As South African farmers grapple with escalating electricity costs and the need for dependable energy, GreenSun Renewable Energy is delivering practical, cost-effective solar and battery solutions. With over a decade of expertise and a proven track record of successful installations, GreenSun is helping farmers and commercial clients achieve immediate savings, long-term value, and energy independence. By offering flexible financing and cutting-edge technology tailored to the agri-market, GreenSun is making solar not just accessible, but essential for farms of all sizes.
Flexible Financing: Savings From Day One
In an industry where cash flow is critical, GreenSun offers two financing options that ensure farmers see returns without upfront strain: the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and the 10-year rent-to-own bank finance.
PPA: Farmers pay only for the electricity generated by their solar and battery system, often at rates equal to or below current electricity rates. There’s no initial investment—just immediate savings that lighten the load on tight budgets.
Rent-to-Own: Spread the system cost over 10 years, with monthly payments covered by energy savings. After a decade, the system belongs to the farmer, fully paid for by the sun’s power.
Consider a recent GreenSun project: a commercial client installed a 2,022.9 kW- DC solar system with a 4,112 kWh battery. In its first year, we are projection an annual electricity bill dropped from R30.4 million to R20.7 million, saving R9.6 million. Under the PPA, they paid nothing upfront; with rent-to-own, their R9.1 million annual financing cost was outpaced by savings, keeping them cash-positive from the start. “Our goal is to make solar work for farmers’ bottom lines,” says Andeon Louw, GreenSun’s Chief Commercial Officer. “These results show it’s not just possible—it’s happening now.”
Smart Batteries: More Than Just Backup
For many farmers, batteries seem like a luxury—until they realize the savings they unlock. GreenSun’s systems go beyond outage protection, using AI-driven technology to optimize energy use based on Time of Use tariffs, weather patterns, each farm’s unique energy profile, and kVA demand charges. This means storing free solar power during the day and deploying it when electricity rates peak, a strategy known as energy arbitrage.
In the same project, the battery is delevering R627,785 in demand savings in one year by shifting 1,051,446 kWh to high-rate periods. And reliability? GreenSun’s millisecond switchover ensures seamless power transitions—vital for irrigation, refrigeration, or livestock systems. “During the 2023 loadshedding crisis, this client lost R17 million in scraped goods,” Andeon notes. “Even without loadshedding today, that kind of security—and savings—is invaluable.”
Quality That Pays Off
Solar can be a game-changer, but only if it’s done right. Substandard installations can lead to frequent breakdowns, costly repairs, and lost productivity—risks farmers can’t afford. GreenSun eliminates that worry with over 14 years of experience, 3,120+ installations, and 50 MW of solar deployed across projects like Mulderbosch Wine Farm and Kruger National Park. Their systems use top-tier components with bankable warranties
“Farmers need energy they can rely on, not systems that fail mid-season,” Andeon explains. “We’ve seen poorly installed setups cost thousands in downtime. Our approach guarantees performance, so farmers can focus on what they do best—farming.” With GreenSun, it’s not just about going solar; it’s about going solar with confidence.
Technology That Works for You
GreenSun understands that farmers aren’t energy experts—and they shouldn’t have to be. Their systems are designed for simplicity, with AI functionality that self-adjusts battery levels to match farm demands, weather shifts, and tariff schedules. No manual tinkering, no guesswork—just steady, efficient power. This contrasts sharply with budget setups that leave farmers scrambling to fix glitches or replace failed parts.
“Our technology takes the complexity out of solar,” says Louw. “It’s like having a silent partner managing your energy, so you can keep your eyes on the fields.” From small holdings to large operations, GreenSun tailors solutions that deliver without the hassle.
A Financial and Environmental Win
With Eskom rates rising 12.7% this year, GreenSun’s solar delivers electricity at from R1.30/kWh on a PPA option for panels only or R2.85/kWh when batteries are included. This is always subject to site specific energy challenges.
Adding battery-driven arbitrage, and the savings stack up fast. Plus, the 12B tax incentive—offering a 125% deduction on renewable investments—slashes costs further. In the featured project, a R56.5 million system dropped to a net R39.1 million after deductions, but this perk expires in March 2025.
Beyond the numbers, solar cuts carbon emissions, aligning profitability with sustainability. “It’s about securing your farm’s future—economically and environmentally,” Louw adds.
Act Now: Your Farm, Your Power
GreenSun’s proven approach—flexible financing, smart technology, and unmatched reliability—offers farmers a clear path to lower costs and greater control. With tax incentives on the clock and electricity prices climbing, there’s no better time to make the switch.
Visit www.GreenSun.co.za, call Andeon Louw at +27 84 470 4444, or email [email protected] for a free consultation. “We’re here to power your farm with solutions that last,” Louw says.
Let’s make it happen—together