New solar solution on offer for sectional-title market

20th April 2016 By: Creamer Media Reporter

New solar solution on offer for sectional-title market

Renewable energy services company SolarAfrica has launched a new rooftop solar solution, tailored specifically for South Africa’s large sectional-title market.

The offering is designed to provide homeowners in complexes and estates with immediate access to affordable solar energy without having to pay the upfront capital.

SolarAfrica will install, operate and maintain the solar panels, which will be paid for through a funding model that recoups the costs over the 10-year lifespan of the agreement.

Commercial director Johan Pienaar says that, because the monthly service fee payable to SolarAfrica is below the cost of energy sourced from most municipalities, there should be real savings for body corporates. SolarAfrica also gaurantees that its pricing will not rise by more than consumer price inflation plus 1% each year.

“Body corporates can expect to save 15% to 20% of their energy costs, which are directly reflected through a reduction in its levies,” Pienaar explains, adding that the financial model means that customers will only pay for the performance of the solar solution.

Users will also have access to an online real-time data service, which provides visibility to customers on their energy usage.

The solution is built on a modular system that enables solar optimiser technology that is scalable.  Add-ons such as energy storage, specifically, batteries can be featured as new technologies emerge, Pienaar says.