SOLA  completed a thin film solar PV system for Key West Mall in Gauteng. The property, owned by Growthpoint properties, is a hub of commercial and retail activity in Krugersdorp. The solar system was installed on two roof surfaces, including  the top floor parking roof.

The capacity of the system is 1016.4 kWp, made up of 9240 thin film solar modules and 14 solar inverters. The reasoning for using thin film solar modules was aesthetic as well as practical.

“Thin film modules are aesthetically very pleasing to the eye, and as such are a great solution for buildings that have their image in mind when installing a solar solution,” said Dom Wills, CEO of SOLA. “But what sets thin film panels apart is their thermal capacity – they respond much more efficiently under hot temperatures,” he added.

Contrary to popular belief, solar panels actually perform less optimally when they become very hot, making thermal response and important part of solar panel efficiency. The thin film panels are also frameless, making them accumulate less dust – also a key factor in solar panel efficiency.

The solar system was completed in August 2016, and is expected to produce over 1600 000 kWh of energy for the shopping centre per annum for the next 25 years.