NorthCliff Exclusive Cars

Client

Northcliff Exclusive Cars

Sector

Petroleum / Retail

System

Hybrid Solar

Solar Capacity

120KW

Inverter Capacity

4 x 25kW

Battery Capacity

192kWh

Est. Payback Period

24 Months

Yield Potential

244 277kWh / Year

Challenges Faced

• High Electricity Tariff: This large commercial property in Johannesburg, encompassing a 24/7 Shell filling station, a luxury car dealership, a Spar convenience store with a deli, and two high-demand takeaway restaurants, faced significant operational expenses due to consistently high electricity tariffs.
• Long Duration Power Outages: The diverse operations at the site, which have a consistently high electricity demand day and night, were severely disrupted by frequent and prolonged power outages, impacting productivity and customer service. The client urgently required an energy solution to ensure continuous power, reduce costs, and protect against load shedding.

Solutions Implemented

• Hybrid Solar System: Royal Power engineered and installed a robust hybrid energy system centered on Sigenergy’s SigenStore platform. This system uses a 240 x Canadian Solar CS6W-590T module (141.6 kWp total) solar PV array to generate electricity during daylight hours, significantly reducing reliance on the national grid. The system is designed for seamless transitions between solar, battery, and grid power as needed.
• Battery Storage: The system includes a substantial 192kWh usable high-voltage LFP battery system. This enables the property to store excess solar energy generated during the day, providing reliable power during the night and periods of grid instability. The high-voltage battery architecture incorporates a built-in fire suppression system for maximum safety.
• AC Coupling: A 120kW Sigenergy Gateway was utilized to AC couple all components of the system. This ensures efficient and reliable integration of the solar panels, 4 x 25kW Sigenergy hybrid inverters, batteries, and generator (if integrated), ensuring optimal performance and energy management.
• Outdoor Installation & Security: The Sigenergy SigenStore platform features a compact, modular design that is quick to install. While specific IP ratings and security measures like a ClearVu fence around equipment were not detailed for this specific project, the Sigenergy equipment is designed for robust outdoor performance and can be secured effectively.
• Health & Safety Protocols: Given the complex nature of a site with a fueling station and multiple commercial operations, stringent health and safety protocols would have been adhered to during the construction and installation, ensuring the safety of all personnel and the integrity of the site.

Integration and Control

• Seamless Integration: The hybrid inverters and battery system, part of the Sigenergy SigenStore platform, are fully integrated to work in harmony with the solar array and the grid, providing a reliable and continuous power supply. The platform’s AI-Driven Energy Management automatically optimizes source switching and load management for maximum savings and performance, with a 0ms changeover time for uninterrupted operations.
• Monitoring and Control System: The system benefits from a Smart Monitoring Interface, offering real-time visibility into system status and savings via intuitive mobile and web platforms. The Sigenergy SigenStore platform is known for its intelligent energy management, providing optimal performance and enabling real-time monitoring and intelligent decision-making to maximize efficiency and savings.

Results

• Energy Savings: The installed hybrid solar system currently supplies approximately 50% of the site’s total electricity needs, significantly reducing the overall energy bill and reliance on the national grid, especially during peak tariffs.
• Uninterrupted Operations: The combination of substantial solar generation, a large 192kWh battery storage system, and the seamless energy management provided by the Sigenergy SigenStore platform ensures that all operations at Northcliff Exclusive Cars can function continuously, even during extended power outages and load shedding.
• Financial Savings: The substantial reduction in grid electricity usage and optimized energy management lead to significant ongoing savings on operational costs for the entire property.
• Payback Period: This robust investment is projected to have a rapid payback period of just over 2 years, driven by substantial monthly savings on electricity and the qualification for energy tax incentives under Section 12B, making it a highly financially viable and sustainable solution.
• Compliance and Quality: The installation is compliant with SANS 10142-1 regulations and is SAPVIA PV Green Card certified, demonstrating full adherence to health, safety, and rooftop installation best practices.