Utilizing Solar Power During the Day and Grid at Night
SolarSaver, Engen’s designated solar provider, has installed solar PV systems at 150 Engen fuel stations across Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. With a total capacity of nearly 6.59 MW, these installations are expected to generate 12.2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity in their first year, reducing Engen’s dependence on grid power and cutting its CO₂ emissions.
Stu Batchelor of SolarSaver highlighted how businesses like fuel service stations can benefit from solar energy, emphasizing its potential to lower electricity expenses and carbon emissions. “The fuel stations can use solar energy during the day and switch to the national grid at night and during inclement weather,” Batchelor explained. “This allows us to save energy and take pressure off the grid.”
Powering Diverse Operations with Solar
Batchelor noted that the installation of solar PV systems typically leads to a significant drop in grid energy consumption, estimating that a typical Engen site can reduce its usage by around 80,000 kWh per year. He also pointed to the unique suitability of service stations for solar PV solutions, which can utilize spaces like convenience store roofs and forecourt canopies to power their operations.
“With a solar installation, daylight energy requirements for things like LED lights, fuel pumps, and compressors can be completely met,” Batchelor stated. He emphasized that this sustainable energy source can also power refrigeration and IT systems, leading to significant reductions in electricity costs. SolarSaver currently helps over 700 major businesses adopt solar solutions, offering options like rent-to-own grid-tied systems and hybrid battery installations for backup during grid outages.
Rising Grid Costs Drive Solar Adoption
Fuel service stations in Namibia and South Africa are significantly cutting electricity costs by adopting solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. Escalating electricity prices, which have risen 350% in the last decade, coupled with generation issues at Eskom, have propelled leading fuel retailers toward solar solutions. This shift helps them not only cut costs but also align with greener energy practices.
A notable example is Puma Energy’s Bach Street Service Station in Windhoek, where a solar PV system has generated 207,273 kWh since it was installed in October 2016. This solar output covers 25% to 30% of the station’s monthly electricity consumption, leading to substantial cost savings and a smaller carbon footprint. The project shows how integrating solar PV can effectively lighten the financial load of electricity costs while supporting environmental sustainability.
Tim Frankish, managing director of SolarSaver, highlights that service stations are ideal for solar PV installations because of their large canopy space and high electricity consumption, particularly with the addition of 24-hour retail stores. SolarSaver has already installed numerous systems, significantly reducing electricity costs for these stations. The company’s projects in Namibia include installations at Engen, Puma Energy, Shell, and Total stations in various locations.
SolarSaver sees vast potential for solar energy adoption in the fuel retail sector, as major fuel groups are actively promoting solar solutions to their franchisees. The company provides customized, rent-to-own solar solutions that allow franchisees to benefit from solar power without any upfront capital investment. SolarSaver installs the systems at no initial cost and charges a variable monthly rental fee—a model that provides immediate cost savings and helps future-proof businesses against rising grid electricity prices.
