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The High Cost of Unreliable Power In South Africa, rural and agricultural businesses continue to face growing energy challenges. From rolling blackouts and Eskom’s rising tariffs to failing infrastructure like fallen poles, dysfunctional transformers, and substations on fire, the cost of staying connected is becoming unsustainable. Generators are often the go-to backup, but diesel is expensive and maintenance-heavy, chipping away at already tight margins.
Amidst these challenges, solar power coupled with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) offers a transformative solution. Not only can it stabilize power supply, but it also significantly reduces long-term operational costs. But what about the high capital outlay? That’s where innovative financing options, like Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), come in.
Case Study
Resthill Memory Care’s Journey to Energy Security
Resthill Memory Care, a dementia care facility in a semi-rural setting, struggled with power disruptions and unsustainable diesel bills. Their journey began modestly: installing a smaller GreenTower ESS from Ordiphase on a monthly subscription plan.
The results were immediate. In the first full month alone, the system enabled Resthill to operate 36% off-grid. Generator runtime dropped dramatically, diesel costs fell, and the savings matched the monthly subscription cost. Encouraged by this success, Resthill made plans to cut Eskom out entirely.
The current system size is a 50kW inverter, 30kWh battery storage with 20 kWp Solar PV. Their proposed system upgrade retains the 50kW inverter, upgrading to 120kWh of battery storage, and 54kWp of solar PV, which is enough to generate up to 250kWh per day. It’s a bold step toward full energy independence.
The Solution Provider
Ordiphase and the GreenTower ESS
Ordiphase, a SAPVIA-approved Green Card installer and authorized Sunsynk partner, was the driving force behind the Resthill installation. Each GreenTower ESS is professionally designed and signed off by a registered Professional Engineer, ensuring quality, safety, and reliability.
Their systems include high-efficiency inverters, lithium batteries, top-tier solar modules, smart controllers, and comprehensive protection infrastructure. Customers like Resthill benefit from robust support and expert installation that simplifies the transition to clean energy.
Financing Your Energy Future: The Jaltech PPA
One of the biggest barriers to solar adoption is capital. That’s why Ordiphase partners with Jaltech, an alternative investment fund manager specializing in solar finance.
Through Jaltech’s Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), your business can access a fully funded energy system. No deposit, no collateral, and no impact on your balance sheet. Jaltech owns the equipment and you pay a fixed monthly fee that includes finance, insurance, and maintenance (performed by Ordiphase).
For projects like Resthill’s, in the R1 million range (ex. VAT), the typical term is 8 years, whereafter ownership is transferred to the client. The financial benefits are substantial: Resthill’s PPA is projected to save them 39% compared to Eskom and diesel reliance. Over a decade, that translates into over R1.5 million in savings.
Why This Matters for Agricultural Businesses
The Resthill story isn’t just for healthcare. It’s a blueprint for farms, packhouses, irrigation systems, and agro-processing facilities that need stable, cost-effective power.
Key Advantages for Farmers and related businesses:
- 100% Project Funding: Unlike traditional lenders who may only fund 70% of the cost, Jaltech funds the full amount.
- Off-Balance Sheet: The PPA doesn’t affect your borrowing capacity or require asset-backed security.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Monthly fees cover all essential services such as maintenance and insurance, and you just use the solar power generated as normal.
- Tax-Deductible: Monthly payments can be deducted as operational expenses.
- Quick Turnaround: With proper documentation, solar projects can be approved in 2–3 weeks and implemented in under 3 months.
- Longer Terms: Get repayment periods up to 20 years for solar projects above R5million (Resthill’s term is 8 years).
Your Path to Energy Security: A Simple Process
- Identify the pain: High Eskom bills, unreliable power and expensive generator costs .
- Call Ordiphase for a site assessment and system design.
- Ordiphase prepares a tailored GreenTower ESS proposal.
- Jaltech reviews the project and issues an indicative offer.
- After due diligence and approval, installation begins.
- The solution goes live with affordable monthly payments replacing your diesel and Eskom anxiety.
What Resthill Had to Say
“The GreenTower system worked flawlessly, drastically reducing our generator reliance. The savings were real from day one. We felt supported every step of the way by Ordiphase and appreciate their professionalism and attention to detail.”
A Future-Proof Investment
Energy security is no longer a luxury for South African farmers, it’s a necessity. With electricity costs rising and the grid becoming less reliable, investing in solar and battery solutions is one of the smartest moves a rural business can make. Thanks to GreenTower ESS with equipment warranties of between 10 and 15 years and Jaltech’s financing model, you can do it without spending a cent upfront.
Let the sun work for you. Speak to Ordiphase today and take control of your energy future.
