Off-grid system guarantees uninterrupted irrigation for farm in South Africa

Property invested in solar with batteries aiming for energy efficiency and reducing dependence on diesel generators
Energia Solar Canal Solar Sistema off-grid garante irrigação ininterrupta para fazenda na África do Sul
800 kW off-grid solar plant installed on the farm. Image: ATESS Power/Disclosure

With the aim of providing uninterrupted energy for irrigation of plantations and ensuring agricultural production, a farm, located in the northern region of the province of Limpopo, in South Africa, received the installation of a off-grid solar plant.

Due to its remote location, the property is unable to connect to the network Eskom, responsible for more than 90% of the country's electricity supply, which seriously affects the scheduled irrigation of plantations.

Altogether, the system in 800 kW It has the following equipment:

  • One inverter in battery ATESS 630 kW PCS630;
  • Four controllers solar charging ATESS PBD250;
  • Batteries in lithium 1000 kWh;
  • Generator of 650 kVA.

“This off-grid plant provides the farm with a constant source of renewable energy, allowing it to water its crops efficiently and reducing reliance on diesel generators. The ecological approach not only minimizes high fuel expenses, but also contributes considerably to environmental protection efforts”, highlighted the ATESS Power.

Soluções da ATESS utilizadas no projeto. Imagem: ATESS Power/Divulgação
ATESS solutions used in the project. Image: ATESS Power/Disclosure
Fazenda está localizada na província de Limpopo, na África do Sul. Imagem: ATESS Power/Divulgação
Farm is located in the province of Limpopo, South Africa. Image: ATESS Power/Disclosure

Since 2021, there has been a notable increase in demand for solar installations in the agricultural sector, largely driven by deficiencies in South Africa's national electricity grid. Rising electricity costs have further fueled this growth in the photovoltaic segment.

“For farmers, investing in photovoltaic technology is a calculated measure aimed at preventing crop losses due to unreliable irrigation. As they maintain stable production levels, they can gradually pay off their solar systems,” said the company.

“Overall, this shift toward sustainable alternatives benefits local agriculture by improving productivity and ultimately increasing farmers’ incomes in the long term,” they concluded.

Solar energy in South Africa

With one of the highest concentrations of solar resources in the world, South Africa offers an abundant source of readily available energy. The entire African continent, including the southern regions, enjoys year-round sunshine. As a result, South Africa's annual 24-hour global solar radiation average is 220 W/m2.


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Matthew Badra
Journalist graduated from PUC-Campinas. He worked as a producer, reporter and presenter on TV Bandeirantes and Metro Jornal. Has been following the Brazilian electricity sector since 2020.

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