The project started in January this year and was completed in April, when it was integrated into the existing electricity grid.
Senwes has also installed 2 392 solar panels at its head office in Klerksdorp, North West.
Hennenman’s Solar PV should produce 472 460kWh per year; this constitutes some 62% of its total yearly electricity consumption. Japie Fransman,
Japie Fransman, Senwes spokesperson, told Farmer’s Weekly that the projected savings in electricity costs amount to R1 743 000, just for the first year of operation. In light of this, the Solar PV promises significant reductions in operating costs for the silo.
Francois Strydom, group chief executive of Senwes, said in a statement: “In contribution to reducing the carbon footprint, the Solar PV will save approximately 1kg CO2/kWh. The projected carbon savings will amount to 472t of CO2 per annum.”
He added: “The agricultural sector will see more and more alternative energy in the agricultural sector because of the costing savings, cleaner energy, reducing the carbon footprint, more stable power supply and increase in energy capacity for an increased demand.”
Nico Els, silo manager, monitors the Solar PV using Sunny Portal, an app that relays the amount of energy produced per hour (kWh). In a statement, he said the system had recently recorded producing 1 600kWh.
Strydom said Solar PV systems would soon be installed at other silos.
