The system is expected to produce 1.8GWh electricity per annum and help reduce the mine’s dependency on diesel.
The fully integrated turnkey PV system will be designed, engineered and constructed by Solea Renewables employing 4,170 polycrystalline PV panels to be supplied by JinkoSolar.
Solea Renewables director Vusi Mhlanzi remarked increasing demand for minerals and metals from South Africa has created power supply constraints, leading miners and government to explore for alternative solutions.
"As the plant is expected to be completed by late October, 2012, the electricity generated by JinkoSolar quality solar panels will definitely reduce the mine’s daytime diesel consumption while securing our client’s with a natural long-term hedge against all rising costs of power," said Mhlanzi.
JinkoSolar CEO Kangping Chen added, "We have great expectations for South Africa."
"The region’s booming population, strong economic growth and abundant sunlight represent an exciting opportunity for solar and for JinkoSolar."
