hoogekraal boerdery Archives

Ganzevlei Manor – Off-Grid Solar

Sedgefield, Western Cape

Case
Ganzevlei Manor invested in a large-scale solar system to secure energy independence
and reduce carbon footprint.

Challenge
Unreliable grid power and rising tariffs disrupted operations and guest services.
Ganzevlei Manor needed a stable, independent energy solution to ensure comfort,
prevent downtime, and protect year-round revenue.

Solution & Impact

45kVA system: 3 x 15kVA Quattron Victron Inverters, 2 x 20kW Fronius
Inverters, 20kVA three phase generator, 80kWhrs Freedom Won storage and
44kWp Bificial solar array, 160kWhr/day solar yield
Air B&B, so not interruptions during peak season,
Estimated payback period under 4 years

Timberlake Village – Hybrid Solar System

Wilderness, Western Cape

Case
Timberlake Village needed a reliable backup energy system to ensure uninterrupted
power for tenants and maintain operational security

Challenge
The property required a compact, rapid-deployment solution to safeguard
against grid outages while maximizing energy efficiency.

Solution & Impact

3 × 15 kVA Victron Quattro inverters, 2 × 40/32 kWh Freedom Won LiFePO₄
batteries (80 kWh total)
Housed in a robust steel container for safety and long-term reliability
Factory-configured and ready for immediate operation
Estimated payback typically under 6 years

Thembalethu AC Solar Electrification Pilot Project – Off-Grid Community Solar

George, Western Cape

Case
To address the lack of safe electricity in informal settlements, the Thembalethu AC Solar Electrification Pilot Project delivers off-grid, remotely managed AC solar power to 13 households, replacing unsafe and illegal energy sources.

Challenge
Unelectrified households relied on dangerous methods to access electricity (including illegal connections). This created high energy insecurity that limited daily life, education, and income-generating activities. Safe, reliable, and sustainable energy access was urgently needed.

Solution & Impact

Off-grid EnergyPod with 6.6 kWp PV, 30 kWh LiFePO₄ batteries, and 15 kVA Victron MultiPlus II inverter capacity.
Five overhead streetlight poles with network cabling for lighting and added security distribute power to the households.
Automated Wh metering and switching with a daily 5 PM reset, shown via a color-coded in-house customer DB display for usage, billing, and overload status.
Household distribution includes 10A DB, sockets, indoor and outdoor lighting, and optional appliances.
Provides safe, reliable power for 13 households, improving education, daily living, and small-business potential.

Kingswood Clubhouse – Hybrid Solar System

Porterville/De Hoek, Western Cape

Case
Kingswood Clubhouse required a high-performance solar system to reduce energy
costs and maintain full operational capability during grid outages.

Challenge
Unpredictable grid reliability and escalating tariffs drove the need for a secure,
cost-saving power solution.

Solution & Impact

135 kVA AC/DC-coupled system, 139.86 kWp PV array, 131.2 kWh LiFePO₄
storage
Seamless integration between solar, battery, and grid power
Smart optimization ensures maximum self-consumption and long-term
savings
Estimated payback typically under 6 years

Wesland Farm – Off-Grid Solar System

Porterville/De Hoek, Western Cape

Case
Wesland Farm embraced solar to achieve full energy self-reliance and sustainability
for its agricultural operations.

Challenge
Remote location and grid dependency made reliable power supply and rising
costs unsustainable.

Solution & Impact

45 kVA system: 22.2 kWp PV via dual 450/200 MPPTs + 30 kWp Fronius
inverters (total 52.2 kWp), 100 kWh LiFePO₄ storage (80 kWh usable)
Seamless off-grid integration with solar and battery backup
Continuous supply powering essential farm operations and equipment
Scalable design, with planned system doubling for future expansion
Estimated payback typically under 6 years

Braams Farm – Hybrid Solar System

Cape Town, Western Cape

Case
Braams Farm required a reliable and cost-effective solution to combat high energy
costs, grid dependence, and vulnerability to outages.

Challenge
Rising electricity tariffs and heavy farm consumption demanded an energy-secure,
financially viable alternative.

Solution & Impact

180 kVA AC-coupled hybrid system: 12 × 15 kVA Victron Quattro inverters, 4
× 27 kVA Fronius Eco inverters, 140.8 kWp PV array, 160 kWh LiFePO₄ storage
(usable 128 kWh)
Seamless AC/DC-coupled embedded generator with net metering and
energy banking
244 MWh annual solar generation, cutting ~211 tons CO₂ per year

Tuiniqua Care Centre – Hybrid Solar System

George, Western Cape

Case
Tuiniqua Care Centre needed a reliable and cost-effective alternative to diesel
generators to secure power for its frail care unit and daily operations.

