SolarWorld, by way of its distribution partner and project implementer Solek, supplied a solar electricity system to the Grootbos Foundation, a non-profit organisation in the Western Cape. The project forms part of their aim to reduce their carbon footprint and costs, as well as to conserve the environment.
Leading global solar PV manufacturer, SolarWorld, donated the solar system whilst Solek provided a free of charge installation and engineering expertise. “This donation assists the Grootbos Foundation in its continued work towards our vision and brings us closer to living our commitment to sustainability and conservation”, says Julie Cheetham, Grootbos Foundation Managing Director.
The project includes a 5kWp solar system, which will generate sufficient energy ensuring the NPO has a fixed monthly electricity cost. Apart from assisting the Grootbos Foundation in saving on their electricity bill, the project contributes to conserving the environment, which forms part of their vision.
Gregor Kuepper, Managing Director of SolarWorld Africa explains, “Our commitment to sustainability begins on the inside. It starts with how we manufacture our products, choose our materials and treat our employees, then it extends to the communities we serve. Our commitment encompasses both economic and social sustainability which includes our factories, suppliers and employees. It is part of our identity and this is what sets SolarWorld apart from the rest of the solar manufacturing industry”.
“Partnering and long-term relations with well-established solar companies have always been a key strategy. Our collaboration with SolarWorld on this project has proven successful and we look forward to building on past success and continue to collaborate in the future”, says Hannes Van Zyl, Solek managing Director.
The Grootbos Foundation solar system is operative and will generate clean renewable energy for the training centre for 25 years and more. “We are extremely proud of our new environmentally friendly, energy efficient office and training facility which is complete with a brand new solar system and we are extremely grateful to SolarWorld and Solek Innovations”, concludes Cheetham.
About SolarWorld:
SolarWorld REAL VALUE: SolarWorld manufactures and sells high-tech solar power solutions and in doing so contributes to a cleaner energy supply worldwide. The group, headquartered in Bonn, Germany, employs 3,828 people and operates facilities in Freiberg, Germany; Arnstadt, Germany; and Hillsboro, Oregon, USA as well as in a joint venture with Qatar Solar Technologies. From raw material silicon to solar wafers, cells and modules, SolarWorld manages all stages of production ‒ including research and development in its own company, SolarWorld Innovations. Through an international distribution network with locations in Europe, USA, Singapore, Japan, South Africa and Qatar, SolarWorld supplies customers all over the world. The company upholds high social standards and commits itself to resource- and energy-efficient production. SolarWorld was founded in 1998 and has been publicly traded on the stock market since 1999. More information at www.solarworld.com or www.solarworld.co.za
