Gwaiing solar system achieves remarkable energy and cost savings

GEORGE NEWS - George Municipality has announced that the newly installed 500 kWp solar system at the Gwaiing Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) has been fully operational since 25 March and has been delivering remarkable results over the past two months.

The 500kW peak (kWp) grid-tied PV plant, which is situated next to the landfill site adjacent to the old Airport Road, consists of 910 PV panels and five 100kW inverters.

It was established at a total cost of around R8,7m (inclusive of Vat), including a 24-month operation and maintenance period.

The plant was commissioned on 25 March and is expected to generate about 870 MWh of energy per year.

The electricity generated is used to run the pumps and motors for the wastewater treatment works during the day.

The key achievements with this plant are:

• Energy production: The solar system has generated a total of 112 000kWh (units) of energy in two months.
• Cost savings: With an average cost of R1,80 per kWh, the savings amount to R201 600.
• Environmental impact: The system has reduced the carbon footprint by an estimated 53 tonnes, equivalent to planting 74 trees.

Chantèl Edwards-Klose, chief of municipal communications, said the implementation of the system highlights the municipality’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and reducing the environmental impact.

"The savings and carbon footprint reduction are significant milestones in the municipality's journey towards a greener future. The municipality thanks the community for their support."

During a visit to the Gwaing Waste Water Treatment Works earlier this year, from left: Mayor Leon van Wyk, Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz, Acting Director of Electrotechnical Services Daniel Greeff, Portfolio Councillor Nosicelo Mbete, project manager Thabo Yiga, and the engineering designer for the contracting company, RWK Electrical, Edward Pienaar.