South Africa, Solarise Launches Farm Solar

Key Figures & Findings: Solarise Africa, a pan-African energy-as-a-service provider, has commissioned a 1.0868 MWp solar power system at Genade Boerdery’s Zuurgat Farm in South Africa’s Northern Cape province. The project, developed in partnership with Broad Sky and supported by the Section 12B tax incentive, marks one of the largest single-site agricultural solar installations in the region. It reflects a growing trend in precision agriculture where renewable energy systems underpin long-term efficiency and sustainability. Founded in 1983 and led by the Vickie family, Genade Boerdery is a multi-award-winning farm recognized for excellence in grain and lucerne production.

Statistics & Insights: The system includes 1,976 Longi 550W panels and 8 Huawei 115kW inverters. It is expected to save R82.2 million and offset 24,171 tonnes of CO₂ over a 15-year contract.

Future Implications: If scaled across more farms, the model could accelerate sustainable agriculture adoption in South Africa by 2026 and reduce dependency on the national grid. It also positions EaaS models as key enablers of rural energy transition.

Source: SolarQuarter