Solarcentury wins contract to install a 574 kWp solar system for largest South African property company as part of a multi MW programme.

Solarcentury Africa, formed through a joint venture with local South African company Momentous Energy and Solarcentury, is to install a sizeable 574 kWp solar PV roof system on Waterfall Mall retail outlet in Rustenberg, South Africa. Waterfall Mall is owned by Growthpoint, the largest listed South African property company on the JSE.

The installation is Solarcentury Africa's biggest rooftop installation in South Africa to date. Waterfall Mall is the first property in Growthpoint's portfolio to benefit from a solar PV system, with further installations planned as part of Growthpoint's longer term commitment to green its operations.

As well as cutting carbon, the solar power rooftop PV system will significantly reduce Waterfall Mall's energy bills, an important consideration given that keeping the lights on in retail spaces and ensuring customers have a comfortable shopping experience can be energy intensive.

Gareth Warner, Managing Director of Solarcentury Africa said: "The Waterfall Mall roof installation will be capable of generating enough energy to power the equivalent of 750 average-sized homes and offset 928 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

"It will also significantly cut Growthpoint's electricity cost which is critical at a time of rocketing fossil fuel prices in South Africa. More and more businesses are starting to recognise the many benefits of solar electricity. We are looking forward to developing more multi-MW programmes with businesses in southern Africa to help them cut their energy bills through solar."

Growthpoint's South African retail portfolio comprises 43 properties covering almost one million square metres of thriving retail space valued at R15 billion.

Waterfall Mall is the Northwest Province's only regional shopping centre and attracts over 680,000 shoppers a month.