North Coast businesses light up with ‘capex-free-hassle free’ solar solutions
As businesses across the country continue to face unpredictable energy costs and power outages, there has been a significant increase in the demand for alternative energy solutions. Several North Coast businesses and schools have plugged into a popular financed option from SolarSaver that helps over 700 businesses across South Africa, Namibia and Botswana RENT THE SUN.
SolarSaver installs solar PV systems at no initial capital cost, charging only for the cleaner, greener power produced. The model has been very successful and SolarSaver now operates the largest fleet of self-financed commercial and industrial solar installations in Southern Africa under long-term rent-to-own and Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) contracts.
“We're making solar power more accessible by eliminating high upfront costs associated with installing solar systems. Businesses simply pay for the solar power produced at a significantly lower rate than grid electricity, saving costs from day one,” explains Lance Green of SolarSaver. “SolarSaver’s in-house engineering and maintenance teams manage and monitor the performance of the systems to ensure optimal PV output. We also maintain and insure all systems, making the switch to solar truly hassle-free.”
Sun-powered shopping
Domingos Dejesus, owner of the Tiffany's Shopping Centre and Spar in Salt Rock, first discovered SolarSaver's rent-to-own model in 2019 after other Spar franchisees had successfully implemented the solution. SolarSaver installed a large grid-tied system with a capacity of 645.73 kWp that produces over 839 449 kWh of solar power per year.
"The solution from SolarSaver enabled us to implement grid-tied solar, without having to take on hardware and installation costs," says Dejesus. "We immediately saw the difference in our electricity costs, without the stress of managing and maintaining a system ourselves. Our latest report shows the system performing at 104% of forecasted production, so we're very happy with that."
Sugar Village, a popular lifestyle hub in Umhlali that includes padel courts, offices, an exercise studio, lifestyle shops and restaurants, commissioned a 41.80 kWp grid-tied system from SolarSaver in 2023. The system is forecast to provide 57 891 kWh of solar power in its first year, reducing the centre’s reliance on municipal power by over 40%. Owner Michael Robert says that harnessing solar energy through SolarSaver’s model makes complete business sense. “We’ve been pleased with the service and system so far. With solar power supplementing power needs, our tenants can rely on having stable, green, cost-effective power.”
Enlightened education
Eden Village Campus, a thriving education, therapy and lifestyle hub, had a grid-tied system with a capacity of 69.70 kWp installed on the campus in 2023. SolarSaver recently added a battery system to the existing solar PV system, installing a 100kW battery inverter with 200.5 kWh battery capacity. “The speed and responsiveness of SolarSaver was a huge win, and this was further reinforced by an excellent power purchase rate. It was a simple decision to make,” says Haden Keeton, CEO and co-founder of EXPX, Eden Village and Village Kidz.
Keeton says a key benefit is being able to forecast what electricity costs will be for the foreseeable future, with a set escalation every year. “It's an absolute no-brainer for other schools, or any business that relies on clean and consistent power. You know what you're buying into, and you can keep the lights on!”
Umhlali Preparatory School, a school with a proud tradition in the North Coast area. They’re also a school that is always innovating and evolving. Umhlali Prep were searching for an innovative solution to reduce their dependence on the local grid and lower their electricity costs, while also adding to their sustainability initiatives. SolarSaver’s unique rent-to-own model allowed Umhlali Prep to become a proud adopter of renewable energy; SolarSaver installed a 120.75 kWp grid-tied system at the school last year. The system has generated over 160 000kWh of solar energy and reduced their electricity costs by 40% in the last year. Umhlali Board chairman Michael McHugh reports that the system has been running well. "The performance reports are very helpful and the savings we are seeing are significant, which is fantastic.”
Down to the ground
Spec Sands, a producer of top quality silica quartz sand in Umhlali, added renewable energy to its operations with a 272.16 kWp grid-tied ground-mounted solar system. Spec Sands benefits from a tailored financial model whereby the company purchased half of the solar photovoltaic system outright, while SolarSaver retains ownership of the other half. This enabled the business to manage capital costs, but still install the right size system for the company’s energy requirements.
"SolarSaver offered us a flexible solution from a financial and operational perspective," says owner Alberto. "Our limited roof space meant that solar panels needed to be mounted on platforms on the ground, and these were built without a hitch. The ability to fix our electricity rate was an appealing factor, as well as reducing our environmental impact."
A similar ground-mounted system was installed at Umhlali's Karibu Farm. With limited roof space and access to available ground space, SolarSaver installed a 100.80kWp ground mount system. Installed by SolarSaver’s installation team.“Our experienced in-house team of engineers are able to design systems to suit our clients’ needs. Whether rooftop, ground mount or carport structures are required, our engineering team will design the most efficient system to produce optimal solar energy for our clients," says Green.
SolarSaver's innovative approach to providing solar power is set to light up more of the North Coast, offering businesses a capex free - hassle free way to reduce their carbon footprint and save on energy costs. "By providing accessible, flexible solutions tailored to various financial and operational needs, we enable our clients to harness the power of the sun," says Green. "We’re looking forward to helping more businesses switch to a greener, brighter future powered by the sun and SolarSaver."
www.solar-saver.net
(ENDS)
Media Contact:
Tamaryn Brown
Tamaryn@connectmedia.co.za
+27 (0) 84 3510560