A family-owned farm Radley Landgoed, near Malelane in Mpumalanga has taken a significant step towards energy independence by installing a water-based solar power plant on its estate. Covering 3,350 square meters on an irrigation dam, the solar array is the largest agricultural solar project in the province. The plant, which produces up to 1.8 GWh of power, was financed by Standard Bank’s Business and Commercial Banking division and can take the farm off-grid. This project is expected to pay for itself within 10 years and has a lifespan of 30 years, providing long-term cost savings.
Water-based solar plant supports farming operations
Floating solar panels at Radley Landgoed harness renewable energy, reducing operational costs for a family-owned farm. (Photo Credit: Standard Bank)
The dual-use project integrates agriculture under solar panels and floating aquaculture with energy storage. (Image Source: PRNewswire)
The Horsham project combines solar and battery storage, supporting grid stability and peak demand management. (Image Credit/Source: Atimedia/Pixabay)
The 20 MW solar project actively supports Eramet’s SBTi roadmap and climate goals. (Image Source: SolarPanal/Pixabay)
Sherco Solar is the Upper Midwest’s largest solar project, set to power 150,000 homes when fully operational. (Image Source: Xcel Energy)