Challenge
Escalating diesel costs, fuel dependence, and load-shedding disruptions placed
a heavy burden on finances and operations.

Solution & Impact

90 kVA AC-coupled hybrid system: 6 × 15 kVA Victron Quattro inverters, 1 ×
27 kVA Fronius Eco, 56.16 kWp PV array, 100 kWh LiFePO₄ storage (80 kWh
usable)
Seamless AC/DC-coupled integration with grid and solar backup
246.2 kWh/day, cutting energy costs and reducing carbon footprint
Estimated payback typically under 6 years

De Gift Boerdery – Hybrid Solar System

Riebeek Wes, Western Cape

Case
De Gift Boerdery invested in a large-scale hybrid solar system to secure energy
independence, cut costs, and reduce its carbon footprint.

Challenge
FRising electricity tariffs, reliance on generators, and the need for continuous
power in agricultural operations.

Solution & Impact

300 kVA system: 2 × Atess HV HPS 150 kVA inverters, 316.8 kWp PV array, 300 kWh
LiFePO₄ storage (240 kWh usable)
Seamless integration with grid and generator backup
Reliable energy for irrigation, cold storage, and daily farm operations
1,200 kWh/day solar yield, reducing ~3.54 tons CO₂ annually
Estimated payback under 6 years

Hartmans Butchery – Hybrid Solar System

George, Western Cape

Case
A commercial client in George invested in solar to secure energy independence,
reduce escalating electricity costs, and improve operational resilience.

Challenge
Unreliable grid supply and high tariffs threatened business continuity and affordability.

Solution & Impact

90 kVA AC-coupled hybrid system: 6 × 15 kVA Victron Quattro + 1 × 27 kVA
Fronius, 52.1 kWp PV array, 200 kWh LiFePO₄ storage (160 kWh usable)
Seamless AC/DC hybrid integration between solar, battery, and grid
218 kWh/day solar yield, reducing grid reliance and diesel use
Estimated payback typically under 6 years

Tweerivier Dairy – Grid-Tied Solar System

Jonkersberg/George, Western Cape

Case
A commercial client opted for a large-scale solar installation to lower electricity
expenses and capitalize on daytime yield.

Challenge
High daytime consumption and rising utility tariffs made grid dependence costly.

Solution & Impact

316 kVA grid-tied inverter capacity, 330 kWp PV solar array generating on
average of 910 kWh/day (estimate)
Seamless grid-tie integration: direct supply to municipal network and onsite
load
Solar supports facility daytime loads such as lighting, offices, refrigeration
Estimated payback typically under 6 years

Mungo Mills – Grid-Tied Solar System

Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape

Case
Mungo Mills at Old Nick Village required a large-scale solar solution to cut rising
electricity costs and support its weaving mill and retail operations.

Challenge
High daytime consumption and dependency on municipal supply increased operational
costs and carbon footprint.

Solution & Impact

110 kVA Solis inverter with 100 kWp PV array (250 × 400 W panels), average
430 kWh/day generation
Seamless grid-tied integration with Bitou Municipality via 300/5 CTs
Continuous daytime supply for weaving mill, workshops, and retail outlets
Excess generation offsets Old Nick Village loads, reducing carbon emissions
Estimated payback typically under 4 years

Blomfontein Dairy Farm – Hybrid Solar System

Mossel Bay/George, Western Cape

Case
Blomfontein Dairy Farm turned to solar to cut high electricity and diesel costs
while ensuring reliable power for dairy operations.

Challenge
Load-shedding and escalating tariffs threatened milk production, refrigeration,
and operational continuity.

Solution & Impact

90 KVA AC-coupled hybrid system: 113.5 kWp PV array (61.8 kWp rooftop +
51.7 kWp ground), 3 × 27 kVA Fronius grid-tie inverters, 6 × 15 kVA Victron
Quattro inverters, 100 kWh LiFePO₄ storage
Seamless AC/DC-coupled integration of solar, battery, and grid supply
Cuts 43.92 tons CO₂ annually and future expansionplanned
Estimated payback within 6 years

Bakenskop Boerdery – Hybrid Solar System

Riversdale, Western Cape

Case
A commercial farm near Riversdale upgraded to solar to eliminate diesel
generator reliance and reduce soaring energy costs.

