sparks
ELECTRICAL NEWS
august
2013
Energy efficiency
13
LOCAL interest in photovoltaic (PV) technology has heightened
since the launch in 2011 of South Africa’s Renewable Energy
Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP). Through this
initiative, the government aims to procure and install 1,45GWof PV
capacity by the end of 2014.
The first South African owned solar PVmodule manufacturer,
ART Solar, has recently been established and is well-positioned to
play a leading role in providing reliable and independent electric-
ity to support the country’s growing economy and to combat the
affects of rising utility costs.
ART Solar’s KZNmanufacturing plant, with the latest equipment
from Swiss manufacturer – Meyer Burger Swiss Solar Systems - is
geared to produce about 250 000 PVmodules or approximately
75 MW/year. These modules can be 48, 60 or 72 cell modules, with
a glass-backsheet or with a glass-glass construction.
Every module manufactured at ART Solar meets the exact specifi-
cations of each customer. These requirements include the percent-
age of local content necessary, as well as aesthetic needs.
“With the investment in solar PVmodules, users are able to
generate electricity and benefit from cost savings in the long term.
An advantage for the local market is that funding for renewable
energy projects is available. South Africa will also benefit fromnot-
ing the faults and successes of solar power projects implemented
around the world,”says MarkWalsh, managing director, ART Solar.
“PV technology is a reliable and proven source of electricity be-
cause of its environmentally friendly and cost efficient features.
“The sun is the only resource needed to power PV panels and the
silicon used in the manufacture of PV cells is an abundant and non-
toxic material. PVmodules produce no noise, no harmful emissions
and no polluting gases. These modules can be recycled, which
means materials used duringmanufacture are re-used.
“Other important features include easy installation and lowmain-
tenance requirements. ART Solar offers a 25 year guarantee for its
modules, which have an estimated 40 year service life. All modules
are manufactured according to stringent quality, environmental
and safety specifications.”
The company’s commitment tomeeting the exact requirements
The first South African owned solar PVmodule manufacturer, ART Solar, has recently been established. This is the stringer machine for electrical cell connection.
Solar power gains momentum
The ART Solar team celebrates
at the company’s official open-
ing in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Na-
tal on 23 May. ART Solar is the
only South African owned pho-
tovoltaic (PV) module manu-
facturer. Guest of honour, Dr
Wolsey Barnard, The Depart-
ment of Energy (DoE) deputy
director-general of energy for
programmes and projects, cut
the green, environmentally-
friendly ribbon, marking the
official opening of the new
facility – the largest and most
modern in Africa. Established
by local entrepreneurs, ART
Solar, aims to provide long
term solutions to the current
and predicted electricity is-
sues facing this county and to
job creation for the local com-
munity.
Enquiries: (031) 705-7162
Official opening of SA’s only PV module manufacturer
of the Africanmarket is evident in the development of PVmodules
specifically for local climate conditions. Special encapsulants are
used to prevent delamination and yellowing in high insolation
conditions and ensure extended service life of modules at elevated
temperatures. PV panels are designed for large scale power plants,
mines and rural electrification, as well as industrial and residential
roofing. Modules with enhanced aesthetics are manufactured for
residential and commercial installations. This environmentally-
friendly system can also be integrated into roofs and facades to
reduce the energy buildings consume.
ART Solar provides extensive technical skills training for the
production team and installers to ensure absolute reliability of
every module and hence a sustainable local business, with local
employees.
Enquiries: (031) 705 7162
KNIPEX insulated spanners, sockets, ratchets and
torquewrenches aremade of high quality
materials, which have beenmanufactured
and tested in conformancewith regulations
of international standards.
The firmly bonded
double-dipped
insulation ismade of
insulatingmaterial
that is free of harmful
substances and tools aremanu-
factured fromchrome vanadiumsteel, forged
and oil hardened.
“If the prescribedmethods for working on electrical
installations are observed, these tools offer the greatest
possible protection, evenwhen it is necessary towork
live up to 1 000V ac and 1 500V dc,”says Garry Lumpe.
Enquiries: (011) 425-4265
High quality protection
for electricians
THE Energy Training Foundation (EnTF) is the approved
training partner of the Association of Energy Engineers
(AEE) for the Southern African region, affiliated trainer for
the SAEE.
The following training courses will be presented during
the second half of this year:
•
Certified Energy Manager (CEM) an AEE course – five CPD
credits (14 - 18 October, Johannesburg).
•
Certified Measurement and Verification Professional
(CMVP) an AEE course – three CPD credits (16 - 18 Octo-
ber, Johannesburg).
•
Certified Renewable Energy Professional (REP) and AEE
course (18 - 21 November, Johannesburg).
•
Energy Management System Implementation Course
(EnMSI-ISO 50001) – two CPD credits (16 - 17 October,
Johannesburg).
•
Fundamentals to Energy Management Training (FEMT) –
three CPD credits (13 - 15 August, Bloemfontein; 17 - 19
September 2013, Johannesburg).
Visit
for more information and registration
forms or contact
Energy training courses
