Towers shopping centre now run on solar energy
The centre has saved hundreds of thousands of kilograms of CO2 emissions, which translates into more than 450 trees being saved.
Towers shopping centre has unlocked its roof’s potential.
Nicolas Christofides, chairperson of Newinvest144 that manages Towers, said after much consultation and weighing up the options, the decision was taken to power the shopping centre through solar energy.
And now, several months down the line and 2444 panels on the roof later producing 800 kwp, Christofides is pleased with how they are not just saving on costs, but how the shopping centre is also playing its part in saving the environment.
Christofides said the solar system, set up not to overproduce power and to kick in early in the morning, has exceeded his expectations.
He encourages other companies and businesses to also consider turning to this energy source.
Kene Emechebe, project engineer at EmergentEnergy that manages the system at Towers, said they have witnessed a rapid interest shown in solar energy in South Africa.
He points to a country like Germany that has been among the world’s top photovoltaic installers for several years, utilising solar energy very effectively.
He says South Africa should go the same route and it has the perfect climate for solar energy.
“The wonderful thing is that solar energy is a truly renewable energy source. It can be harnessed in all areas of the world and is available every day,” said Emechebe.
“It helps to reduce costs but at the same time saves the environment. It is a win-win situation.
“Solar energy does not produce air or noise pollution, unlike our traditional energy source that still relies on coal.
“At the end of the day, we cannot run out of solar energy unlike some of the other sources of energy. Solar energy will be accessible as long as we have the sun.”
Regarding costs, he said it depends on the size of the solar system and your electricity or heat usage.
“With solar, there is also the option of receiving credit from the municipality if you generate excess power and decide to send power to the grid.
“Solar energy can also be used for diverse purposes and solar energy systems generally don’t require a lot of maintenance.”
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