MINING ENERGY
First Solar is cost competitive with conventional energy sources today . It provides a LCOE of between $ 0.07-0.15 / kWh , depending on irradiance levels , interest rates , and other factors such as development costs
monitored and controlled to ensure optimal operation and savings throughout the entire system .
A mining client in western Tanzania which had high power costs in off-grid is a case in point . This is a mine in Western Tanzania producing some 80,000 oz / y of gold . Without access to a reliable grid power source , the mine relies exclusively on a rented 6 MW HFO power station . It turned to Redavia Rental Solar Power ’ s flexible solar power service to reduce diesel fuel cost .
In the first phase , Redavia deployed a 63 kWp rental solar power plant at the client site , converting the client ’ s power source into a hybrid
system . The solar plant is financed by Redavia and rented to the client on a high flexible 24 month rental contract . The client started making cash cost savings immediately , and the small scale farm is predicted to produce 100,000 kWh / y , saving 28,000 litres of diesel .
In the second phase , the client intends to increase the installed solar capacity to MW scale . Phase 1 has already provided valuable sitespecific data and experience , while cementing relationships with local operations and maintenance service providers . Once operational , the full-scale rental solar farm will generate six figure savings during the anticipated rental period .
Redavia says it has “ unique capabilities to satisfy mining ’ s need for flexible , low cost , and reliable energy in even the most remote locations : n Containerised , re-deployable rental solar
plants gives clients unrivalled flexibility in rental contract duration n Innovative rental solar financing structure a clients to access savings from solar energy without up-front investment . Caterpillar ’ s strategic alliance with First Solar was noted earlier . First Solar ’ s advanced Series 5 solar modules provide the next generation of thin film solar technology . These thin film solar modules deliver “ faster installation , extensive compatibility and a higher return on investment for long-term owners ,” the company says . “ Series 5 PV modules have a demonstrated performance advantage over conventional crystalline silicon solar of up to 10 % more energy each year . n Outperforms conventional crystalline silicon solar modules with equal power rating n Proven energy yield advantage in humid climates due to superior spectral response and in hot climates due to superior temperature coefficient ( -0.28%/° C ) n Robust against shading in landscape orientation n Extended reliability in harsh environments n More watts per connection than the 72-cell multicrystalline modules n New design increases compatibility to eliminate BOS costs n Compatible with newer 1,500V system architecture for operational and capital benefits
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SEPTEMBER 2016 | International Mining 79