Challenge
Recurrent load shedding and unpredictable grid power made diesel generation
expensive and operationally unreliable.

Solution & Impact

90 kVA hybrid inverter, 96 kWp solar array, LiFePO₄ battery storage (est. 80–
120 kWh)
Seamless integration between solar, battery, and grid/generator backup
Dramatically reduced Eskom reliance with predictable renewable energy
generation
Estimated payback typically under 6 years

HoogeKraal Boedery – Hybrid Solar System

Hoekwil, Western Cape

Case
HoogeKraal Boedery, a working dairy farm near Hoekwil, adopted solar power to
reduce dependency on unreliable grid supply and rising electricity costs.

Challenge
Frequent load-shedding and escalating Eskom tariffs disrupted essential farm
operations and dairy processing.

Solution & Impact

100 kVA hybrid inverter, 120 kWp ground-mounted PV array, 100 kWh LiFePO₄
battery backup
Significantly reduced grid reliance and enhanced energy security for
tourism-agri venture
Significant municipal cost savings and carbon footprint reduction
Estimated payback under 6 years

Langhoek Farm – AC and DC Coupled Hybrid System

George, Western Cape

Case
Langhoek Farm required a reliable, efficient solar system to reduce electricity
costs, cover essential loads, and support daily agricultural operations.

Challenge
Escalating tariffs and reliance on diesel generators created high operating costs
and environmental impact.

Solution & Impact

171 kVA hybrid inverters, 169.7 kWp PV, 240 kWh LiFePO₄ storage
Seamless integration of AC and DC technologies for maximum efficiency
Continuous power supply for irrigation, refrigeration, and essential farm
operations
Estimated payback typically under 6 years

New Harvest – 100 kVA Grid-Tied System

George, Western Cape

Case
New Harvest commercial facility near George installed solar to reduce escalating
daytime electricity costs and improve sustainability performance.

Challenge
High daytime consumption and rising Eskom tariffs drove the need for costeffective
solar generation.

Solution & Impact

100 kVA grid-tied inverter, 118.9 kWp rooftop PV system
Seamless integration with the municipal grid via net-metering export
Solar supports facility daytime loads such as lighting, offices, refrigeration
Significant utility bill reduction and clean energy generation
Estimated payback typically under 6 years

Safari Ostrich Farm – Hybrid Solar Solution

Oudtshoorn, Western Cape

Case
A working ostrich farm and tourist attraction near Oudtshoorn, introduced solar
to mitigate frequent load shedding and high Eskom electricity costs.

Challenge
Unreliable grid power and high tariffs disrupted farm operations, guest services,
and commercial functions.

Solution & Impact

Six × 10 kVA Victron MultiPlus-II inverters, 85.8 kWp PV, Freedom Won lithium
storage (100 kWh capacity)
Seamless integration between solar, battery, and grid backup
Continuous energy supply for farm operations, visitor facilities, refrigeration
and machinery
Estimated payback typically under 6 years

Genevafontein Retirement Village – Hybrid Solar System

George, Western Cape

Case
Genevafontein Retirement Village, with 91 units, a Community Centre, and a Frail
Care facility, needed a reliable, cost-effective solution to replace costly diesel
generators and secure continuous operations.

Challenge
Rising electricity tariffs and vulnerable frail care operations made diesel generation
unsustainable.

Solution & Impact

45 kVA Victron Quattro hybrid inverters, 27 kVA Fronius grid-tie inverter, 38.8
kWp PV, 60 kWh LiFePO₄ storage
Seamless switchover between solar, battery, and grid supply
Cuts 6.74 tons CO₂ annually and long lifespan performance
Estimated payback within 6 years

Thembalethu Square – Retail Shopping Mall

George, Western Cape

Case
Thembalethu Square, a retail centre anchored by Shoprite and Boxer, invested in
solar to reduce its high utility expenses and lead in sustainable retail development.

Challenge
The mall faced soaring electricity bills – approximately R300 000/month – with
daytime peak demand during trading hours straining operational budgets.

Solution & Impact

200 kVA grid-tied inverters with roughly 645 PV panels
Seamless grid-tied integration
Powering retail operations, refrigeration, common lighting/security
Saves roughly R30 000/month and cuts ~360 tons CO₂ per year
Estimated payback typically under 6 years (financed via Investec)

Bloem Showgrounds – Grid-Tied Solar Power System

Bloemfontein, Free State

Case
The Bloem Showgrounds, a key events and exhibition venue, required a largescale
renewable solution to reduce reliance on expensive municipal electricity.

