SolarAfrica launches virtual power solutions for factories, mines and more at Electra Mining
Independent Power Producer SolarAfrica will launch its suite of virtual power solutions at Electra Mining.
Full details about these solutions will be revealed as an Electra Mining exclusive before it’s launched publicly to the rest of South Africa’s commercial and industrial sectors.
SolarAfrica’s Head of Commercial, Brandon Horn, will also headline as a speaker on Day 1 of the expo in Hall 9 about how businesses can create a sustainable future for themselves, including using virtual power solutions.
Providing relief from rising electricity prices and pressure to go green
The company’s virtual suite of solutions addresses the dire need in the commercial, industrial and mining sectors to mitigate increasing electricity tariffs and manage local and international pressures to reduce their carbon footprint.
Businesses have traditionally been forced to rely on utility electricity to power their operations. Electricity tariffs have soared by around 33.8% over the past two years (and 450% since 2008). Considering the increased drain rising prices have on these sectors’ profitability, businesses need all the support they can get to protect themselves from revenue and job losses.
Offering cheaper, greener electricity than ever before
SolarAfrica is giving businesses the opportunity to upgrade from traditional power to the new virtual solutions suite. Electra Mining visitors will have direct access to SolarAfrica’s energy experts on-stand if they want to discuss these solutions in more detail.
In addition to promoting cost savings and carbon reduction, the solutions are fully virtual and require zero physical installation or construction on-site.
These solutions are ideal for mining and manufacturing operations that have limited space for solar and batteries, or face other risks to these energy systems such as dusty operating sites or localised crime.
Wheeling already available, more options to come online
The suite will offer several virtual power options, with Wheeling as the first solution available for sign-up. Wheeling allows businesses to buy power directly from SolarAfrica at a tariff that is up to 50% cheaper than Eskom’s. The power will be generated from several solar farms – including the flagship 1 GW SunCentral in the Northern Cape – giving businesses access to more green power than ever before.
Over the short to medium term, more virtual power solutions will come online. This includes further enhancements in energy trading and options to optimise monthly billing for maximum cost savings. This new virtual power ecosystem offers contract, resource, price and location flexibility for businesses looking to optimise their energy efficiency, monthly cost savings and long-term carbon reduction.
On-site options can further augment cost and carbon savings
Factories and operations that prefer having a system on-site can still opt for SolarAfrica’s solar and battery solutions, both available as financed or cash purchase options. The virtual power solutions can also fully integrate with their on-site counterparts, significantly boosting a business’s progress along its green energy journey.
For SolarAfrica, it’s always been about giving business owners the power to choose where they get their power from – and how they can gain the most benefit from it. With the addition of virtual power solutions to their current on-site offering, the company now brings even more choice and control to businesses as they navigate South Africa’s uncertain energy and economic landscape.
