The installation of an R8-million roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) energy harvesting system by diversified South African agribusiness BKB is set to provide energy to, and reduce the carbon footprint of, South Africa’s wool and mohair industry, in Nelson Mandela Bay.
BKB, which processed and exported two-thirds of the South African wool clip and more than 35% of the country’s mohair clip, said in a statement on Wednesday that the system would harvest and introduce solar energy into its handling and shipping facility, in Port Elizabeth.
The solar PV system, which covered a total surface area of 3 400 m², was currently being installed on the roofs of BKB warehouse buildings that housed classing, handling and pressing facilities.
The pitched roof sections of these buildings would be retrofitted with some 4 680 solar panels, each with an output of 100 W. The solar array, which was expected to go on line next week, would generate 40% of the facility’s electricity needs.
BKB planned to recoup the project’s investment costs over a ten-year period through energy savings of about R850 000 a year.
The company said the solar PV system was significant for the country’s wool and mohair industries, and for the 28 000 emerging and commercial wool and mohair producers served by BKB.
“The solar PV system will offset the carbon footprint of wool and mohair processed and exported from our facilities. This will enhance the [environmental] credentials of South African wool and mohair handled, pressed and shipped by BKB,” commented corporate marketing and public relations head Jacobus le Roux.