A ray of hope in the energy crisis: a Q1 review
We’ve come to the end of the first quarter, and we think that you will agree that the first three months of 2023 have flown past at lightning speed. We are fortunate enough to be very busy and we are thankful to our new and existing clients for trusting us during this extremely busy time in the market.
We have all witnessed first-hand the impact that loadshedding has on individuals, businesses and the economy as a whole. The far-reaching impact has affected multiple sectors of our economy. The agricultural sector faces disrupted irrigation systems causing crop failures and reduced yields, and product spoilage, leading to increased food prices, supply chain disruptions and food insecurity. For the commercial sector, lost productivity, revenue and increased operating costs have led to uncertainty for businesses, making it difficult to plan and invest for the future, with reduced profitability and investment opportunities. As a key contributor to our economy, the industrial sector has also suffered due to reduced production, financial losses and increased operating costs as reliable and affordable energy is essential for powering machinery, equipment and production processes.
The solar market in South Africa has continued to grow steadily during the first quarter of the year, with an increase in the number of installations compared to the previous year. The increase in installations can be attributed to a number of factors, where the need to mitigate the impacts of loadshedding and rising electricity (and diesel) costs have been bolstered by favourable government policies and incentives, and growing awareness of the benefits of solar energy.
Sun-powered solutions
Founded in 2006 by renewable energy enthusiasts, RenEnergy started its journey in Norfolk in the United Kingdom with a focus on providing high-quality solar power photovoltaic (PV) installations to help businesses take control of their energy supply, save money and reduce their carbon footprint. In 2012, recognising the potential for renewable energy in our country, RenEnergy Africa was founded. Our office is located on the iconic estate of Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch, specialising in the design, installation and maintenance of commercial solar PV systems and energy storage solutions.
RenEnergy Africa is a full EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) company and provides complete end-to-end services for renewable energy projects from site surveys, feasibility studies, system design, component procurement to final commissioning, construction, testing, installation and maintenance. Our exclusive team of in-house qualified engineers and technicians work closely with our clients to design and install custom grid-tied, off-grid and hybrid solar solutions.
Raysing the bar for clean energy
A trend that has been very evident over the last quarter, is the continued emergence of new installers. Now, it feels like everyone from a one-man IT support business to printer rental companies seem to be selling solar. It’s important to recognise the difference between specific expertise in designing large-scale solutions and these, often rather inexperienced, residential installers.
Unlike the current surge of small-scale entrants in the market, RenEnergy has been around for a long time and is committed to being here in the future. With years of international experience, there’s little we haven’t seen! With our long-standing relationships with tech providers, we offer expert recommendations for the best energy solutions tailored to meet business’s unique requirements, backed by solid guarantees.
Choosing the right energy provider is critical, and we ensure that our services meet the highest standards of quality and compliance. Our large-scale installations are meticulously designed, with every component and design requirement taken into consideration. Our installations are designed to meet the highest safety standards, and we take stringent measures to avoid hazards such as fires resulting from poor solar panel installation practices. Our PV (Photovoltaic) GreenCard certification is a testament to our competence and expertise in solar PV installations.
Another trend that has emerged, is the increased demand for energy storage (batteries), mostly attributable to the impacts of persistent loadshedding. The market has accepted that loadshedding is unlikely to end in the foreseeable future, so we are adding storage solutions to existing systems for many of our clients, and new solutions are being designed with energy storage capability from the get-go. It means a lot to us that our existing clients come back to us when they need to adapt or expand their solutions, testimony that they trust our expertise.
Why RenEnergy?
Since 2006 in the UK, 2012 in Africa
International expertise in high quality commercial solutions
Expert in-house design, engineering, procurement, installation and maintenance teams
First commercial energy storage solution installed in 2019
Long-standing relationships with best tech suppliers
Trusted by our existing clients to expand or evolve their solutions
PV GreenCard
Don’t get left in the dark
Load shedding has been a reality for us since 2007, with no immediate end in sight. Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort to invest in sustainable energy solutions to ensure that energy demands can be met sustainably and equitably, and we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the renewable energy sectors.
Looking ahead, the outlook for the solar industry in South Africa is positive. With government and tax incentives, ongoing technological advancements and decreasing costs over time, solar energy is becoming an increasingly viable and attractive option for businesses. For RenEnergy, it’s not just about providing power – it’s about empowering businesses to take control of their own energy needs.