OFF GRID PLANT

OFF THE GRID SAINT - GOBAIN’S NEW PLANT

The month of February 2020 saw the opening of the new SaintGobain Construction Products Zimbabwe (SGCP Zim) tile adhesive plant in Msasa, Harare. This further cement the company’s role as the market leader in designing, manufacturing and distribution of building materials and solutions which are key in buildings, infrastructure, transportation as well as in many industrial applications.

The Weber plant, at its full capacity will be able to produce 15 000 tonnes of tile adhesive per annum as the company strives to deliver on its goal of providing high quality solutions that ensure comfort and convenience in homes as well as in industry. Perhaps the most outstanding feature about this new Weber plant is that it comes with a 36kWp solar installation that will allow the factory to operate off the grid whilst a number of manufacturers are battling with incessant load shedding as well as the high cost of electricity. The building being suitably located in the Msasa industrial area, away from buildings or trees shade to fully harness the sun with roof mounted panels. This means that the manufacturing plant will benefit from extended periods of unimpeded sunlight shining down and generating the much needed energy for the plant. At a time when most manufacturing plants are having to use diesel generators to meet production targets which comes with not only a recurring cost of fuel but also leaving a carbon footprint, SaintGobain has ensured that they not only meet their production targets but also the company’s commitment to contribute to the common good by limiting the negative impacts of its activities. The company is not only pushing towards sustainable industrial production but also that it continues to serve the region and generate much-needed foreign currency by exporting to Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.

DISTRIBUTED POWER

AFRICA Q&A:

SAINT - GOBAIN PLANT M anufacturing facilities require enormous amounts of energy and this undoubtedly comes with high power bills as well as the undesired carbon footprint. To solve this challenge Distributed Power Africa (DPA) is providing innovative solar energy solutions across Africa, such was the case on the recently opened Saint – Gobain plant in Harare. In the following Question and Answer DPA gives us more detail into their work at the Saint – Gobain plant.

Q:

What is the size/magnitude (kW/) of the solar system installed at the Saint-Gobain plant?

A: 36KWp DC/ 30KW AC & 40KWh Hybrid system with backup batteries.

Q: Are there any other projects of a similar nature or magnitude that DPA has done before?

Yes, DPA has engineered and installed larger projects for several customers including Schweppes, Tanganda Tea Estate, Kefalos, Econet and Surrey Meats.

Of a similar size to this project, DPA has installed;

1. Delta HQ (in Borrowdale, Harare)

2. Community Technology Development Trust (an NGO in Prospect, Harare)

3. Luxaflor Rose Farm (in Concession)

4. Borrowdale Community Church

5. Nehimba Lodge (in Hwange)

6. Blue Swallow Lodges (in Troutbeck)

7. UNESCO offices (Mt Pleasant)

A:

Q: How long does it take for DPA to install such a system?

A: Approximately 10 days. Systems differ as they are tailored to the power needs of the customer.

Q: For the Saint-Gobain project was it only over the roof panels or you also had ground mounted panels?

A: It was a roof mount solution – only.

Q: Is the system grid tied or it is completely off grid?

A: The system is hybrid, but also with battery storage to give the customer better power uptime

Q: What are the benefits of having a solar system installed by DPA?

A:

We guarantee top quality (Tier 1) equipment with warranties (of up to 25 years)

We operate and maintain the system after installation, with 24 hour real-time monitoring technology. This allows the customer to focus on their key business, while we manage power for them.

We have 25+ years of an experienced team, and over 25MW of PV and Battery installed to date

Q: What are the requirements for other manufacturers/companies that may be interested in having a solar system installed for them by DPA?

A:

Our Technical sales teams are available to physically assess the needs of any customer that requires a solar solution.

Thereafter, a preliminary proposal for a system design will be shared.

For customers requiring the Zero deposit-100% financing option, the normal financial vetting processes will apply.