With frequent power outages affecting South Africa, loadshedding has highlighted the vulnerabilities of relying on traditional grid infrastructure, thereby incentivising moves toward the adoption of sustainable energy options, says renewable energy solutions provider Solar MD CEO Kaloyan Dimov.

An example is that a greater demand for battery energy storage systems (BESSs) in South Africa, with Solar MD having embarked on various battery energy storage-related projects this year.

“Solar MD batteries have been actively used in several battery energy storage-related projects across various sectors, and we have successfully implemented projects for various industries,” enthuses Dimov.

The company has been contracted to supply BESSs across 86 gyms in South Africa for the fitness chain company Virgin Active, with a total installed capacity of 20 MWh to date.

The systems were deployed through local engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firms, including Sola Synergi, Nuvo Energy, Dorman Projects, and Build Africa Energy. The consultant for this rollout is Power Partners

He explains that this project aims to enhance the gyms' energy resilience and sustainability, allowing them to continue providing uninterrupted services to their members during grid outages.

Solar MD is expected to rollout Phase 2 of the project for Virgin Active within the next three months. The expansion will further increase the installed capacity of BESSs across gyms locally, thereby extending the benefits of reliable and sustainable power supply to other locations.

“We are proud to be at the forefront of these battery energy storage projects, driving innovation, resilience, and sustainability in the energy sector.

“Through our collaborations and partnerships, we aim to continue delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses and communities to embrace clean energy and achieve a more sustainable future,” he enthuses.

Meanwhile, Solar MD has also completed two large energy storage projects for the commercial and industrial sectors, totalling over 6 MWh.

Both BESSs were installed by EPC Eversolar at a residential complex in Linbro Park, in Gauteng, and at a large supply chain company based in Germiston, also in Gauteng.

Demand

Dimov explains that BESS demand has primarily increased in the residential and commercial and industrial sectors, with the residential sector facing a steady and linear growth in demand for BESSs as homeowners and communities embrace renewable-energy solutions.

“Residential customers are recognising the value of BESS in reducing reliance on the grid, achieving energy independence, and optimising self-consumption. This sector continues to contribute to the overall increase in demand for BESS solutions,” he says.

Meanwhile, the commercial and industrial sector has also witnessed an increase in demand for BESSs over the past 18 months, with Dimov noting that businesses, industries and institutions are investing in BESSs to address grid constraints, manage energy costs and enhance sustainability initiatives.

“By leveraging our expertise and advanced energy storage solutions, we are helping these establishments enhance their energy management, reduce reliance on the grid, and optimise their overall energy usage,” he says.

He warns, however, that installing backup power solutions for loadshedding protection without considering their impact on the grid may not effectively address underlying challenges, noting that, while backup solutions provide short-term relief, they can also further constrain the grid when discharged after loadshedding.

“It is essential to consider comprehensive BESSs that provide backup power during outages, while also actively supporting the grid and creating a more sustainable and resilient energy ecosystem for the future.”

Projects in the Pipeline

Solar MD is collaborating with energy solutions company Energy Partners on a project to take a local shopping mall off the grid.

This involves deploying advanced energy storage solutions along with renewable energy generation to provide a sustainable and independent power supply for the mall, with Dimov describing the project as an “exciting opportunity” to showcase the potential of off-grid solutions in commercial settings.

Other EPCs with massive projects include Soco, Gronn and Im Power.

Additionally, the company is also partnering with energy company Victron Energy for a large-scale rollout of mini-grid solutions across Africa to bring reliable and affordable electricity to remote communities by combining Victron Energy systems with Solar MD's expertise in energy storage.

“It is a significant initiative that will have a transformative impact on the lives of people in underserved areas,” expresses Dimov.

Solar MD is also building a 3 GWh energy storage facility in Richmond Park, in the Western Cape to enhance the company’s brand visibility and exposure, with Dimov describing Richmond Park as an ideal hub for Solar MD to meet the local demand for BESSs.

“By consolidating our operations and using state-of-the-art infrastructure, we aim to streamline our production and meet the growing needs of the market,” he explains.

Solar MD aims to continue growing sustainably at its new premises while expanding its European production facility.

Dimov assures that the company is committed to advancing the adoption of renewable energy and energy storage on a broader scale by actively exploring projects, such as the recycling of lithium-ion batteries, with a focus on developing sustainable and efficient recycling processes.

“Our aim is to establish a circular economy for battery materials and minimise waste and environmental impacts to establish more sustainable energy solutions locally and beyond. We are dedicated to driving innovation, supporting renewable energy adoption and playing a pivotal role in the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable future,” he concludes.

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