Gwaiing Solar System Achieves Remarkable Energy and Cost Savings
Visit to the Gwaing Waste Water Treatment Works earlier this year: From left is Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George), Dr Michele Gratz (Municipal Manager), Daniel Greeff (Acting Director of Electrotechnical Services, George Municipality), Councillor Nosicelo Mbete (Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services and Fleet Management), Thabo Yiga (Project Manager: Electrotechnical Services) and Edward Pienaar (Engineering Designer for RWK Electrical, the appointed contracting company).
The George Municipality is thrilled to announce that the newly installed 500 kWp solar system at the Gwaiing Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) which is located next to the landfill site adjacent to the old Airport Road has been fully operational since 25 March 2024 and it has been delivering remarkable results over the past two months.
The 500 kilowatts peak (kWp) grid-tied PV plant consists of 910 PV Panels & 5 x 100kW inverters at a total cost of around R8.7m (Inclusive of VAT), including a 24-month Operation and Maintenance period. It was commissioned on the 25th of March 2024 and is expected to generate in the order of 870 MWh of energy per year. The electricity generated is used to run the pumps and motors for the wastewater treatment works during the day.
Key Achievements:
• Energy Production: The solar system has generated a total of 112,000 kWh (units) of energy in two months.
• Cost Savings: With an average cost of R1.80 per kWh, the savings amount to R201,600.
• Environmental Impact: The system has reduced our carbon footprint by an estimated 53 tonnes, equivalent to planting 74 trees.
The implementation of this solar system highlights the George Municipality’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and reducing the environmental impact. The savings and carbon footprint reduction are significant milestones in our journey towards a greener future.
The Municipality wishes to thank the community for their support and looks forward to sharing more updates as we continue to enhance our sustainable energy infrastructure.
