A flagship renewable energy project, commissioned by Amazon, is set to demonstrate the flexibility and convenience of procuring independent power through the electricity grid.
Whilst renewables still make up a small share of South Africa’s total generation capacity, the growing cost gap between the grid and solar, along with falling battery prices, means that South African electricity consumers are faced with something new in the context of our traditionally monopolistic electricity market: choice.
Grid reliability has been severely reduced over the past few years and Eskom tariffs are substantially higher than the costs of solar on an average lifetime basis. As such, many companies are looking at the possibility of severing ties with the grid and managing their energy needs independently.
Intuitively, solar-generated electricity is cheap: the sun, after all, is a free resource, and compared to fossil-based energy such as coal and gas that require constant inputs, once installed, solar PV systems harness the sun’s energy for “free”, providing years of clean energy. PPAs are now allowing businesses to access this “free” power.
SOLA is committed to diversity – and believes in the power of diverse thought to enhance the work that we do. Today, we take a look at two women engineers at SOLA who are on their own mission to change the world.
Africa is blessed with great solar resource, as well as mineral and metal resources – making mining an important industry on the continent. But remotely-located mining operations often mean that energy generation is an important concern.
We are now into our third month of lockdown, and are starting to see the widespread economic impact of the COVID 19 pandemic. In light of this, how will businesses prepare for the already uncertain future?
Solar power systems are not only relevant to governments and large utilities looking to procure solar power, but to commercial and industrial businesses too. Currently, solar PV systems are the cheapest form of available power, and prices are continuing to drop.
The mining sector is one of the most important economic contributors to the African economy. However, mining is also facing several challenges – particularly with regards to sustainability and cost-saving. Mining operations are increasingly turning to solar PV microgrids as a reliable and sustainable alternative energy option.
The Power Purchase Agreements will total around 8.7 MW DC capacity. Of this, 2.6 MW have already reached practical completion with the remaining projects in advanced stages of construction. Renewable energy solutions are a quick and efficient way for South Africa to reduce energy demand on Eskom’s constrained grid.