The solar array consists of a total of 1 800 PV modules with a total surface of 3 493 m2. The power that is generated feeds directly into the CSIR’s campus grid, therefore, no energy storage is needed. It provides around 4% of the energy needs of the CSIR’s Pretoria campus, the equivalent of the electricity needed to power 200 middle-income households in South Africa.

The module array is controlled by a 558 kWp ground-mounted single-axis solar tracker that allows the modules to tilt and follow the movement of the sun from east to west. This tracking system is generally more expensive to install and maintain, but has a higher energy yield as compared to a fixed-tilt system. The CSIR’s 1-axis tracking PV facility is the first of its kind in the country with a 100% South African designed and made tracking system and substructure.

For research purposes, the arrays have been divided into different blocks to assess the impact of dust and dirt build-up on power yield over time. Some of the modules can be routinely cleaned, while others are left uncleaned. The purpose is to derive a cost-optimal operational plan for the cleaning of the modules. Researchers will analyse the operational performance of a 558 kWp ground-mounted single-axis tracker solar PV system with regards to the solar gain compared to a fixed-tilt installation and to prepare the grounds for a subsequent development of a tracking model that will optimise the energy yield.

The facility will also be used to train PV engineers and technicians. The solar power generated by the facility will equate to an annual carbon dioxide saving of approximately 1 200 tons, which will significantly reduce the CSIR’s carbon footprint. The plant has an expected lifetime of at least 25 years.

For more information, contact:

Mhlengi Dlamini
Email: medlamini@csir.co.za

or

Dr Mkhulu Mathe
Email: kmathe@csir.co.za