University switches to green energy

As part of its quest to achieve its sustainability goals, the Facilities Management Division at Stellenbosch University (SU) is implementing energyefficiency initiatives over the next decade to lower total emissions and operational costs. One of the most recent examples is the installation of a 315 kWp solar PV rooftop system at SU’s Neelsie Student Centre. The off-grid installation is expected to save the university around R960 000 annually.

In total, six Huawei 60 kW inverters were installed, 829 PV modules of 380 Wp, and a further 174 PV modules of 450 Wp each. A complete steel substructure was required on the roof to evenly distribute the load and bear additional ballasts to counter the uplift of the PV modules.

John de Wet, environmental sustainability manager at SU, says the power generated via the PV modules provides a third of the energy requirements of the entire Neelsie Student Centre. “This type of project fits within our aim to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions, as well as dependence on fossil-fuelled energy, through dynamic and continuous energy management programmes,” he explains.

“We aim to reduce Scope 2 electricity consumption emissions by 20% compared to 2019, including self-generation. Towards the end of the Neelsie Student Centre PV installation project, it was clear that we were comfortably within budget, and an additional 78 kWp was added,” De Wet adds. SEM Solutions completed the Neelsie Student Centre installation in June 2021 and the system has been registered with the local municipality, with fire department requirements incorporated.

Rooftop PV panels installed at the Stellenbosch University’s Neelsie Student Centre are expected to pass on savings of R960 000 annually