At the heart of South Africa’s agricultural sector, renewable energy solutions are playing an increasingly important role in supporting farming operations nationwide. One standout example of this is the custom energy system installed at Namoneng Farm, a citrus operation in Mpumalanga, which highlights the significant benefits that tailored renewable energy solutions can bring to the agricultural industry.
Namoneng Farm, part of the Lona Group, was facing severe energy constraints after a major packhouse upgrade. With Eskom, the national electricity provider, unable to supply additional power, the farm had to rely on diesel generators, consuming up to 500 litres of diesel daily during peak season. This not only led to substantial fuel and maintenance costs, but it also posed a challenge in terms of sustainability and reliability, especially during critical processing periods.
To address these challenges, a comprehensive renewable energy solution was designed and implemented, comprising a 610kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system integrated with 1200kWh of battery storage. The installation of this system completely eliminated the need for diesel generators, reducing the farm’s reliance on expensive and environmentally harmful fuel. As a result, the farm now benefits from significant savings in both fuel costs and maintenance expenses, while also ensuring a reliable and stable power supply throughout the year, regardless of seasonal fluctuations.
This installation is a testament to the ability of renewable energy systems to cater to the unique energy demands of various agricultural operations. With extensive experience across a range of sectors, from poultry producers in the Western Cape to water-intensive farms in the Northern Cape, and avocado and macadamia growers in Mozambique, the focus is always on providing customized solutions that meet the specific needs of each farm.
The approach taken for Namoneng Farm was tailored to the operation’s individual requirements, ensuring maximum efficiency and compatibility with existing infrastructure. The first step was to conduct thorough energy audits to gain a deep understanding of the farm’s seasonal energy consumption patterns. This allowed for the design of a hybrid energy system, integrating solar PV, battery storage, Eskom supply, and generators. The generators were retained as a backup in the event of extended periods of bad weather, ensuring uninterrupted power during critical times.
A key feature of the system is its flexibility and scalability. The energy infrastructure is capable of meeting the farm’s peak demands during the busy processing season and can also be adjusted to feed any excess energy to pump stations throughout the farm during the off-season. Additionally, farm management can monitor and optimize energy usage remotely, making it easier to ensure that the system operates at maximum efficiency at all times.
Replacing the diesel generators with a solar-powered system has had a profound impact on the farm’s energy costs and environmental footprint. Not only has Namoneng Farm realized substantial savings in electricity costs, but the switch to renewable energy has also resulted in a significant reduction in carbon emissions, contributing to a more sustainable operation.
An important aspect of the solution was the financing model, which was structured to allow Namoneng Farm to benefit from the system immediately, without the need for any upfront capital investment. Through a power purchase agreement for the solar components and a lease-to-own arrangement for the batteries and networks, the farm was able to begin saving on energy costs right away. Furthermore, ongoing monitoring and technical support ensure that the system continues to perform at its best, providing the farm with peace of mind for years to come.
Overall, the custom renewable energy solution at Namoneng Farm demonstrates the value of adopting sustainable energy practices in agriculture, not only for cost savings but also for improving operational reliability and reducing environmental impact.