Challenge
Rising energy costs and high daytime consumption during events placed heavy
strain on operating budgets.

Solution & Impact

702 kVA grid-tied inverters, 796 kWp rooftop PV
Seamless integration with existing grid infrastructure
Continuous daytime supply for exhibitions, events, and operations
Significant municipal cost savings and carbon footprint reduction
Payback in under 6 years

Inverroche Distillery – Eco-tourism Hybrid System

Still Bay, Western Cape

Case
An award-winning distillery sought to integrate solar power to align with its ecoconscious
brand and reduce reliance on the grid.

Challenge
Energy insecurity and rising costs threatened production schedules and
sustainability goals.

Solution & Impact

200 kVA hybrid inverters, 240 kWp rooftop PV, 160 kWh LiFePO₄ storage
Seamless switchover between solar, battery, and grid supply
Continuous power supply for distillation and production processes
Reduced diesel generator reliance and lower operating costs
Estimated payback typically under 6 years

Garden Route Eye Clinic & Surgical Centre – Healthcare Reliability

George, Western Cape

Case
Two leading healthcare facilities in George required a dependable energy solution
to ensure uninterrupted surgeries and patient care during load shedding.

Challenge
Providing continuous power for critical medical operations while reducing
escalating electricity costs.

Solution & Impact

270 kVA AC-coupled hybrid system across three separate installations, 339
kWp PV utilizing both rooftop and carport, 240 kWh LiFePO₄ storage
Seamless switchover between solar, battery, generators and grid supply
Reliable power supply for operating theatres and critical equipment
Energy Pod containerised system for rapid, reliable deployment used for
one of the systems. Estimated payback typically under 6 years

Watsons Baconaries – Hybrid Meat Processing Facility

George, Western Cape

Case
Watsons, a large meat processing facility, needed a robust, sustainable system to
maintain continuous refrigeration and production while reducing costs.

Challenge
Heritage building constraints, 24/7 cold storage, and rising grid costs, with zero
tolerance for downtime.

Solution & Impact

300 kVA hybrid inverters, 299.7 kWp rooftop PV, 400 kWh LiFePO₄ storage
Seamless switchover between solar, battery, and grid supply
Continuous power supply for refrigeration and production equipment
AI-driven smart energy optimisation via 2 × 187 kVA Empores SmartPro
unitsfor power factor correction, voltage control, and harmonic balancing
Payback in under 6 years

Blueberry Farm – Grid-Tied Supplementary System

Geelhoutboom, near George, Western Cape

Case
A mid-sized blueberry farm adopted solar to reduce peak daytime electricity
loads and support essential operations like refrigeration.

Challenge
Loading peaks from irrigation and refrigeration threatened to spike utility bills
and strain the grid during harvest season.

Solution & Impact

216 kVA grid-tied inverters, 229.6 kWp rooftop PV
Seamless solar power integration with existing grid supply
Continuous daytime power to support irrigation pumps and cold storage
Lowered electricity costs and enhanced operational resilience
Estimated payback typically under 4 years

Grocery Express – Retailer Hybrid System

George, Western Cape

Case
A busy supermarket needed a cost-effective, resilient energy solution to protect
critical refrigeration and service continuity during load shedding.

Challenge
Rising electricity costs and unreliable grid supply endangered chilled goods and
customer service.

Solution & Impact

85.8 kVA hybrid inverters, 85.8 kWp grid-tied PV and 9.8 kWp backup PV, 64
kWh LiFePO₄ storage
Seamless switchover between solar, battery, and grid supply
Continuous power supply for refrigeration systems and checkout operations
Reliable energy delivery, reducing downtime and spoilage
Estimated payback typically under 6 years

Garden Route Game Lodge – Hospitality Sustainability

Albertinia, Western Cape

Case
A luxury game lodge in the Garden Route commissioned a grid‑tied solar system
to reduce energy costs and reinforce its sustainability credentials.

Challenge
High Eskom tariffs and the need to lower environmental impact while maintaining
guest comfort and operational efficiency.

Solution & Impact

163.8 kWp grid-tied solar, 135 kVA inverters
Delivers 135 kVA of clean energy directly to operations
Powers guest services, lighting, and amenities with renewable energy
Reduces carbon footprint by around 236.3 MWh/year and 170 t CO₂/year
Estimated payback typically under 4 years

hoogekraal boerdery

Hybrid Solar Power at HoogeKraal Boedery: A 121 kWp Success for the dairy farm