Solarise Africa, a leading pan-African provider of Energy-as-a-Service solutions, has successfully commissioned the Idstone Vaalboskop Irrigation Solar VSD Project in South Africa’s Northern Cape. This project introduces a solar-powered irrigation system aimed at improving energy reliability, cutting operational costs, and supporting sustainable agriculture for Idstone’s farming operations. Implemented using Solarise Africa’s hybrid financing model, the project consists of two solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that power advanced variable speed drive (VSD) pumps, forming a reliable energy solution that works both on- and off-grid.
The project also enables Idstone Farms to benefit from South Africa’s Section 12B tax incentives, further enhancing its financial sustainability. Designed to reduce dependence on grid electricity during times of load-shedding and price fluctuation, the system ensures consistent irrigation for agricultural productivity. The first system, installed at the farm’s irrigation pump station, includes a 444.6 kWp solar PV array with 262 kW of VSD capacity.
It comprises 780 Longi 570W panels and four ABB hybrid VSD pumps—three rated at 75 kW and one at 37 kW. These pumps are operated manually by the irrigation team and draw water from an on-site dam to irrigate fields, with solar energy as the primary power source to reduce the need for fossil fuels. The second system, located at the river pump station in Plooysburg, features a larger 786.6 kWp solar PV system with 448 kW of VSD capacity. It uses 1,380 Longi 570W panels and eight ABB hybrid solar VSD pumps—four 75 kW and four 37 kW units. This setup pumps water from a nearby river to the on-site dam, ensuring a continuous and efficient water supply for irrigation purposes.
Together, the two systems deliver more than 1.2 MWp of solar capacity and are projected to generate approximately 2.3 GWh of clean electricity annually. Over their operational lifetime, the systems are expected to save more than ZAR 25 million in energy costs and prevent over 2,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. This reduction in emissions is comparable to removing more than 480 cars from the road annually.
Sakkie van Wijk, Co-Founder and COO of Solarise Africa, mentioned, “This project exemplifies the strength of partnerships that prioritise sustainability, performance, and local resilience. 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, stated, “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.”
Beyond the environmental and financial impact, the project improves irrigation reliability and shields farming operations from power disruptions and rising electricity costs. It also showcases how hybrid financing models can support the agricultural sector’s shift toward clean energy and energy independence. This project underscores Solarise Africa’s commitment to offering decentralised, intelligent energy solutions that promote efficiency and resilience in African businesses. It sets a strong example of sustainable farming, encouraging wider adoption of renewable energy technologies across the continent’s agricultural sector.
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