Marking another milestone in the development of South Africa’s solar energy market, pioneering domestic energy firm SolarAfrica has successfully commissioned the country’s largest solar carport system – for the Ford South Africa Silverton assembly plant, in Pretoria.
The 13.5 MW solar photovoltaic carport installation at the Ford assembly plant in Silverton.
The 13.5 MW solar project uses the sun’s energy to produce 35% of the Ford plant’s electricity requirements, averting emissions of more than 20 000 tonnes of CO2 a year. It will support Ford in achieving its global sustainability target of using 100% carbon-free electricity across all its manufacturing operations by 2035.
In terms of the power purchase agreement governing the project, Ford will only pay for the electricity it uses. This is in line with the standard framework agreement developed by SolarAfrica. Additionally, the PPA did not require upfront capital expenditure from the client but was co-funded by Commercial Energy SA (CESA). The CESA investment facility is based on a long-term joint venture between the Evolution II Fund and SolarAfrica.
Steven Faure, Partner at Inspired Evolution, the advisor to the Evolution II Fund, said, “We are excited to be involved in this landmark project bringing clean energy to Ford’s Silverton operations. The project marks a key milestone in the rollout of solar PV solutions for commercial and industrial consumers in South Africa. We will continue to work with SolarAfrica to deliver world-class solar solutions, contributing to a reduction of GHGs and improving energy security across the country.”
SolarAfrica CEO, David McDonald says the project, which required over 35 000 man-hours and created over 120 jobs among subcontractors, represents a significant step-change in the progression of large-scale solar PV energy projects in South Africa.
“We applaud Ford South Africa for taking the lead and committing to a sustainability project of this scale. As well as the environmental and cost benefits, the Ford solar project has had a big impact on job creation in the Tshwane area, which is fully aligned with the City of Tshwane’s focus to grow the automotive industry as a key driver of employment,” he says.
The bespoke, large-scale cantilevered solar carport structure provides parking bays for over 3 600 vehicles and comprises more than 30 000 solar panels. Designed and constructed by SolarAfrica, the carport provides an efficient way to deploy solar power, as the solution protects parked vehicles from poor weather conditions and at the same time produces cheaper, cleaner power.
The launch of the solar project comes as economics consultancy, Meridian Economics, estimates that more than 15 000 MW of additional solar energy generation capacity, and almost 7 000 MW of wind energy, will be required to stabilise South Africa’s energy system.
“We are pleased to contribute to the sustainability of this sector and to assist Ford SA in realising its vision for job creation – with the aim of building further industry growth and indirect employment,” McDonald adds.
For more information visit: www.solarafrica.co.za
