Farmer's Weekly (South Africa)
Affordable, ready-to-go solar power systems
With solar power being a highly technical field, Olivia strives to offer clients expert advice and turnkey solutions as well as supply and install superior products.
Olivia Energy Solutions celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. Based in Bloemfontein, the company distributes its products throughout Southern Africa and provides comprehensive solutions in three areas: commercial buildings, households and borehole water extraction.
Commerc ial systems
Over the years, Olivia has supplied solar power to shopping malls, office blocks, factories, educational institutions and other sites in a number of cities and towns. The process typically starts with an energy analysis to determine consumption patterns and energy needs. The client is then supplied with a detailed technical and financial report in order to make an informed decision about investing in solar power.
Olivia offers turnkey solutions, including engineering, procurement and construction services, to its commercial clients.
The majority of farmers in South Africa connect directly to the Eskom grid, not a municipal grid. Traditionally, the application process for a grid-tied system has been complicated and expensive. However, the process for grid-tied solar systems that connect to the Eskom low-voltage network has been considerably simplified in recent months. This enables farmers to install solar systems and ‘bank’ their excess energy on the Eskom grid.
Residential systems
The decline in the price of lithium batteries has contributed to a rapid growth in household solar power systems.
After determining a client’s needs, Olivia integrates all the components (inverters, charge controllers, safety equipment and communication devices) on a wiring board and tests the system before transporting it to the client. This ensures simple, plug-and-play installation.
For residents keen to invest in solar power but not yet ready to invest in a fully off-grid system, Olivia offers the following solutions to lower electricity costs:
• Solar water heating systems
The latest trend in solar water heating is to use photovoltaic panels to heat a direct current element in an existing geyser. This offers two advantages: the element is lime-resistant, and the system does not suffer from the overheating problems associated with solar geysers. As with regular solar geysers, Eskom power can be used as a backup when solar power is insufficient.
• Solar pool pumps
Olivia specialises in converting swimming pool pumps to solar power by using variable speed drives. The pump runs only when the sun shines and no battery backup is available. This method dovetails with pool heating panel operation, as the water is circulated only during daytime.
BOREHOLE pumps
Olivia is a leading supplier of solar borehole pumps, ranging from small pumps for livestock drinking water and household use, to larger pumps for irrigation.
It has sold thousands of solar water pumping systems to farmers in South Africa and neighbouring countries. The company offers a variety of brands and solutions and remains on the cutting edge of new developments.
Olivia specialises in the conversion of three-phase borehole pumps to solar power by using variable speed drives. The system provides the following benefits:
• The technology has been proven successful and cost-effective;
• It is modular, making problemsolving easier (a separate motor, pump or VSD can be replaced or repaired when necessary);
• It is maintenance-free.
• Dr Philip Olivier is associated with Olivia Energy Solutions. For more information, phone 051 412 6341.