EmPOWERING WITH SOLAR ENERGY SOLUTIONS
CLIENT: Bake it Easy
LOCATION: Cape Town Airport Industria
THE CHALLENGE
Bake it Easy, located close to Cape Town International Airport, South Africa, faced significant operational challenges due to frequent load-shedding hindering their ability to operate 24/7 efficiently. The constant interruptions disrupted their production schedule, leading to lost business opportunities and increased staff costs. With hope of solving this problems, Bake it Easy sought a reliable solution to enable uninterrupted operations and enhance business effectiveness.
THE SOLUTION
Understanding Bake it Easy’s need for continuous operation, Open Energy conducted a thorough assessment of their power requirements. This led to the design and installation of a grid assisted solar system comprising of three 110kW three-phase hybrid inverters, an 825kVA three-phase diesel generator and 700 x 540-watt solar panels to deliver priority power to the premises.
THE RESULT
The integration of these components ensured seamless operation, with the generator becoming the primary power source during load-shedding with assistance from solar to sustain critical equipment like freezers, mixers, and ovens. Despite challenges such as limited space for solar panels, Open Energy collaborated closely with Bake it Easy, ensuring transparency and proactive problem-solving throughout the installation process.
The PV inverters efficiently manage solar and grid power, while the diesel generator provides backup during outages with integration to solar. Solar panels generate energy during the day, reducing reliance on the grid and maximizing energy efficiency. The seamless integration of these technologies ensure an uninterrupted power supply and enable Bake it Easy to meet production demands consistently.
Since the solar installation, Bake it Easy has experienced uninterrupted operation, enabling them to produce and deliver products on time. Significant cost savings on electricity bills and reduction in staff costs (not having to pay overtime or sit around during load-shedding) have resulted in a more profitable business. The solar solution has not only enhanced operational efficiency but also contributed to environmental sustainability.
Sirius Group, the landlord, made an initial investment in the solar solution, aiming to save nearly 30% on electricity bills. Despite space constraints limiting the number of solar panels installed, Bake it Easy has achieved a 30% reduction in monthly electricity costs. Sirius group is able to back bill Bake it Easy at a lower rate than Eskom for this 30% and still achieve its goal ROI. An eight-year service level agreement with Open Energy ensures ongoing maintenance and performance optimisation.
Bake it Easy expresses high satisfaction with the solar solution, noting uninterrupted operation since installation baring one teething issue in month one which was quickly resolved by Open Energy. Improved business efficiency has enhanced their competitiveness. Positive feedback on Open Energy’s professionalism and expertise underscores a strong partnership built on reliability and trust.
While Bake it Easy currently has no expansion plans due to limited roof space, they are open to approaching Open Energy for future projects. This reflects a commitment to sustainability and a long-term partnership focused on leveraging innovative energy solutions to support growth objectives.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Bake it Easy and Open Energy demonstrates the transformative impact of solar energy solutions in overcoming operational challenges and driving business success. By embracing sustainability and fostering strong partnerships, both parties pave the way for a brighter and more resilient future.
