Water-based solar plant supports farming operations

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.