NEWS
7
Energy Partners takes controlling
stake in Mr Sola
The PSG group of companies has announced Energy Partners’
controlling stake investment in Mr Sola.
Mr Sola is a solar water heating supplier. According
to Karel Cornelissen, chief operating officer of
Energy Partners, taking a controlling stake in Mr
Solar forms part of the company’s growth strategy
to boost its footprint and servicing capacity.
Arno van Wyk, managing director of Mr Sola, said
the company has grown over the years to become a
significant player in the residential solar market, focusing
on delivering reliable and energy-reducing solutions to
households. “We offer a unique solution where clients
can install a solar water heater on a rent-to-own basis.
Monthly rental payments should be less than monthly
savings and no deposit, maintenance, or repair costs are
required during the five years of the rental period.”
He added that the ‘green’ impact is essential to the
company. “Many might not be aware, but a solar
water heater reduces the amount of CO 2 emissions
from a coal power station by two to three tonnes
a year.”
Cornelissen said that Energy Partners is proud to
form the agreement with Mr Sola as sustainable
energy solutions become increasingly relevant. “The
new partnership will enable Energy Partners to add
a solar hot water heating option to the company’s
home energy solutions, which currently include a
solar inverter and battery combination called the ICON
Home Energy Hub, as well as solar PV, batteries, heat
pumps, and LED lights.
“This association with Energy Partners is a positive
endorsement of our business model and we are excited
to join the group, taking our business to the next level as
we grow,” Van Wyk concluded. PA
SAPPMA Technical
Manual available
The 5th edition of the Technical Manual, compiled and
published by SAPPMA (Southern African Plastic Pipe
Manufacturers Association), has been released.
Jan Venter, chief executive officer of SAPPMA, said
the publication is a valuable tool aimed at assisting
designers and the end users of plastic pipes in
producing pipelines that will last for years.
“It is now 11 years since SAPPMA started publishing an
independent, technical manual on the manufacturing of
plastic pipes, and we believe the 2017/18 edition is yet
another big step forward — both in terms of accuracy
and ease of use of this handbook. It offers information,
guidance, and best-in-class technical information on
how to select the right material, produce accurate
designs, and choose the correct installation procedures,”
Venter said.
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
Although plastic pipe materials have widely been used
for more than 60 years, SAPPMA believes it is still
somewhat of an unknown in certain circles. It is of
particular concern to the association that engineering
students do not seem to receive adequate teaching
about the ins and outs of selecting the right plastic
material, completing an accurate design, and ensuring
the correct installation procedure is followed.
“The purpose of publishing the SAPPMA Technical
Manual is not to replace other publications and codes
on the subject. Instead, our hope is that it will serve as
a basic, user-friendly guide throughout the various steps
of design,” Venter explained. He highlighted that the
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January 2018 Volume 23 I Number 11