Electricity + Control November 2019

ENERGY MANAGEMENT + ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

1.3% below modelled), while actually losing 0.9% to factors outside of the solar provider’s control (such as load shedding). He adds that there has been only a small impact on demand (kVA) charges at Longmeadow – as the site runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with a resultant ‘flat’ consumption profile. However, this was no surprise for the client, as the Energy Partners engineering team provided for this in its saving estimates. Van Heerden recommends that potential investors in solar power pay detailed attention to any solar savings estimations presented by the service provider, as these can easily be overstated. Ensure roof integrity Van Eetveldt emphasises that the service provider party to the PPA must ensure that the integrity of the client’s roof will not be compromised. “The roof can be the most expensive element of the building, which is why the service provider needs to ensure that there is no risk that it will suffer any damage as a result of the installation of the PV system.” A professional roof report by a structural engineer is crucial when designing the panel layout, he notes. “At the Longmeadow site, the extensive roof area allowed the installation team to distribute the weight of the system more efficiently. We were able to mount solar modules directly over the support beams of the roof, ensuring that the structure is subjected to the least stress possible.” He adds that the integrity of the roof also needs to be considered when planning the ongoing maintenance of the system. “Walkways need to be planned and installed so that technicians can access panels without causing any damage to the roof, throughout the life cycle of the system. An experienced service provider will also ensure that other risks, such as corrosion from concentrated drips, are mitigated.” Aim for full integration Lastly, Van Eetveldt says that a PPA works best when it is integrated with other solutions that can further save on energy costs. “As an example, at the Longmeadow site, we identified an opportunity to pair the PV system with an outsourced lighting solution, which yielded additional savings. Similarly, solar panels and state-of-the-art outsourced refrigeration is among the best matches to save on operating costs. Integration with generators and batteries have also started to form part of some of our PPA agreements.”

He points out that integrating PPAs and different cost-cutting saving services is a skill on its own. It is therefore important to have a service provider with the experience and capabilities to ensure that the combined solutions are effective. DeWaal says, “We predict that within a few short years PPAs will become the norm for businesses in South Africa – and not only solar PPAs. We see more clients turning towards full outsourcing of their utilities, which is a huge departure from the traditional ‘all under one roof' approach. This speaks directly to the Energy Partners vision – to provide the cheapest, most reliable and most sustainable power, water, cooling and steam in Africa.” Founded in 2008, Energy Partners is a leading energy solutions provider in South Africa, providing clients with innovative solutions (including fully outsourced supply contracts in, for example, power, water, steam and cooling) to suit their needs. Energy Partners has built a 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 position from day one. Industries in which Energy Partners specialises include: food retail, retail, healthcare, hospitality, food processing and logistics. PSG Group is an investment holding company consisting of underlying investments that operate across industries which include financial services, banking, private equity, agriculture and education.

At the Longmeadow site, the extensive roof area enabled the installation team to distribute the weight of the system efficiently, ensuring that the structure is subjected to the least stress possible.

Electricity + Control

NOVEMBER 2019

29