Cement additives manufacturing company Chryso Southern Africa has installed a solar electricity generating system at its Jet Park premises, in Gauteng.
The system will generate almost 240 MWh/y, says Chryso Southern Africa CEO Norman Seymore.
The system comprises 393 solar panels, each with a capacity of 400 W. They will collectively generate 157 kW through five 27.6 kW inverters for supply to the production facility.
“Our investment in solar energy generation is an important contribution to the company’s global commitment to a more sustainable construction sector. Our Chryso admixture products themselves play a valuable role in driving down the carbon emissions related to construction materials,” Seymore says.
These admixtures can help to reduce the cement component of concrete, with cement being among the world’s most significant carbon-generating products.
“The output will make up about 70% of our energy requirements, with the rest sourced from the national grid.
"One of our three sustainability pillars at Chryso is reducing energy consumption, and this installation goes a long way in reducing our dependence on South Africa's notoriously carbon-intensive electricity.”