Agrico
Bellville
The ambition
Agrico, a leading name in the design and supply of irrigation systems, is renowned for its expertise in turnkey water supply projects. Committed to delivering elegant and efficient irrigation solutions, Agrico uses cutting-edge components and technologies to meet its clients’ unique needs, ensuring the optimal use of both water and energy resources.
Unpredictability of power outages disrupted production schedules and drove up operational costs, threatening their ability to deliver on their promise of reliability and efficiency. Recognising the urgent need for a sustainable and cost-effective energy solution, Agrico partnered with RenEnergy to transition from their existing generator-based system to a more advanced hybrid setup.
The solution
Agrico’s reliance on a traditional genset system was no longer sufficient to meet their growing energy needs amidst frequent blackouts. Rising fuel costs, increased maintenance demands, and inconsistent energy supply underscored the need for a robust solution that could provide uninterrupted power while also reducing their environmental impact.
RenEnergy designed and implemented a custom hybrid energy solution tailored to Agrico’s operational requirements. The system integrates photovoltaic (PV) solar panels with state-of-the-art battery energy storage technology, creating a reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure.
By combining solar PV with battery energy storage systems, Agrico has strengthened their resilience to energy challenges while reducing their carbon footprint. This strategic upgrade demonstrates their forward-thinking approach to sustainability, setting a benchmark for innovation in the agricultural sector.
Our engineering expertise is evident in delivering innovative solutions, such as a double-storey container design to address limited floor space constraints. For a 24/7 manufacturing operation with a large load profile, we ensured seamless backup power to support continuous operations.
The PV system was meticulously optimised, incorporating a roof layout and design to maximise energy yield while avoiding shading from the roof structure. Through detailed planning and careful consideration of the client’s business timelines and schedules, we delivered a solution tailored to their unique requirements and operational demands.
1.1MWp
Total installed capacity
1.89MWh
Total Battery capacity
3306
Solar panels installed
3
Inverter installed
“Agrico’s transition to a hybrid energy system underscores the importance of adopting innovative technologies to address modern challenges. By partnering with RenEnergy, they’ve positioned themselves as a leader not only in irrigation solutions but also in sustainable energy practices. At RenEnergy, we are proud to support businesses such as Agrico in navigating South Africa’s energy landscape with smart, resilient solutions that ensure operational excellence.”
Claude Peters, Managing Director, RenEnergy Africa
“As a leader in the irrigation industry, we understand the importance of employing sustainable solutions to facilitate growth. At Agrico, it is our goal to provide growers and producers with optimal irrigation systems, to help them make the most of their available resources. This, in turn, is exactly what RenEnergy has helped us achieve with this project. We are confident that the solution provided to us by RenEnergy will further enhance our ability to reliably serve our customers.”
Roland Andrag, Technical Director, Agrico
The benefits
CO2
Annual saving of 1,912 metric tonnes– that’s the equivalent to driving a petrol car approximately 7.7 million km
An annual CO₂ savings of 1,912 metric tonnes which is equivalent to the emissions produced by driving a petrol car approximately 7.7 million kilometres
Optimised solar panel placement for maximum energy yield
Strategic discharge of stored energy during peak demand periods
Improved self-consumption of solar-generated electricity for sustainability
Reduced dependence on conventional power grids for increased control
Significant cost savings through self-generated solar power
Long-term financial stability by minimising exposure to fluctuating utility costs
Agrico reduced its environmental impact and reliance of fossil fuels
Agrico
Bellville
Note that all estimated performance figures are calculated using industry-standard systems and norms, assume ideal operating conditions, and were estimated as at the time of the installation. EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator.