Page 16 - Energize May 2021

NEWS

Casting light on conservation us to reach our goals and achieve a better and more sustainable future
for all. This is very exciting for us”, says Petronel Nieuwoudt, Care for Wild
Rhino Sanctuary Founder and CEO.
right Light Solar and the Sectional Title Solutions (STS) Group This massive undertaking will roll out in a phased approach. The first
of companies are casting light onto conservation efforts, by phase of the implementation, focusing on the house and office areas,
Bdonating a fully funded off-grid solar and battery storage commenced with the delivery of a 45 kVA three-phase fully insulated
solution to the largest orphan rhino sanctuary in the world, Care for container integrated with the existing 45 kVA generator, complete with
Wild Rhino Sanctuary (CFWRS). cooling, lighting, filtered vents and complemented with eight 7,4 kWh
Environmental stewardship is a longstanding focus for both free issue batteries.
companies, and they are pleased to collaborate with the sanctuary in The second phase of the implementation will focus on the actual
this solar energy system feature. rhino pens. Bright Light Solar will install a 5 kVA phase one enclosure
The threatening situation of deforestation, climate change and system complemented by two 7,4 kWh in two off-wall cabinets. The team
the poaching scourge has left and continues to leave behind young, will build a carport structure to house twelve 450 W modules integrated
defenceless, orphaned rhino. Bright Light Solar, in conjunction with into a generator for low state of charge (SOC) assist. For lighting, eight
the STS Group, has stepped in to ensure the sustainability of one of 4,8 m street poles will be erected, complete with PV modules, 20 W
the world’s largest specialised rhino conservation facilities with a LED flood lamps, charge controller, lithium battery and RF/PIR/manual
completely off-grid solar PV implementation that will cater for the switching sensor.
sanctuary’s day to day power and water necessities. The team will then relocate and upgrade the existing system, which
The array will be fully operational from June 2021 and will entails the decommissioning and moving of the modules to the entrance
generate a power saving of 41 760 kWh of electricity each year. gate and guardhouse, remounting modules on the corrugated roof’s short
The sanctuary was previously running a combination of expensive rail structure with the existing AC/DC equipment and new batteries and
generators coupled with a small but inefficient solar and battery reconfigure and update the firmware before recommissioning.
solution. Mainly due to unpredictable and fluctuating costs of fuel and The last phase of the implementation, which is the most significant,
not being eco-friendly, the setup was unsustainable. is the installation of two dozen 450 W modules to produce 10,8 kW on a
The 26,1 kW PV system donated by Bright Light Solar and the STS ground mount structure, connected to a 7,5 kW drive integrated with the
Group consists of 58 x 450 W panels on an existing workshop roof and generator for the water pump.
a 59,2 kWh battery solution. “We’re passionate about solar and the benefits it has for our country
Michael Faber, a director of Bright Light Solar, says, “by helping and the planet. We see choosing solar over conventional energy solutions
protect rhinos, we’re helping to conserve their habitat for the benefit of as a “win-win” scenario where you get to cut costs while contributing
people and other wildlife, making sure natural resources are available positively to the environment – leaving a lasting green legacy for future
for generations to come. Solar is the obvious choice when wanting to generations to enjoy.
cut back on costs while contributing to the green economy and using Future generations inherit all the results of the decisions we
solar for the direct benefit of the conservation of rhinos is a no brainer.” make today, playing our part to conserve one of the Big five for future
“We are in the last minute of the last hour to save the planet. We generations is an honour.” says Johnny Wates, Chief Executive Officer
must put nature at the front of every decision we make. Through the of STS.
renewable energy of solar, provided by the STS Group and Bright Light
Solar, we can move another step closer in our responsibility to protect Contact Liezel Weber, ST Solutions, Tel 060 468-4602,
mother earth for future generations. Good partnerships like this help liezel@stsolutions.co.za

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