Johannesburg, 8 August 2023 – Daystar Power (“Daystar”), a Pan-African leading provider of hybrid solar power solutions for businesses and industrial manufacturers, announced its opening of a new office in South Africa as the country continues to grapple with power cuts and load-shedding. With its grid-tied and hybrid solar solutions, Daystar provides a cost effective and reliable energy alternative to South African businesses that are relying on diesel generators to cope with power cuts.
Operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Shell Group, Daystar’s embedded solar energy solutions consist of PV modules, rooftop or ground mounting, DC/AC cables, inverters, and controllers. Clients have an option of adding lithium-ion battery storage to store solar energy for later use, including at nighttime. Daystar’s solar systems are fully integrated into a client’s existing power set-up (grid and generators). Clients can continue to draw electricity from the grid and generators while solar energy provides energy security in the event of load-shedding and grid blackouts. By adding solar into their energy mix, clients can reduce their use of diesel generators to drive up to 30% energy cost savings and lower their carbon emissions simultaneously.
Commenting on the expansion, Jasper Graf von Hardenberg, Daystar Power CEO and Co-Founder, said, “Today, South Africa is facing an unprecedented energy crisis. At Daystar Power, we are thrilled to provide South African businesses with hybrid solar energy solutions that provide energy security, flexibility, and affordability. Solar energy has never been more compelling helping clients to secure reliable supply, save costs, and go green. For years, we have honed our expertise in renewable energy services in West Africa, and backed by the Shell Group, we look to support South African businesses as a trusted renewable energy provider.”
Wendy Green to lead Daystar Power’s South African business
Wendy Green has joined Daystar Power to lead the South African business. With more than 15 years of experience, Green brings a strong track record in South Africa’s renewable energy industry. Previously, she developed and implemented energy transition strategies and initiatives at blue-chip companies like Exxaro, Sappi and Sasol.
Wendy Green, Daystar Power Country Head, South Africa, said: “I am excited to spearhead Daystar’s expansion into South Africa and support the business community with renewable and affordable energy. Daystar’s embedded solar energy and hybrid systems are perfectly suited to the needs of South African businesses. They provide energy security at an affordable cost of power whilst reducing companies’ carbon footprints. It’s the best of both worlds: businesses can remain connected to the grid while protecting themselves against load-shedding and blackouts.”.
Daystar offers two types of fully financed solar systems: Solar as a Service (SaaS) and Power as a Service (PaaS). Through its SaaS offering, Daystar designs, builds, and operates solar systems that can power a business’ daytime load to reduce reliance on expensive and polluting diesel generators. SaaS clients pay a kilowatt/hour tariff for the electricity consumed and do not pay for any upfront capital costs. Its PaaS offering is similar, except that the systems include battery storage in addition to solar systems. Clients pay a flat monthly fee for the PaaS service. The average term of SaaS and PaaS contracts is 10 years but can vary depending on client requirements.
With minimal deployment times, Daystar looks to provide its energy solutions to a diversity of sectors, including mining and quarrying; energy, chemicals, and refineries; automotive, manufacturing and processing; transportation and construction; as well as agriculture and fisheries.
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