SolarSaver, the designated solar provider for fuel retailer Engen, has successfully installed solar PV systems at 150 Engen fuel stations across Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
These installations, with a total capacity of nearly 6.59 MW, are expected to generate 12.2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity in their first year of operation.
This initiative significantly reduces Engen’s dependence on grid electricity and lowers its CO2 emissions.
“Fuel stations can utilize solar power during daylight hours and switch back to the national grid at night or during bad weather. “This allows them to save energy and reduce strain on the grid,” explains SolarSaver director Stu Batchelor.
The new solar PV systems cut grid energy usage by approximately 80,000 kWh annually at a typical Engen site.
“Solar energy can significantly lower electricity costs and reduce the carbon footprint for businesses like fuel stations,” Batchelor adds.
Fuel stations offer unique opportunities for solar PV installations on convenience store roofs and forecourt canopies. These systems can power various services at the stations, such as retail store operations, LED lighting, fuel pumps, and compressors.
The benefits of solar energy are further enhanced when combined with other energy-saving measures. Engen, for instance, is also implementing solar geysers, solar heat pumps, and converting entire sites to LED lighting.
SolarSaver offers rent-to-own, grid-tied solar solutions, or hybrid battery installations that serve as crucial backups during grid outages, along with ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and insurance for managed systems.
This strategy of deploying renewable energy across multiple locations aids Engen in reducing electricity costs and achieving sustainability goals, while showcasing the feasibility of transitioning to renewable energy, Batchelor noted.
“Collaborating closely with Engen towards common sustainability objectives has been beneficial for SolarSaver. Solar panels at Engen stations nationwide raise awareness about solar energy usage.
“This project highlights the potential of solar PV technology to create clean energy systems and sets an example for other businesses seeking sustainable solutions,” Batchelor says