RENEWABLE ENERGY
renewable energy . Solar is the preferred solution because it is readily commercially available , cost effective and seems simple enough to retrofit compared with other renewable solutions . However , it requires large amounts of space and the lighter steel frames of existing industrial buildings do not always allow for roof-top solar . As such , a hybrid system of solar with battery backups for continual operations is more likely to gain traction . Furthermore , the ability to wheel ‘ green power ’ through the grid allows businesses to buy clean energy and pay wheeling costs to Eskom .”
Adding renewable energy generating capacity to commercial and industrial buildings alone will not solve the energy crisis , though , Jackson points out . “ To reduce reliance on generator power , companies are prioritising their energy loads . For example , industrial businesses are reviewing their processes to take advantage of off-peak power and are replacing and upgrading older equipment .
44 OCT 2022 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine