Are you stressed out with constant loadshedding and it’s affecting of your company’s bottom line?
All these stressors could be a thing of the past for you if you start to investigate the possibility of solar power for your business.
In a long-term power contract, the service provider agrees to install a system, finance the capital expenditure and operate as well as maintain the system for the life of the contract. The customer just pays a monthly bill for any power produced by the solar system. Hence, the provider is incentivised and responsible for repairing any equipment and ensuring the system is always working efficiently to maximise the power output. They only invoice for power that has been used generated by the solar system.
The lack of upfront investment for customers is a key reason why over 90 per cent of all Commercial & Industrial customers select this approach over the CapEx Model. Usually, the price for the solar power is 30 to 40 per cent cheaper than the grid. Customers therefore receive savings from the first day, and do not have to wait decades to see an ROI.
It is a hassle-free way to reap the benefits of renewable energy without companies having to make large upfront investments. Furthermore, customers don’t have to deal with the long-term operation and maintenance.
Starting something new is always daunting and overwhelming and that is why it is vital to have a team that can back you up and get you started.
If you’re not sure if Solar Power is the solution for your company or you still have some questions, getting a specialist company to answer your questions is vital.
At FactorySmart, we work together with major player Murray and Roberts and their contractor Wade Walker.
This is how we go about assessing your situation and finding a solution:
- You, as a company, supply us with your 12 months utility bill.
- We analyse and send you a proposal and quantify whether your roof space is big enough or whether you would have to make structural changes to your infrastructure.
- We present our solution with the help of a graphic representation of your PV Panels on your roof area, in order to be able to offer you a grid tied solution.
- Why grid tied? Currently off-grid is more expensive as you would require 3 times the amounts of solar panels, as you need to back up power into batteries. Therefore, on average between 9am to 4pm you would work without battery back up power. Cost tariffs are normally split into 4 different time segments. On average 6am to 9am (most expensive, summer R2.80 per kW, winter R3.80 per kW), 9am to 4pm, 4pm to 7pm (most expensive time of the day) and 7pm to 6am (cheapest time of the day, average R0.60 per kW)
- If you want to be self sufficient between 6am to 9am and 4pm to 7pm, you have to install batteries for back up power. These batteries can be charged in the following manners. Either by installing PV panels or charging them with normal supply current between the hours of 7pm to 6am, where the power in this time slot is cheapest. If doing so, no extra PV Panels are required. The average blended rate in Gauteng is between R1.80 to R1.90 per kW.
A recent case study was done at a customer in Gauteng. Their blended rate was around R1.76 per kW and we were able to give them a fixed rate of below R1.00 per kW and guaranteed 6% escalation over the agreed lease term.
This sounds like a no brainer if you consider how much saving can be achieved.
We understand that there are many factors that still hold companies back. Questions that leave business owners a bit uneasy as to the long-term commitment of solar. Questions like:
I don’t own my property?
At FactorySmart working together with Wade Walker/Murray and Roberts, we negotiate with your landlords for you, regarding our solution or proposal
What if I want to relocate premises?
We will disassemble and relocate your system for you, at a negotiated cost
What are the guarantees/warranties
With Murray and Roberts and Wade Walker as the contractor are nationwide suppliers and can support Sub-Saharan Africa.
What batteries are used?
Batteries carry 15 – year warranties and the PV Panels 25-year warranties
Who is responsible for the maintenance of the system?
Wade Walker is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of your system during the entire contractual period.
Do I pay for all the electricity generated?
You only pay for the electricity that you use
