SOLA Future Energy and Atterbury partnership to see 20 MW solar capacity built over next few years

SOLA Future Energy and Atterbury Property Developments have partnered to provide high quality solar energy and electrical storage solutions to the Atterbury portfolio of properties. The parties entered an agreement in May 2017, which will guide the installation of 20MW of solar PV systems on properties which Atterbury have developed.

James Ehlers, Managing Director of the Atterbury Property Developments, stated, “We as Atterbury realised that we needed solar-smart solutions, as this will become a vital part of property industry going forward.  We have taken a decision to partner with specialists in the industry. After extensive consultation with role players in the industry, SOLA were our partners of choice and we look forward to working with a leader in the field of solar technology.”

With over 12.5 MW of solar capacity under operation across several large rooftop PV systems, SOLA Future Energy is well positioned to carry out the work for Atterbury. SOLA will provide the design and engineering services for the full 20MW, ensuring that the solar solutions to all of these developments are optimised. They will also manage the installation during the project development phase, and will assist Atterbury with the ongoing operation and maintenance of the systems.

Dom Wills, CEO of SOLA Future Energy, commented, “We are excited to work with a progressive partner such as Atterbury who share our vision in decentralised energy.  Solar PV presents an excellent opportunity to reduce operating costs over the long term, increasing property value and competitiveness.  Working on a bulk portfolio also allows us to best advise on the overall solar strategy for the group.” After a solar system is installed, it generally pays itself off within five years, providing the property with at least 20 further years of free energy.

The cost reductions of solar technology have made investment in solar systems an essential consideration for property owners in achieving cost efficiency and enhancing yields. Many companies are realising that solar can provide much cheaper energy per kilowatt hour than the energy provided by the centralised grid.

The agreement currently covers all Atterbury projects in South Africa as well as selected projects in Africa and abroad.