Photo by: Duane Daws
JSE-listed Altron subsidiary Powertech System Integrators (PTSI) has launched a grid-tied solar rooftop photovoltaic (PV) offering aimed at corporates that allows access to a hybrid energy solution, which uses a combination of grid and solar power.
The company outlined in a statement on Thursday that the system was designed to be mounted on a rooftop or shaded carpark and featured PV modules that converted sunlight into current, and an inverter – or multiples thereof – that were able to convert the direct current (dc) power generated into usable alternating current (ac) power.
The solution was aimed at companies with substantial roof space and constant daily baseloads, such as mining companies, commercial property owners and industrial facilities.
“Most firms find renewable solutions prohibitive because a large capital outlay is usually intrinsic to the process. Recognising this as a critical hurdle to implementation, the model allows for the system to be built and owned by PTSI and the electricity generated to be provided through a power purchase agreement (PPA).
“The price of electricity produced by the PV system will be equal to the tariff currently in place, less a nominal discount. As long as the sun shines and the PV system produces energy, customers will be guaranteed a saving. An added benefit is that operation and maintenance is handled by PTSI,” commented PTSI strategic projects executive Kobus Morgan.
The PPA offered by PTSI was unique, he added, as it allowed the customer “buy-back” options during the contract period.
PTSI currently has a rooftop solar PV rooftop system at its head office in Pretoria, generating 60 kW of dc power, converted to 50kW of ac power.