Solar Energy Secures Uninterrupted Irrigation in South African Farm

A farm located in the northern region of Limpopo province, South Africa, is taking action to maintain its irrigation systems without an electric grid.

Boasting one of the world's highest concentrations of solar resources, South Africa provides 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 - making it an ideal location for harnessing the power of the sun.

Due to its remote location, this local farm is unable to connect to the Eskom grid, severely affecting scheduled crop irrigation. The need for alternative energy sources becomes apparent, regardless of a farm's size or system. By conducting thorough research and carefully considering various power options, they have embraced off-grid solar power stations as viable and sustainable alternatives.

This farm has installed an off-grid power station aimed at providing uninterrupted solar power for crop watering and securing agricultural production: 

- 1 x ATESS 630 kW battery inverter PCS630

- 4 x ATESS solar charger controller PBD250

- 1000 kWh Freedomwon Lithium Batteries

- 650 kVa Volvo Generator

- 800 kW solar panels

- 160 kW AC coupled solar panels

This off-grid solar power station provides this farm with a steady source of renewable energy, allowing it to effectively water crops while reducing reliance on diesel generators. This eco-friendly approach not only minimizes high fuel expenses but also contributes considerably towards environmental protection efforts.

Since 2021, there has been a remarkable surge in demand for solar installations within the agricultural sector, largely driven by the shortcomings of South Africa's national power grid. Rising energy costs have further fueled this growth in the renewable industry systems market.

For farmers, investing in solar technology is a calculated move aimed at avoiding crop loss from unreliable irrigation. As farmers maintain steady production levels, they can gradually pay off their solar systems. Overall, this shift towards sustainable farming benefits local agriculture by enhancing productivity and ultimately raising farmer incomes in the long run.

ATESS is grateful to be a part of this solar energy revolution and has made its contribution to the local farm' transition to solar energy in South Africa, showing its unwavering commitment to delivering clean energy to every corner of the world.