Zero Point Energy empowered a Cash & Carry in Crown Mines, JHB with renewable solar power and is now saving the client over R18 000 per month for almost 2 years

Zero Point Energy successfully concluded a 75kW solar PV grid-tied roof-top project for a retail business in Crown Mines, Johannesburg at the beginning of December 2019.

A business of this nature is an extremely busy space and requires a sizable amount of electricity to run efficient day-to-day operations with minimal to no complications. We executed this project without any disruptions by designing and installaing an appropriately sized system to produce over 10 000 kWhrs or units of electricity per month, with the client’s monthly saving’s expected to be over R18 000 per month immediately.

“Renewable solar PV energy reduced FMCG client’s monthly electricity bill by over R18 000 per month, while also reducing  120 tons of CO2 emissions into the environment annually”

This business’s electricity-savings translate into a reduction of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere by 120 tons annually due to offsetting Eskom coal power supply.

A sizable proportion of the client’s electricity requirements are being met using clean, quiet and renewable energy. Municipal electricity will only be used during night-time and inclement weather because of modern, solar PV technology.

Figure 1: tier 1 mounted solar panels

Financial Benefits of solar pv

“This business is expected to save R20 000 per month during 2020 and R23 000 per month during 2021”

A further financial benefit to the client is the SARS Section 12B 1-year accelerated depreciation allowance for commercial solar PV projects.

Ultimately, the client will save a further 28% on the capital cost of the project using that allowance.

What Zero Point Energy offered

The investment would pay itself off in 3.5 years because they used the following:

• Tier 1 solar panels
• Roof specific mounting structures on North facing roof section
• Grid-tied solar PV inverters with industry leading warranties
• Professionally designed engineering system.
• Industry-leading equipment and protection.
• Design factored in the business’s existing diesel generator to ensure seamless operation of both systems

Figure 2: The completed electrical scope of the project including inverter, energy manager, DC and AC protection and 3-phase interconnection.

Design Process

• Step one: Determine the client’s needs and energy usage.
• Step two: Design cost-effective tailored professional solution.
• Step three: Install and commission to best industry standards.

Zero point Energy was responsible for the engineering design, planning and project management of the entire turn-key project. This included supplier logistics, roof-work, substation work, site storage, outage planning, installation, testing and commissioning of the system.

Figure 3: Drone footage of solar panel roof installation

Installation Process

The installation of these systems requires detailed planning and well-executed project management. Relevant assessments are crucial for not just the safety of all workers on site but for future maintenance requirements. Therefore, structural engineers need to be registered professionals.

To ensure installation runs smoothly remember your service provider needs to offer an industry-leading solar simulation software. It is also imperative that the service provider has experience not just with engineering design but within the construction industry too. All international best practices as well as national and local standards, regulations relating to DC and AC protection, earthing and electrical compliance has to be ensured.

Operations & Maintenance

A remote monitoring system should be installed for both the client and our operational team can monitor performance at any time from anywhere in the world via the internet and a mobile app. Example of interface shown below:

Figure 4: Internet based monitoring available to customer and our operations team in real-time to ensure continuous optimal operation of the solar PV system. Above graph shows weekly performance of the system (red = solar PV generation, blue = total site consumption)

“A grid limiting system is installed so that excess power cannot feed into the municipal network. Lastly, electrical & mechanical certificates compliance (CoC) are issued to provide clients with peace of mind on the installation quality”

Figure 5: Roof mounted Solar Panel installation

Conclusion

When investing in a Solar PV solution an FMCG business owner requires appropriate financial benefits. Reaping the financial benefits of Solar PV solutions start with high-end quality products and an experienced and qualified installer.

Great planning, communication and on-site co-ordination from an experienced service provider are very important to the longevity and professional quality of Renewable Energy Solar PV systems.

Contact the Zero Point Energy team to assist you with a review and analysis of your FMCG business. We will gladly assist you on your journey towards more sustainable and affordable energy management that will save you money in the immediate and long term. We are confident that our experienced team and proven solution offering will assist you to achieve guaranteed results.

www.zpenergy.co.za info@zpenergy.co.za @zeropointsa +27605218388

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