Sparks Electrical News November 2025

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

13

SPS launches buyout model to unlock 100% of solar investment Sustainable Power Solutions (SPS), a pan African funder, developer and operator of solar PV and battery storage plants in the Commercial & Industrial (C&I) market, has introduced a new buyout model that converts existing solar and battery systems into immediate capital for South African businesses. Over the past decade, many companies providing predictable electricity costs. “This creates immediate capital relief for businesses, allowing funds to be reinvested into their core operations,” explains Anja Visagie, chief growth and marketing officer at SPS. “At the same time, enterprises continue to benefit from renewable energy savings and operational resilience, without carrying the operational, compliance, and maintenance burdens themselves.” “They can be confident their systems are delivering maximum value.” Predictability, flexibility, and risk reduction The buyout model offers fixed PPA tariffs, providing clarity and security over future energy costs. It also includes flexibility, allowing clients to buy back their systems in the future if they wish to re-own the asset. SPS’s financial backing, supported

Transforming energy into capital and opportunity By helping businesses reclaim capital tied up in renewable energy assets, SPS provides financial flexibility, operational certainty, and sustained energy savings. Strong interest in South Africa has prompted plans to expand this model across the continent, enabling industries to grow while optimising their energy systems. “Energy has become a constraint instead of an enabler for too many businesses. By reducing risk, freeing up capital, and providing predictable costs, this model aims to make energy a practical enabler for growth,” concludes Visagie.

invested heavily in renewable energy to reduce electricity costs and mitigate the impact of loadshedding. While these systems continue to deliver savings, the capital tied up in them has often limited business growth and reinvestment opportunities. SPS’s new buyout model enables businesses to recover up to 100% of their original investment and, in some cases, related costs such as roof strengthening or facility upgrades, while still benefiting from renewable energy savings and long-term system reliability. Unlocking capital while securing savings Through the buyout model, SPS purchases clients’ existing solar and battery systems and reimburses them for the full installation cost. In return, businesses enter into a 10- to 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with fixed tariffs, Africans, ASP Fire, a leading fire risk consulting company, has cautioned that poorly designed or badly installed systems are increasingly giving rise to dangerous fire incidents. CEO Michael van Niekerk notes that the rapid expansion of the solar market, coupled with the influx of new suppliers and installers, has heightened the risk of unsafe practices. A major insurance company recently reported a notable increase in property damage linked to defective workmanship and substandard solar equipment. “Lithium battery fires are among the most challenging to contain because they are self-sustaining,” says Van Niekerk. “Once a battery goes into thermal runaway, the fire can escalate rapidly, and it becomes very difficult

Taking the hassle out of operations and maintenance Many businesses underestimated the long-term demands of managing solar and battery systems. Effective Operations and Maintenance (O&M) require ongoing technical expertise, regular cleaning, and strict compliance with evolving regulations. Systems that are poorly maintained or non compliant can underperform, lose potential savings, and even become uninsurable. SPS removes this burden by taking full responsibility for compliance, insurance, and performance management. Clients can rest assured that their systems are optimised, running efficiently, and protected against technical or regulatory issues. “For most clients, the greatest relief is knowing they no longer have to manage these assets day-to-day,” says Visagie.

by British International Investment and other institutional shareholders, ensures systems remain compliant, insurable, and reliable throughout the contract period. “Our clients can focus on growing their businesses, while we ensure their energy systems meet all technical and regulatory standards,” adds Visagie.

Enquiries: https://sps.africa/

Solar growth sparks safety concerns over fire risks W ith solar power now firmly established as a mainstream energy choice for South to extinguish.” He stresses that only systems signed off by qualified engineers and equipped with robust battery management systems can provide adequate protection.

Efficiency first: the reimagined building of today and tomorrow By: Thabang Byl, Buildings segment lead at Schneider Electric P hilosopher Plato wisely said, “There is no harm in repeating a good thing.” While this sentiment translates into performance, our building also features a 200 kWp rooftop solar installation, contributing to 15 tonnes of CO 2 reduction monthly.

While solar energy continues to offer households and businesses greater independence and long-term savings, Van Niekerk warns that cutting corners on installation or relying on low-quality components can have catastrophic consequences. Issues such as arc faults in DC circuits, inadequate surge protection, or faulty wiring are among the leading causes of solar-related fires. ASP Fire highlights the importance of preventative measures such as choosing certified installers, ensuring that a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is issued, and insisting on quality components from reputable suppliers. Regular maintenance and inspections also play a vital role in safeguarding system integrity, while monitoring tools can help detect anomalies before they develop into major hazards. “Solar energy is here to stay, but safety cannot be an afterthought,” concludes Van Niekerk. “By prioritising quality, compliance, and proper oversight, South Africans can harness renewable power with confidence while reducing the risk of fire.”

many aspects of life, it certainly holds true for the continued emphasis and subsequent impact of retrofitting buildings. Enough cannot be said about the importance of transforming our existing buildings. Indeed, retrofitting is a truly practical way of achieving energy efficiency, compliance and long-term competitiveness. It makes the most of buildings. For decades, buildings were designed without energy savings in mind; electricity was abundant and inexpensive. Also, conservation wasn’t very high on the list either. Today, we don’t have the luxury of electricity (in abundance), and conservation is non-negotiable. Unfortunately, retrofits are often dismissed as costly or complicated. Many organisations still believe that retrofitting older buildings is unrealistic or prohibitively expensive. And whilst this perception is being consistently debunked, it remains a hurdle. The benefits are tangible The reality is that retrofits deliver significant return on investment: reducing operating costs, improving sustainability performance, and enhancing comfort for tenants. In fact, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF), retrofitting older buildings will be key to unlocking the full energy-saving potential of the buildings sector. As the report states, “75% of the buildings that will be standing in 2050 already exist”. As a practical example, Schneider Electric’s English-speaking Africa headquarters, situated in Midrand, Gauteng, feature important sustainability gains such as: • 37% lower energy consumption per month. • 34% less water usage per month. • 32 tonnes of CO 2 emissions reduced monthly. Further boosting our environmental

Efficiency first Retrofitting is not only about lowering electricity bills. It also introduces Building Management Systems (BMS), advanced metering, and smart controls, giving facility managers real-time visibility of consumption and enabling proactive decisions. It addresses efficiency first; buildings can therefore reduce energy from the get-go before integrating renewables, thus saving on a smaller, more cost-efficient system. That said, a lot of businesses still equate sustainability with installing solar panels alone. The reality is that without first optimising efficiency, renewable systems are often oversized and more expensive than necessary. By shifting the mindset towards “efficiency first”, companies can achieve considerable sustainability outcomes at a fraction of the cost. Leaders in retail and commercial property are already leading by example. Some major retail groups have worked closely with technology partners to improve operational efficiency. In one instance, retrofits initially solved everyday energy management challenges but later also revealed opportunities to introduce additional smart controls, ensuring lights and systems are switched off after overnight stock-taking, further mitigating unnecessary usage. These incremental improvements highlight the evolving, long-term value of retrofitting. The good news is that by reimagining existing buildings through efficiency-first retrofits, South Africa can preserve its architectural landmarks, reduce environmental impact, and create modern spaces that meet the demands of the future.

ASP Fire continues to provide specialised risk assessments, consulting services, and fire safety training, supporting both homeowners and businesses in making solar power a safe and sustainable investment.

Enquiries: www.aspfire.co.za

Enquiries: www.se.com/za/

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

NOVEMBER 2025

NOVEMBER 2025