Eskom’s big switch-on of solar power for Beacon Bay
ESKOM Sunilaws Office Park in Beacon Bay has embraced alternative energy sources by switching on its R3-million solar panel installation yesterday.
The photovoltaic project was activated by Eskom’s Eastern Cape general manager Sifiso Mazibuko, who said the occasion was the “celebration of a milestone”.
“It is a project we are proud of as Eskom in the Eastern Cape. We are investing in a sustainable energy future.”
He said Sunilaws was just one of the Eskom buildings nationwide to roll out the energysaving project.
The installation of the rooftop solar panels, which have a 165 kilowatt capacity, began in May.
“They will save us 30% of our electricity bill,” said spokeswoman Ntosh Mafumbatha.
Eskom general manager for renewables Ayanda Nakedi said solar power would also help the company reduce its carbon dioxide emissions.
“The beauty of this technology is that even if we have cloud cover, they continue to generat she said.
Mazibuko took the occasion to announce his departure from the province to join the Medupi Power Station.
He said the timing of the official switch-on was chosen to herald the Chris Hani District Renewables and Climate Change Conference starting in Queenstown today, of which Eskom is a partner.
“We continue to encourage various stakeholders to utilise these alternative sources of energy to reduce the strain on the national grid.”
Border-Kei Chamber of Business executive director Les Holbrook, who attended the switchon, said it was good to see the country’s electricity suppliers take the lead in the field of renewable energy. —