Eastgate Lane Office Park: Delivering Reliable Solar and Hybrid Energy Solutions

Eastgate Lane Office Park in Bedfordview, showcases how carefully planned solar and hybrid energy systems can deliver both immediate and long-term value for property owners and tenants. As energy costs climb and grid reliability declines, ACES Renewables has delivered a solution that reduces grid reliance, supports business continuity, and creates a stable foundation for future growth, all essential considerations for investors in Africa’s renewable energy transition.

From Rising Costs to Smart Investment

The decision to invest in solar was driven by the office park’s need to better manage rising electricity costs and ensure an uninterrupted power supply. Load-shedding threatened to disrupt operations, and some tenants required consistent electricity without even the short delays caused by generator backups.

Recognising this challenge, the client turned to ACES Renewables for a robust, technically sound solution. The result was a two-phase rollout completed over two years. The first phase began in 2021, and the second in 2022, with each stage completed in about four months. The result is a 200kW DC rooftop solar system configured with both grid-tied and hybrid inverters: 100kVA grid-tied, 100kVA hybrid, and 600kWh of lithium-ion battery storage.

The use of lithium-ion batteries, designed for daily cycling with a 16-year lifespan and a 10-year warranty, ensures long-term durability and stable performance. By separating power allocation, ACES is able to charge batteries using surplus energy without increasing the PV array size, making the system more efficient without expanding its footprint.

Engineered for Business Continuity and Reduced Grid Reliance

The hybrid system has fundamentally changed how Eastgate Lane Office Park manages its power. Energy generated during the day is not only used immediately but also stored for use at night and on weekends when office occupancy is low. This approach allows the site to be completely off-grid during these periods, reducing grid dependence by around 50 percent.

While rapidly escalating grid electricity tariffs have masked some of the visible cost savings on utility bills, the real value lies in stability and resilience. Tenants now benefit from reliable power during load-shedding, avoiding costly downtime and maintaining uninterrupted business operations, a critical factor for attracting and retaining tenants in a competitive market.

ACES Renewables also integrated the system with the site’s existing generators, though impressively, there has been no need to rely on generator power for over a year.

Performance Monitoring and Maintenance Excellence

ACES Renewables deployed the VCOM Meteocontrol remote monitoring platform for Eastgate Lane, giving the property owner daily, detailed insights into the system’s performance. ACES O&M Technicians monitor the system in real time, identifying issues quickly and often resolving them remotely. The platform also provides alerts for maintenance tasks, such as cleaning panels when efficiency drops, and supports regular software updates that keep the system optimised.

This careful management has ensured the system maintains a performance ratio of around 85%, in line with market expectations. Such reliable performance is an important reassurance for investors, demonstrating not only strong engineering but also professional operational support that safeguards long-term returns.

A Trusted Partner in Project Delivery

ACES Renewables’ role went beyond simply supplying a competitive quote. Their team conducted thorough roof assessments to ensure structural suitability, which revealed that only one of four blocks (Block D) could initially support the rooftop installation. Rather than over-promising, ACES focused on delivering the best solution for that building while helping the client plan for future expansion.

Regulatory compliance was also a priority. Working with the City of Ekurhuleni, ACES provided designs, facilitated inspections, and ensured professional sign-off, culminating in a smooth, approved switch-on.

Client Confidence and Lasting Impact

As Lisa Abrosie Maroun of Abro Properties noted in her testimonial, working with ACES Renewables transformed what was once uncharted territory into a smooth, expertly managed investment. She praised ACES’s engineering insight, professional communication, and commitment to delivering a neat, reliable installation with minimal disruption.

This project is a model for how commercial property owners can protect themselves against rising energy costs and grid instability while laying a sustainable foundation for growth. For investors looking to support Africa’s clean energy transition, projects like Eastgate Lane Office Park demonstrate the real, lasting value of well-executed solar and hybrid systems.

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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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