JSE-listed Balwin Properties has partnered with renewable energy provider SolarAfrica to incorporate solar energy at two of its upmarket developments.
The Kikuyu development, in Midrand, and The Whisken development, in Johannesburg, are one of the first developments in South Africa to offer residents cheaper and cleaner energy, says Balwin.
While all Balwin apartments are considered ecofriendly, the two newest developments will be the first to make use of solar energy to provide a considerable portion of their daily electricity needs. The solar energy systems will operate in conjunction with an automated load management system.
“While we already offer prepaid meters allowing residents to actively manage their electricity consumption, the addition of solar power will save residents on their monthly electricity bill,” Balwin CEO Steve Brookes says.
SolarAfrica’s latest advancement combines effective geyser load management with solar energy, allowing for up to 40% of a development’s total energy requirements to be supplied by solar energy.
The system works by managing the time and temperature of hot water heating to increase the use of solar energy.
By controlling small fluctuations in temperature, a substantial amount of energy can be stored during the day for use at night. Smart geyser software ensures the hot water temperature for each resident’s water is kept at optimal levels.
Each apartment block will be fitted with dual glass, frameless polycrystalline modules which have some of the best performance ratings in the industry and blend well with the architectural style of each building.
“This is an exciting partnership for us. Our solar and load management solution at The Whisken and Kikuyu will demonstrate how greener buildings can lower utility costs through environment-friendly living,” SolarAfrica CEO James Irons notes.