the art centre's power needs.

The canopy-mounted system has taken months to install on the centre's new high-tech roof.

It could save the Auckland Council facility about 350-thousand dollars on energy costs across the next 25 years.

The centre will host lessons on performing arts, Cook Islands dance and music.