Discover how ACES Renewables delivered nearly 1MW of rooftop solar for Allied Steel, cutting costs and carbon while boosting energy resilience.

When Allied Steelrode, a leader in South Africa’s steel industry, decided to reduce its reliance on Eskom and strengthen its commitment to sustainability, the company turned to ACES.

Renewables to design and deliver two major rooftop solar projects. Together, these installations now supply a significant portion of Allied Steelrode’s energy needs, delivering measurable savings and making an important contribution to South Africa’s energy transition.

Two Sites, One Vision

The initiative included solar PV systems at both Allied Steelrode’s headquarters in Alrode and its production facility in Meyerton. The Alrode headquarters was fitted with a 600kW rooftop system, while the Meyerton site added a 300kW installation. Combined, the two projects represent almost one megawatt of capacity, making this one of the largest undertakings ACES.

Renewables has delivered to date in the CCI space.

Together, the systems save more than 466 tons of coal each year and prevent nearly 1,774 tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. These environmental benefits align with Allied Steelrode’s commitment to innovation and industry leadership while supporting South Africa’s broader transition to cleaner energy.

Technical Excellence on Industrial Scale

The projects featured advanced technology and careful planning. At both sites, ACES installed Huawei SUN2000 inverters paired with Trina 455 solar panels. The Alrode headquarters required 1,318 panels, while the Meyerton facility made use of 659 panels. The Alrode site were designed using east-west facing arrays, allowing for balanced energy production across the day.

Despite the challenges of working during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ACES team and sub- contractors completed the Meyerton installation in just under three months, while the larger Alrode project took approximately four months. Each installation was carried out with precision and attention to safety, ensuring that Allied Steelrode’s operations continued uninterrupted.

Independent structural engineers assessed both sites before work began, confirming that the new buildings could safely accommodate the large rooftop systems. The straightforward roof structures allowed for smooth installation, and the result was two systems that have already proven their reliability and performance.

Delivering Measurable Benefits

For Allied Steelrode, the benefits of investing in solar have been immediate and tangible. At the Meyerton site alone, the system produced 151,245 kWh of electricity between August 2021 and January 2022, delivering cost savings of approximately R200,000 in just five and a half months. Over the same period, the system avoided75 tons of carbon emissions and saved the equivalent of planting 104 trees.

Across both sites, solar now provides around 30 percent of the company’s energy demand. This has allowed Allied Steel to operate at full capacity without being curtailed during times of constrained supply. It has also provided the company with greater control over costs at a time when energy prices and reliability remain pressing concerns for South African industry.

A Partnership Built on Trust and Delivery

The projects came about through a competitive RFQ process, with ACES Renewables selected for its strong technical designs, competitive pricing, and proven track record. Against several other bidders, ACES stood out for its reputation and the strength of its engineering team.

That trust has been validated by Allied Steelrode’s leadership. Deputy CEO Justin Dax Cloete described the 600kW installation at Alrode as “outstanding,” praising the professionalism of the team, the neat workmanship, and the seamless execution that caused no disruption to operations. He concluded, “We recommend ACES Renewables to any company wanting to go green. ACES Renewables has delivered a 5-starperformance.”

At Meyerton, CEO Marius Bezuidenhout shared similar praise, noting the quality of the system, the safe and professional installation, and the significant financial and environmental savings achieved. He emphasised that the system was completed on time, worked flawlessly, and had already demonstrated strong returns in its first months of operation.

Setting a Benchmark for Industry

The Allied Steelrode projects reflect more than a successful partnership. They also highlight how South Africa’s industrial sector can play a pivotal role in advancing the country’s energy transition. Heavy industry consumes vast amounts of electricity, most of which is generated from coal. By investing in large-scale renewable energy solutions, companies like Allied Steelrode demonstrate that sustainable practices can align with operational efficiency and long-term growth.

For ACES Renewables, these projects are a powerful example of its mission to turn the vision of a just energy transition into reality. By delivering large-scale projects in partnership with forward-thinking companies, ACES is helping to reshape the energy landscape not only in South Africa but across the continent.

Looking ahead, Allied Steelrode is considering expanding its renewable capacity with the addition of battery storage, further enhancing its energy resilience. ACES continues to provide operations and maintenance support for both systems, ensuring that they keep delivering strong performance year after year.

The success of these installations underscores a simple truth: with the right partners, renewable energy can be both practical and transformative. Allied Steelrode’s investment in solar power demonstrates leadership in action, and ACES Renewables is proud to have played a key role in making it possible.

ACES Renewables is a premier provider of renewable energy solutions across Africa. With over 15 years of experience, we are driving the continent’s energy transition through innovative and sustainable clean energy solutions.

Our expertise spans end-to-end project execution, including engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), energy optimisation, and advanced storage solutions. With a proven track record and strong local partnerships, ACES Renewables delivers scalable projects that address Africa’s growing energy needs while promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth.

By consistently demonstrating the success and impact of our projects, ACES Renewables is attracting forward-thinking investors eager to participate in Africa’s energy future, creating jobs, uplifting the local communities, improving health and cleaning the environment. Our strategic vision and commitment to excellence position us as a trusted partner for those seeking to contribute to a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous continent.

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