Empowering Sustainability: Safari Ostrich Tourist Farm with their Hybrid Solar Solution
In the heart of Oudtshoorn, South Africa, Safari Ostrich Farm is pioneering sustainable farming and tourism with its innovative hybrid solar powered system. Faced with unstable electricity from load shedding and high tariffs imposed by Eskom, the tourism farm sought a solution to improve operations and cut costs while making a positive impact on the environment.
Specialized Solar Systems’ commercial team has installed a state-of-the-art hybrid solar system at the Safari Ostrich Farm. The system features six Victron MultiPlus-II 10kVA inverters, two Fronius Eco 27kVA inverters, MPPT charge controllers, and a 100kWh FreedomWon lithium iron battery for energy storage. The solar array, comprising Canadian solar panels, is strategically positioned across 36m x 30m of IBR and corrugated rooftops, delivering an impressive total capacity of 85.8kWp.
This forward-thinking upgrade not only addresses operational challenges but also provides substantial environmental benefits. With an annual average energy production of 129.4 MWh, the system saves a remarkable 93.168 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
In this informative interview below, co-owner Mr. P. Zwarts of Safari Ostrich Farm, along with Ray Nolan from Specialized Solar Systems, discusses the powerful impact solar energy has had on their business one year after installation.
The Safari Ostrich Farm commercial hybrid solar system demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, offering a payback period of just 5.5 years and a lifespan of 20 years. This eco-friendly initiative not only secures the company’s energy needs but also contributes to a greener and more resilient future.
| Project Name | Safari Ostrich Farm |
| Country | South Africa |
| Location | Oudtshoorn, WC |
| System type | Hybrid Solar System |
| Inverter type | Victron MultiPlus-II 6x10kVA Fronius Eco 2 X 27kVA |
| Panel mount position | IBR & Corrugated covering 36 m x 30 m |
| Storage | 100/80 FW |
| kWp | 85.8 |
| Problems faced by Client | Unstable electricity supply due to loadshedding & high tariffs from Eskom utility |
| System description | AC/DC Coupled with Vicron Multiplus-II 10 kVA x 6 inverters, Fronius Eco 27kVA inverters, MPPT charge controller 150V (Victron Energy); FreedomWon 80kWh Usable storage, 85.8 kWp PV Modules Canadian Solar |
| System annual average energy production (MWh) | 5.5 |
| System lifespan (Years) | 20 |
| Annual Carbon dioxide (CO2) savings (tons) | 93.168 |
Safari Ostrich Farm was opened to the public in 1956 by Derek Fisch and Harry Lipschitz with the goal of educating and entertaining guests about ostriches and farming practices. Today, this legacy is still carried on by both families as commercial ostrich farmers and as an attraction to the public.
Some more images of the installation:
Get ready to supercharge your sustainability journey! Explore the exciting world of commercial solar solutions with Specialized Solar Systems:
- Contact us now (Tel: 044 878 1126, Mon to Thu 8AM–5PM and Fri 8AM–2PM) to explore tailored solar solutions for your business.
- Dive into the future of energy efficiency and cost savings! View more information about our commercial section at this link.
- Discover how solar innovation is transforming agriculture! View more information about our agriculture section at this link.
- Witness the power of sun-driven success! Check out some of our recent solar-powered commercial projects at this link.
Take the first step towards a brighter, greener future with Specialized Solar Systems. Click the links above to explore, and let’s bring your sustainable vision to life!