Photo by: Peermont
Hotel group Peermont is extending the solar photovoltaic (PV) plant at its Emperors Palace hotel and casino, in Johannesburg, from 1.18 MW to 2.72 MW by adding more generating capacity on its parkade rooftop and other roof spaces.
After the successful reveal of the first phase of the rooftop solar PV plant in August, Peermont approached energy engineering solutions provider Terra Firma Solutions, to expand the existing PV plant that has already generated 640 MWh of electricity.
The bulk of the additional solar modules will be built on the uppermost level of a new shaded parking area. Set for completion by March 2017, this will result in substantial electricity savings for the property.
The total plant size will now cover about 17 000 m2 of roof comprising of about 9 000 solar panels and 40 000 m of cable.
“We are excited about the practical implications of the solar PV plant and the rollover of this ambitious project into its second phase will enable Emperors Palace to generate a substantial quota of its own power. This will ultimately alleviate its burden on the national power network significantly,” said Peermont CEO Nigel Atherton.
Terra Firma MD Ed Gluckman added that in partnering with Peermont, it was refreshing to work with a large company that understood the importance of sustainability and put this at the forefront of its capital expansion plans.
“This is not only a great achievement within the borders of South Africa but in the entertainment industry globally,” he added.