R16M SOLAR FARM INSTALLED ON TOP OF RANDRIDGE MALL

As part of promoting the use of renewal energy, Emira property funds has installed R16m solar farm on top of its Randridge mall in Randpark ridge, Johannesburg.

The photovoltaic solar farm  on the mall consists of 10,900 panels, it produces approximately 1.2MWh of electricity.Its panels were specially imported and manufactured by Canadian Solar/Jinko, and it uses SMA inverters.

This solar farm helps the mall to save 2GWh of electricity every year, and it is estimated that over 15 years, using this solar farm will help Emira save R40m on electricity at the mall.

This project tends to be Emira’s second solar installation and follows its successful solar power pilot project launched in 2015 at its Epson Downs Shopping Centre in Bryanston, which produces around 271kWp and saves over 515,000kWh each year.

Justin Bowen, development manager at Emira said, ”Our pilot solar power project has proven a success and delivered real, tangible benefits that we are excited to extend to Randridge Mall”

He also said, ”At the same time as driving down electricity consumption and costs, our increased use of renewable energy further reduces Emira’s carbon footprint”