With the ongoing energy crisis in South Africa, and the lack of generation capacity from State-owned power utility Eskom, diesel generator manufacturer Mahindra Powerol SA provides a range of generator solutions with the ability to be connected to solar power and inverter systems for the purpose of contributing to the reliability of hybrid renewable-energy systems.

Mahindra Powerol SA MD Neal Palmer says the original-equipment manufacturer is currently in the process of testing an all-in-one hybrid unit that includes a diesel generator, solar photovoltaic (PV) energy, and an inverter that can be used by various industry players and businesses to enhance transition to a hybrid solution – comprising a seamless shift to easily accessible and diverse sources of energy.

Moreover, Mahindra Powerol SA will also be launching a range of gas generators, which will be introduced to the Southern African market in the “near future”.

Mahindra Powerol SA offers various industry players and business owners a turnkey solution that enables the simultaneous use of up to three different energy sources for an enhanced power generation capacity and uninterrupted power supply that will ensure that business can continue as normal, without being affected by loadshedding.

“The turnkey solution supplied by Mahindra Powerol SA would be a solar PV system coupled to a smart inverter and matched to a diesel generator. The inverter balances the supply between the solar system, diesel generator and the mains power, if available, with the load demand,” says Palmer.

Additionally, what makes the Mahindra Powerol SA solution unique is the fact that these amalgamated systems will be able to use the best and most cost-effective power source to manage load requirements at any given time.

The company also offers a range of standalone generators that can be coupled with solar systems and smart inverters, including generators that range between 10 kVA and 650 kVA. These generators can be seamlessly integrated into solar plants and inverters to provide a reliable hybrid power station.

Some of the additional benefits of Mahindra Powerol SA’s turnkey product and service solutions include reducing energy costs, contributing to decarbonisation, and overall increased power generation capacity.

The company makes a “solemn promise” to be proactive in its ability to manufacture innovative products, including “powerful, economical and reliable generator equipment that meets the expanding global demand for electricity generation”.

To empower this mission, Mahindra Powerol employs more than 2 000 engineers to develop contemporary and innovative product offerings at its Chennai research facility in India.

“The company in India has been manufacturing diesel generators for 20 years and has over 400 000 machines deployed in a variety of applications worldwide. This experience, coupled with exceptional quality products and matched with ongoing service excellence, is what makes our offering unique,” he enthuses.