Johannesburg - Three wine estates recently blended vintage with innovation by taking advantage of the South African climate to enhance their power requirements.
De Grendel dairy and wine farm in the Durbanville Wine Valley along with Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards and La Motte, both based in Franschoek Valley, all turned to renewable energy specialist, Emergent Energy, to provide them with a green solution to answer their escalating cost of electricity concerns.
De Grendel’s solar photovoltaic (PV) system by Schneider Electric consists of a 21kWp roof mounted structure on its cowshed, using Trina modules to offset its dairy operation’s electrical requirements.
An 189kWp ground-mounted system by Schneider Electric is installed along the highway adjacent to the farm and further offsets a large portion of the entire farm’s electrical requirements.
Schneider Electric solutions offering 54.9kWp and 104kWp of solar power to Leopard’s Leap and La Motte respectively were also installed using Trina modules.
Channel manager for Schneider Electric Leon Hailstones said the projects are boasting returns on investment with a reduction in electricity bills.
"In addition, the lower carbon footprints of the farms and green focus have enhanced their reputations as being innovative companies,” he said.