As part of its ongoing solar energy projects, U.S Embassy Annex selected SolarAfrica, who in turn chose Solarcentury in South Africa from a list of top solar energy companies as the expert solar power suppliers to deliver a landmark solar power system for its head office in Pretoria.
Solarcentury in South Africa has built two solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for the United States Agency for International Development (U.S Embassy Annex) head office in Pretoria. Solar panels have been installed on the existing building as well as on specially built carports, creating the largest parking structure solar canopy in South Africa. This installation is a prime example of integrated solar solutions, where in addition to shading vehicles, the carports will generate clean solar electricity.
Almost 1,400 panels have been installed in total, generating 355kWp of clean electricity. This solar power system will help power the site, reducing reliance on traditional power providers and such as the grid. This move shift to sustainable solar will also cut the site’s carbon footprint by enabling U.S Embassy Annex to save an estimated 618 tonnes of carbon every year. The solar systems are part of a range of environmental initiatives that have helped the site’s buildings achieve a 4- star South African Green Building Design certification.
Cheryl Anderson, U.S Embassy Annex/Southern Africa Mission Director said, “U.S Embassy Annex was committed to constructing an environmentally and socially responsible workplace that offers staff a healthy environment without straining local resources. Reducing our carbon footprint and energy usage is important to the U.S. Government so installing these greener alternative solutions was an obvious decision for us. We’re proud of our solar energy solutions because they’re part of a range of green initiatives that have helped us achieve industry recognition for our efforts.”
For the mechanical and electrical engineering aspects of the construction phase, Solarcentury employed 10 local technicians.
Gareth Warner, Managing Director of Solarcentury in South Africa commented, “The U.S. Government should be applauded for its commitment to the environment. As well as helping to cut carbon emissions, installing solar means U.S Embassy Annex has a cost effective, stable source of clean energy. This project demonstrates how solar financing models, like a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), are key to delivering affordable power solutions and a stable source of clean energy for the next 25 years. By using solar electricity, they will consume less costly grid power, so they benefit from cheaper energy bills too.”
David McDonald, Technical Director of NVI Energy, who runs the Solar4Africa Platform, said, “We selected Solarcentury from a range of solar companies because of its competitive offer and experience of installing solar in the built environment. Having met all requirements and with a 15-year track record in building solar in the UK and across Europe, we were satisfied that Solarcentury had the technical knowledge and engineering expertise that, combined with our power solutions platform, would meet U.S Embassy Annex’s stringent requirements. It’s been a pleasure working with the firm on another industry first project.”
This project adds to a growing portfolio of successful installations. In July 2014, Solarcentury in East Africa secured a contract through SolarAfrica to build Africa’s largest solar carport at Garden City Mall in Nairobi, Kenya. The system was connected to the grid in February 2015. Such projects highlight the growing solar business in the region, paving the way for more complex energy models, including power wheeling and the wheeling of electricity to off-site users.
