The photovoltaic (PV) solar farm, comprising 10,900 panels, produces approximately 1.2MWh of electricity. The solar farm is Emira’s second solar installation and follows its successful solar power pilot project launched in 2015 at its Epson Downs Shopping Centre in Bryanston, which produces around 271kWp and saves over 515,000kWh each year.
The new solar installation at the 22,500m2 Randridge Mall is set to save 2GWh of electricity every year. It is estimated that over 15 years, the use of this solar power will save Emira over R40m on its electricity costs at the mall.
Justin Bowen, development manager at Emira, comments: “Our pilot solar power project has proven a success and delivered real, tangible benefits that we are excited to extend to Randridge Mall. At the same time as driving down electricity consumption and costs, our increased use of renewable energy further reduces Emira’s carbon footprint.”
Emira once again partnered with Bright Black Solar to supply and install the solar power system at Randridge Mall. Its panels were specially imported and manufactured by Canadian Solar/Jinko, and it uses SMA inverters.
After months of planning and logistics, installation of the solar farm began in March this year. It includes a carport system of 550kWp, with the rest of the panels being roof mounted. The solar PV installation began operating in May 2017.
