Clé du Cap Retirement Village partnered with InPower Energy to install a solar energy system aimed at reducing electricity costs and promoting sustainability.
Project Overview
The project aimed to reduce electricity costs and enhance energy independence by transitioning from a grid-tied to a hybrid system. A key consideration of the installation of the brand new hybrid system was to power critical areas of the villages. By adding batteries to the system, the village was able to store energy produced during the day for use in the evenings or when power outages occured.
System Size
- 207 kWp total capacity
- Components:
- 175 x 545W and 165 x 455W Canadian Solar panels
- 3 Sunsynk 50kW HV Hybrid inverters
- 3 freedom won 40kWh HV lithium batteries
Projected vs. Actual Energy Generation
InPower Energy's analysis projected an average monthly energy generation of 20,000 kWh, meeting about 60% of the village's needs. Actual energy generation closely matched the projections (refer graph below).
Summary of Savings
Savings from January to June 2024 totaled R450,000.
- Averaging R75,000 per month.
- The R2.2 million initial cost of the hybrid system is expected to be recovered within 3 years, thereafter providing sustainable, cost-effective energy.
Energy Sustainability for Clé du Cap
The solar system significantly reduces reliance on fossil fuels and other traditional forms of energy generation, i.e, Eskom. By using solar energy, village residents enjoy a more green environment and enjoy the benefits of a self sufficient, sustainable retirement village.
