234 kWp | Grid-tie (gen-integration pending)
Location: N2, Mthatha, Eastern Cape
Start: 7 Jul 2025 | Complete: ~15 Aug 2025
Funded by: FIBON
Dan’s Country Lodge needed cleaner, more reliable power without interrupting a busy commercial site (bakery, fuelling station and a Steers franchise outlet). In five weeks, we delivered a 234 kWp grid-tie system, completed out-of-hours tie-ins, and started production immediately. The client reported visible savings within the first month.
Feasibility and Planning
Before installation, we completed all essential assessments and signoffs:
- Reviewed Eskom bills to map load profiles and identify peak demands
- Inspected all roofs, noting Harvey tile sections and ballast-mount opportunities
- Secured structural engineer approvals before installation
- Compiled structured reports to optimise the limited roof space and determine usable areas
The result was a clear, buildable plan that respected roof integrity and minimised disruption to lodge operations.
Key Technical Solution
- System size: 234 kWp (rooftop and ballast mounts)
- Modules: JA Solar 565 W panels
- Inverters: 2x Sungrow (grid-tied)
- Integration hardware: DGSL PVDB, a Dead Grid Safety Lock that ensures compliance with Eskom requirements for grid-feed, enabling clean tie-in with existing infrastructure and future generator integration
- Standards: Full compliance with SANS 10142-1 with highly skilled technicians on-site and tier-1 equipment throughout
- Monitoring: Engineers monitor via iSolarCloud; client uses V-Com, ensuring compatibility
Challenges and How We Handled them
To overcome the limited usable roof space, we conducted targeted structural surveys and implemented a tailored layout to maximise energy yield from every viable section.
There was also some emphasis on the sensitivity of operations for the bakery, fuel station and Steers which had to remain operational throughout the majority of the day, so we scheduled the PV tie-in for 23h00 on a Sunday night, thereby eliminating the risk of disruption to business.
Mid-project, the client requested generator integration, which we responded to quickly by implementing a DGSL PVDB to support this future expansion.
Timeline Phases at a Glance
- Feasibility and approvals: Pre-start structural signoffs obtained
- Procurement and deliveries: Standard lead times, tier-1 equipment sourced by Thula Moya Energy
- Installation: Started 7 July 2025 with a fully dedicated team on site for the entire duration
- Commissioning and tie-in: Completed ~15 August 2025, with tie-in executed out-of-hours to avoid service interruptions
Early Performance and Client ROI
Early results show strong performance, with production peaking daily at around 1,700kWh since commissioning.
Environmental benefits (first 15 days):
- CO₂ reduction: 14,76 tonnes
- Standard coal saved: 5,98 tonnes
- Tree equivalence: 805
- Projected annual CO₂ savings: ~359 tonnes/year (based on first 15 days of production)
Warranties are manufacturer standard, and our engineers conduct weekly monitoring, with our Service Level Agreements in place for ongoing support.
Why This Installation Stands Out
The tie-in was scheduled to guarantee zero disruption to core business activities, a strong example of our “operations-first” execution model, with structural signoffs and a tailored mounting plan that protected roof integrity and ensured compliance from day one.
The system was designed for future expansion, with the DGSL PVDB already accommodating generator integration. Real-time monitoring is being conducted through iSolarCloud and V-Com, meaning both our engineers and the client have full visibility over system performance.
Client Feedback
“We’ve already seen savings in the first month, and our business hours weren’t disrupted once.”
– Operations Manager, Dan’s Country Lodge
Best Practices Reinforced
- Schedule tie-ins around peak trading times
Late-night or early-morning work keeps operations flowing - Get structural engineering input early
Prevents delays and safeguards roof integrity - Design with expansion in mind
Gen-integration requests often come mid-project, so we plan for them from day one - Use real-time monitoring
Production visibility builds client trust and enables faster response times
Final Word
Dan’s Country Lodge now runs on a stable, high-performing grid-tied system that protects revenue, reduces operating costs, and is ready for future generator integration.
We built the system to perform, monitored it from day one, and kept the business running while we did it.
This is how we excel with our commercial solar projects: engineered, executed and operational from day one.
If unreliable power or rising electricity costs are hurting your business, let’s fix it. At Thula Moya Energy, we design, install, and monitor solar systems that work efficiently, affordably, and on time.
🔗 Book a Free Site Inspection: Email us at info@thulamoya.com
📞 +27 64 627 9610 | +27 31 100 2207
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