Giraffe Boerdery
Krakeel Rivier, Eastern Cape
The ambition
In the demanding world of fruit farming, energy is not optional – it is the lifeblood of operations. From irrigation systems to 24/7 cold storage, power must be reliable, affordable, and scalable. For Giraffe Boerdery, a family-run farm operating since 1964 and now in its third generation, the challenge was not only to meet current energy demands but also to future-proof operations against seasonal peaks, production growth, and volatile tariffs.
Cultivating over 160 hectares of apples and 140 hectares of pears, the farm runs on an energy demand of 1,200 kVA. With fruit quality highly dependent on uninterrupted cold storage, there is simply no room for error. To secure their operations, reduce reliance on Eskom, and embrace sustainable farming, Giraffe Boerdery set out to harness renewable energy.
The Power in Partnership
RenEnergy first partnered with Giraffe Boerdery on phase 1 of their solar journey. The trust and transparency built during that installation laid the groundwork for a long-term relationship - one that has now spanned three distinct project phases.
Returning clients like Giraffe Boerdery are a testament to the value of delivering on promises, providing consistent five-star service, and designing systems that align with the client’s operational priorities.
The Solution
Phase 1
Solar generation
PV generator output: 240.3 kWp
Number of modules: 540
Number of inverters: 2
CO₂ emissions avoided: 159,575 kg/year
Phase 2
Additional PV capacity
PV generator output: 165 kWp
Number of modules: 300
Number of inverters: 2
Phase 3
Containerised battery storage
Battery capacity: 600 kWh
Delivered in a fully built, ready-to-run container, grid-tied
Integrated with existing PV for optimal performance
The power in partnerships
Project summary
405.3kWp
Total system size
600kWh
Total energy storage
840
Total panels used
"Farming is a high-stakes business. Having a partner we trust to design, deliver, and integrate energy solutions that work for us makes all the difference. RenEnergy has been part of our journey from the start, and every phase has built on the last to make us stronger and more resilient. My advice to other farmers is simple: always go bigger than what you think is necessary - the returns will follow."
Dewald Strydom, Owner, Giraffe Boerdery
Conclusion
For Giraffe Boerdery, this is more than a solar project - it’s a blueprint for resilient, sustainable agriculture. Through a partnership built on trust, RenEnergy has helped transform how energy is managed on the farm, phase by phase.
Powering agriculture, one partnership at a time.
Giraffe Boerdery
Krakeel Rivier, Eastern Cape
Note that all estimated performance figures are calculated using industry-standard systems and norms, assume ideal operating conditions, and were estimated as at the time of the installation. EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator.