Wheels producer Maxion Wheels and solar solutions company Terra Firma have commissioned a 2.9 MW solar project that is powering Maxion’s manufacturing plant in Johannesburg.

The installation encompasses solar panels on a carport roof, as well as ground-mounted solar panels, which are supplying about 20% of the facility’s yearly electricity needs.

This reduces Maxion’s reliance on the national grid and provides some protection against electricity tariff increases, while reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by about 5 100 t/y.

Terra Firma developed, designed, engineered and installed the project and will be managing and maintaining it over its lifetime.

A second phase of additional rooftop solar capacity is due for completion in the first quarter of next year, which may incorporate a battery energy storage system for energy arbitrage and backup power.

For manufacturers such as Maxion, like many in the automotive industry, electricity is one of the largest input costs owing to energy-intensive processes such as foundry systems and automated conveyor networks being used; therefore, managing this cost is critical to maintain competitiveness.

Solar power offers an accessible solution that enables manufacturers to reduce and manage costs, improve resilience and reduce climate impact.

The company’s Johannesburg facility produces high-precision aluminium wheels for automotive original- equipment manufacturers in South Africa.