Equinox Mall, located on the eastern cape of South Africa, has been supplied with IBC photovoltaic (PV) panels to provide all the energy requirements for the walkways and utility rooms by local alternative energy company SolarCon. The eight 260-watt panels will provide 40% of the total daily alternative energy requirement at the mall, with the 60% balance being provided by a 3 kw wind turbine.
Germany-based IBC’s PV solar panels were chosen for the project as they boast the highest output for their size making them the most cost- and energy-efficient. IBC’s PV panels generate more energy than consumed and the energy used during the production of the panels is recouped between two to seven years, depending on the location and system type. In addition, the cells, glass and aluminum frames can either be reused or recycled at the end of their lives.
"PV technology is mature, robust and reliable as it has no moving parts and requires minimum maintenance. The components used in PV systems have proven their durability over the years as they are water and ultraviolet-resistant, and can withstand extreme temperatures," says SolarCon MD Dieter Dilchert.
The Equinox Mall project took just four weeks to complete. SolarCon is also continuing work on a project at a game reserve in Botswana.
"Solar energy can solve the energy crisis. If all warehouses are fitted with solar panels, then it can supply a great deal of power to the industry. Not only does this help with energy supply, but it can produce 25 years worth of energy without the pollution," Dilchert noted.