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sustainable construction world
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While the boom in solar power is positive from a job
creation perspective, the increasing need for both
businesses and residential energy users to have
access to alternative energy solutions has resulted
in a growth in unqualified solar power companies.
This is according to Manie de Waal, divisional
head of Solar & Storage at Energy Partners – a
leading energy solutions provider in South Africa –
who says the solar industry is booming as a result of
the national energy crises. “In addition, the potential
25% tariff increase proposed by Eskom will further
fuel the growth of the industry.”
De Waal warns that with this rapid expansion
there are many operators emerging that may not
have the experience and capabilities to deliver
the right solution for a client’s specific needs.
“Residential and commercial property owners
must partner with a reliable service provider who
can manage the generation and storage of solar
electricity effectively and efficiently.”
He says that the first and most important step
is to select the right PV solution for the specific site
and lists the following basic solutions:
• Firstly there is the grid-tied PV solution without
battery storage. This solution ties into the power
grid and feeds the load with the solar power that
is generated. While this solution is likely to
decrease utility costs, it is not suitable for
uninterrupted power supply (UPS) as the solar
system is completely dependent on the grid to
transport energy.
• Secondly there is a grid-tied solution with battery
storage. This solution is also tied into the grid
when it is available, but excess solar power can be
Solar
Beware of
inexperienced
solar power
providers
The local manufacturing and
installation of solar photo-voltaic
units could create more than 2 000
jobs over the next three to five years,
according to Western Cape MEC for
economic opportunities, tourism and
agriculture, Alan Winde.
stockpiled and utilised when required, for example
in the event of a power outage.
• The last, an off-grid PV solution, has no connection
to the grid and acts as the main source of electricity,
often assisted by diesel generation in the event of
prolonged periods without sunshine.
De Waal explains that the nature of renewable
energy is irregular as it depends heavily on external
sources. “If combined with storage however,
alternative energy solutions such as solar power can
drastically minimise the reliance on grid electricity
for companies and households.”
In order to reap the full benefits of a solar
power solution, it is imperative that the company
or resident uses the services of a tried and trusted
energy solutions partner to avoid financial loss in
the long run, concludes de Waal.
∞
Manie de Waal, divisional head of Solar & Storage at
Energy Partners.
About Energy Partners
Founded in 2008, Energy
Partners is a leading energy
solutions provider in South
Africa that provides clients
with innovative solutions
(including fully outsourced
supply contracts – e.g. steam
generation) to suit their
needs. Energy Partners has
built a high quality team of
talented individuals and robust
processes which offer end-to-
end solutions and integrate
the different components of
energy optimisation to deliver
optimum results – including
capital solutions that put clients
in a positive cash flow positions
from day one. Industries
in which Energy Partners
specialise include: food retail,
retail, healthcare, hospitality,
food processing and logistics.