SolarSaver, an energy company, has completed a solar installation at the Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch and the African Pride Hotel, both located in the Melrose Arch precinct in Gauteng.
Due to limited roof space for solar panels, SolarSaver partnered with property developer Amdec Group to devise a solution. They opted for pergola structures specifically designed to support the weight and dimensions of the solar panels, built above the hotels’ roof structures.
Since the commissioning of the 1,231 kW solar system in October last year, the hotels have significantly reduced their operational costs by lowering electricity bills and decreasing their carbon footprints.
“We co-create custom solar solutions for your needs. By utilizing purpose-built pergola structures at Melrose Arch, we’ve effectively addressed space constraints while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the hotels’ outdoor areas,” says Lance Green, SolarSaver’s sales head.
This solar project supports the broader sustainability goals of both the Marriott Hotel Group and the Amdec Group, highlighting their leadership in environmental stewardship within the hospitality and commercial sectors. The Marriott Hotel group also employs refuse recycling, energy-efficient appliances, water-saving devices, building management systems, and a centralized district cooling facility to conserve natural resources.
These new solar installations are part of SolarSaver’s portfolio of 16 systems, totaling 3,281 kW, within Melrose Arch. The installations are overseen using SolarSaver’s rent-to-own model, with the company maintaining ownership and taking charge of the operation and maintenance of the solar PV systems. Clients in the Melrose Arch precinct benefit from a 20-year power purchase agreement, paying only for the green energy produced.
Green notes that the successful completion of these projects demonstrates SolarSaver’s innovative approach to overcoming space and aesthetic challenges and further promotes renewable energy adoption across South Africa.
“Given the increasing energy demand, unreliable grid supply, and rising costs, ensuring energy efficiency and a reliable power supply is crucial for maintaining business profitability.” Green concludes, “With ample sunshine, South African businesses can rival the world’s greenest as well as most energy-efficient buildings.”
