In the picturesque town of Still Bay, nestled along the Western Cape coastline, Inverroche Distillery faced a trifecta of energy-related challenges: energy insecurity, the exorbitant cost of running a diesel generator, and excessive energy consumption from the grid. Determined to find a robust and sustainable solution, they embarked on a strategic partnership with the commercial team at Specialized Solar Systems. The goal? To implement a tailored commercial hybrid solar system that would not only address their immediate energy needs but also position them as pioneers in eco-friendly practices.
The Solar Infrastructure
The heart of this innovative solution lies in the solar infrastructure carefully designed and installed by Specialized Solar Systems. Here are the key components:
- Atess Inverter:
- The backbone of the system, the Atess inverter, ensures seamless energy conversion and distribution. Its intelligent features optimize energy flow, balancing grid power, solar input, and battery storage.
- 240 kWp Solar Panel Array:
- A roof-mounted solar panel array, boasting a total capacity of 240 kilowatts peak (kWp), harnesses the abundant South African sunlight. These panels are strategically positioned to maximize energy capture throughout the day.
- Battery Storage:
- With 160 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of usable battery storage, the hybrid solar system provides energy security during load shedding and optimizes time-of-use (TOU) consumption patterns. The 100/80 Freedom Won lithium iron phosphate batteries ensure reliability and longevity.
Impact and Efficiency
The results speak volumes:
- Energy Independence:
- Inverroche Distillery no longer relies solely on the grid or expensive diesel generators. The solar system provides a consistent and sustainable energy supply, reducing their dependence on external sources.
- Financial Feasibility:
- The investment in this solar solution boasts a payback period of 5.5 years. Considering the system’s lifespan of over 20 years, it’s a prudent long-term investment.
- Environmental Stewardship:
- By embracing solar energy, Inverroche Distillery contributes to environmental sustainability. Annually, the system saves approximately 93 tons of carbon dioxide emissions—an impressive feat for a business committed to eco-conscious practices.
Looking Ahead
As phase two of the project unfolds, the solar system’s capacity will double, projecting an annual average energy production of 129.6 megawatt-hours (MWh). Inverroche Distillery’s commitment to renewable energy not only benefits their bottom line but also sets an example for other businesses in the Western Cape and beyond.
Inverroche Distillery’s journey—from energy challenges to solar empowerment—serves as a testament to the efficacy of solar solutions in addressing complex energy issues. As the sun continues to shine on Still Bay, so does the promise of a sustainable future
Credit: Specialized Solar Solutions - Inverroche’s Solar Power: A Green Revolution in Still Bay