Solarise Africa has successfully commissioned a 1.0868 MWp ground-mounted solar power system at Genade Boerdery – Zuurgat Farm, located near Hopetown in South Africa’s Northern Cape province. This installation represents a significant step forward in promoting sustainable agriculture in the region and was developed using the Section 12B tax incentive, which is designed to encourage investment in renewable energy for commercial and industrial use.
Genade Boerdery, a well-established farming operation founded in 1983, is managed by Oom Vickie and his three sons—Gerhard, Hannes, and Vickie Junior. Over the years, the family has developed the farm into a successful and diverse agricultural enterprise. Their commitment to excellence has earned them several national awards, including GrainSA’s Grain Producer of the Year (2015 and 2018), Top Lucerne Producer, and Farmer of the Year.
The solar system comprises 1,976 Longi 550W solar panels and 8 Huawei 115kW inverters, forming a grid-tied setup optimized for energy efficiency and reliability. The installation is designed to support the farm’s irrigation and production processes, providing long-term energy stability. Over the 15-year contract period, it is expected to generate savings of approximately R82.2 million and offset an estimated 24,171 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
This project is among the largest solar systems installed on a single agricultural site in the region. It reflects Solarise Africa’s and Broad Sky’s ability to deliver customized Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) solutions that align with the specific energy needs of large farming operations. Importantly, the model allows clients to benefit from solar energy without needing to make an upfront capital investment.
Sakkie van Wijk, Co-Founder and COO of Solarise Africa, stated, “This project represents the very best of what can be achieved when visionary farmers and innovative energy partners come together. It’s a landmark initiative – not only because it is our first 12B product, but because Genade Boerdery exemplifies the kind of leadership and stewardship we need in the agricultural sector as we build towards a sustainable future.”
Cor Wessels, Co-Owner of Broad Sky, who led the origination and construction of the large-scale solar installation, stated, “We take great pride in partnering with large-scale farming operations that demand the highest standards of quality and precision. Working alongside Solarise Africa, we were able to deliver a tailored solar solution that supports the principles of precision farming, leveraging advanced technologies and data-driven systems to enhance productivity and operational efficiency.”
In addition to promoting clean energy and reducing emissions, the project also plays a role in enhancing food production, supporting rural economic development, and reinforcing the importance of energy security in agriculture. The success of this project also led to the commissioning of the Idstone Solar VSD system, another collaboration between Solarise Africa and Broad Sky, further demonstrating the positive impact of renewable energy in South Africa’s agricultural sector.
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