A 250kWp ground-mount array replaces diesel generation for irrigation and packhouse operations on a commercial farm outside Brits.
Spec stats:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| System size | 250kWp ground-mount |
| Storage | 100kWh lithium |
| Array | 3 rows, fixed-tilt |
The Brief
Irrigation pumps and a packhouse cold room were being run substantially on diesel, at a cost that moved with every fuel price increase. The farm had land available adjacent to the packhouse, making a ground-mount array more practical than a roof installation.
The Build
AfriSunTech surveyed the site for shading, soil conditions and cable run distances before setting out three fixed-tilt rows on a galvanised ground-mount structure. The array feeds a hybrid configuration with 100kWh of lithium storage, allowing pumps to run into the early evening. Trenching, earthing and lightning protection were completed to specification for an open agricultural site, and the generator was retained as a backup rather than removed.
The Result
Diesel consumption has dropped by roughly 90%, with the generator now running only during extended wet-weather periods. Irrigation scheduling has been shifted toward daylight hours to make maximum use of direct generation. The system is monitored remotely, with AfriSunTech conducting scheduled cleaning and inspection given the dust load on site.
Client quote: “The diesel bill was the thing keeping me awake. That’s largely solved.” — Farm Owner, Brits
