Agricultural company Senwes has launched the first silo solar photovoltaic (PV) system in South Africa, at its Hennenman silo, in the Free State.
“Around 1 120 solar panels were installed, with a total capacity of 358 kW. The total projected solar utilisation is 472 460 kWh/y, which constitutes 62% of the total electricity consumption of the Hennenman silo and will result in a significant cost saving,” Senwes CEO Francois Strydom said.
He added that, in line with the company’s sustainability objectives and contribution to reducing the carbon footprint, the solar PV system will save about 1 kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) per kilowatt-hour.
The projected carbon savings will amount to 472.5 t of CO2/y.
The project started in January and was completed in April, when it was integrated into the existing electricity grid.