IN response to national power utility Eskom’s challenge to meet the nation’s energy demand, alternative energy sources are being thoroughly explored, and it appears that an answer to short, medium and long-term energy supplies lies in renewables.
The country has abundant natural energy sources, including a sunny climate with the capacity to produce an ample supply of solar energy. The ongoing load shedding presents unrivalled opportunities for rooftop solar entities.
It is crucial that manufacturers are educated on the extensive benefits that solar holds in store for their businesses, and the annual Manufacturing Indaba serves as the perfect platform for solar solution companies to expand their customer base.
Large manufacturing facilities are the ideal space for solar system installations as their sizeable, flat roofs have a substantial surface area for installing not only more solar panels, but lengthier strings that catch more sunlight, thereby generating even more electricity.
Furthermore, manufacturing plants are typically located in industrial parks and outlying areas, isolated from overshadowing skyscrapers found in city centres that conceal solar panels from the sunlight.
This means manufacturing factories can reap greater benefits from solar PV installation for extended periods of uninterrupted sunlight translating into greater energy generation, and thereby increasing the return on investment. Moreover, manufacturers can take advantage of installing solar panels on the vast expanse of rooftops of their parking lots and carports — a versatile use of space that would otherwise be wasted.
Rooftop solar systems generate electricity during the daylight, coinciding with the peak hours of most factory operations. Hence, while the sun is out, manufacturing facilities have the option to either limit their dependence on the national grid or abandon it completely. This reliable power backup ensures manufacturing productivity during peak hours, thereby translating into greater profits.
Solar reduces reliance on diesel backup for generators to ensure uninterrupted power. In addition, solar requires minimal maintenance, having no moving parts and is silent thus doesn’t contribute to an already loud factory environment. Additionally, rooftop solar PV systems can be tailored specifically to meet a factory’s unique space, energy and budget requirements.
Energy Security Rooftop Solar PV plants have capacity to support designated loads or all connected loads if load shedding occurs during the day. What’s more, solar PV plants can provide battery storage solutions, thereby supporting factories at night.
The manufacturing sector can profit considerably from solar power solutions. Industrial factories use a significant amount of electricity and this energy constitutes a major expense for the utility, as well as contributing significantly to pollution.
Increased energy consumption coupled with the expected increase in electricity prices in the commercial sector purports that manufacturers will inevitably be confronted with higher expenses, ultimately eating into a significant portion of their bottom-line. Large-scale commercial solar panel installations provide tremendous cost-cutting benefits for manufacturers and there is no better time than now for industrialists to capitalise on solar technologies.
Manufacturing Indaba
The Manufacturing Indaba is set to provide current and prospective solar solution companies from across Sub-Saharan Africa with an exciting and collaborative stage from which they can develop indispensable networks with key manufacturing industry players.
The exhibition invites all ambitious solar companies to seize this unique opportunity in the manufacturing market and showcase your capabilities to potential manufacturing clients.
This event serves as the ideal environment to exhibit the benefits of your solar solutions to attending manufacturers who have the potential to take your solar business to the next level.
For more information about the event visit: www.manufacturingindaba.co.za
