Empowering sustainable agriculture with custom-engineered solar solutions and long-term energy savings in South Africa’s Northern Cape.
- Solarise Africa commissions over 1.2 MWp of solar capacity for Idstone’s irrigation operations in Plooysburg, Northern Cape, through a hybrid-financed, off-grid-capable solution.
- The project is expected to generate 2.3 GWh of clean energy annually, resulting in lifetime energy savings exceeding ZAR 25 million and avoiding over 2,200 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year.
- Custom-engineered solar VSD systems now power both the river and irrigation pump stations, ensuring year-round energy reliability and enhanced agricultural productivity.
Plooysburg, Northern Cape, SOUTH AFRICA, 25 June 2025 – Solarise Africa, a leading pan-African Energy-as-a-Service provider, is proud to announce the successful commissioning of the Idstone Vaalboskop Irrigation Solar VSD Project — a transformative solar-powered irrigation system designed to deliver long-term energy resilience and operational efficiency for Idstone’s farming operations in the Northern Cape.
Developed through Solarise Africa’s hybrid financing model, the project features two advanced solar PV systems powering variable speed drive (VSD) pumps across the farm’s critical irrigation infrastructure. This structure ensures reliable performance both on- and off-grid, while enabling the farm to benefit from South Africa’s Section 12B tax incentives. The installation not only supports cost-effective and sustainable farming but also strengthens energy independence at a time of increasing grid instability.
Two Custom-Engineered Solar VSD Systems for Improved Operational Efficiency
The first system, located at Idstone’s irrigation pump station, comprises a 444.6 kWp solar PV array and 262 kW of solar VSD capacity. The system includes 780 Longi 570W solar panels and four ABB hybrid solar VSD pumps (three 75 kW and one 37 kW), each managed by dedicated solar VSDs running at a fixed speed of 50 Hz. Water is pumped from an on-site dam to irrigate the farm’s fields. The pumps are manually activated by the irrigation team as needed, with solar energy prioritised to maximise off-grid operation and reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-generated power.
The second system powers the river pump station, also situated in Plooysburg. This larger setup features a 786.6 kWp solar PV system and 448 kW of solar VSD capacity, comprising 1,380 Longi 570W panels and eight ABB hybrid solar VSD pumps (four 75 kW and four 37 kW). These pumps draw water from a nearby river and transfer it to the on-site dam for subsequent irrigation. The design ensures seamless energy use for continuous water transfer and enhances agricultural efficiency through a resilient, renewable-powered operation.
The Power of Partnerships
“This project exemplifies the strength of partnerships that prioritise sustainability, performance, and local resilience,” said Sakkie van Wijk, Co-Founder and COO of Solarise Africa. “We are proud to work alongside visionary clients like Idstone who are taking bold steps to futureproof their operations while improving efficiency and reducing emissions.”
Roscoe Lawrence of Idstone added, “This solar installation is not just an energy upgrade — it’s a step towards building a more sustainable, independent agricultural future. We now have reliable, cost-effective power that allows us to focus on what we do best: growing food and supporting our community.”
Impact
Together, the two systems bring over 1.2 MWp of clean solar capacity to the site, generating approximately 2.3 GWh of clean energy per year. Over the system’s lifetime, it is expected to deliver energy savings in excess of ZAR 25 million and avoid more than 2,200 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually — the equivalent of removing over 480 cars from the road each year. Beyond financial and environmental benefits, the project enhances irrigation reliability and insulates Idstone’s operations from energy price volatility and load-shedding.
This milestone project reinforces Solarise Africa’s commitment to delivering decentralised, intelligent energy solutions that empower African businesses to thrive – responsibly, efficiently, and sustainably.