The need to improve load capacity and mitigate energy costs was the primary catalyst behind the recent installation of a solar energy system near Ohrigstad. Agrico Tzaneen wanted to ensure their client Cor Cross enjoyed uninterrupted irrigation and minimal crop and yield losses. With some help, they pulled off a solar system which achieves exactly this.
Cor Cross farms alongside the Ohrigstad River. His farm comprises 300 Ha, of which 64 hectares is primarily dedicated to citrus permanent crops. The remaining hectares of the farm are utilised for crop rotation, including wheat, soybeans, and seed corn. A micro and drip-irrigation system is used on the citrus, while pivots are employed for the seed crops.
The solar irrigation project was a collaborative effort involving Agrico Tzaneen, the client, and independent contributors. Agrico supplied all the necessary materials for the project. The team at Tzaneen was responsible for equipping and wiring the container, as well as facilitating the connection of solar panels to the container. The container’s contents include a main switchboard, air conditioning, insulation, inverters, batteries, and a camera/alarm system.
For the camera and alarm system, Cor enlisted the services of an external company. Additionally, the client actively participated in mounting the solar panels on Agrico frames, assisting with trenching, and laying cables underground within PVC pipes.
The solar system in use is a 100 kW “Hybrid” Synsynk system, comprising two 50 kW inverters and 120 solar panels (equivalent to 66 kW solar capacity) paired with a 120 kW battery capacity. To prioritise solar energy utilisation, the existing 100 kVA transformer is integrated into the solar system.
To ensure continuous power supply, a 150 kW generator has been seamlessly integrated into the system. This standby generator comes into play during periods of insufficient solar power, such as nighttime or cloudy weather, and when Eskom power is unavailable.
Two 60 kW battery banks ensure that the system can operate at full capacity even during times when solar power falls short, particularly during mornings and evenings. The excess solar power generated during the day is utilised to recharge the batteries. The generator automatically activates when battery power drops below 30%, and Eskom power is unavailable. It deactivates as soon as Eskom power is restored or when the batteries reach a predetermined charge level of 95%.
The entire system can be conveniently monitored and controlled online.
In hierdie ekslusiewe onderhoud gesels die Andrag-neefs, Walter en Roland, oor Agrico van vandag. Gebou op meer as ‘n eeu se ryk geskiedenis, doen Agrico alles behalwe stagneer. ‘n Groeiende taknetwerk, ‘n poel jong talent en aanhoudende investering in moderne vervaardiging, getuig daarvan. Lees meer oor hierdie twee bedryfsleiers se uitkyk op die landbou, en Agrico se seisoen van momentum!
Agrico stel die nuwe 12.5 m Hoë Spoed Dis bekend, ‘n robuuste werktuig wat ontwerp is vir doeltreffende boerdery met wyer werksdekking. Hierdie Hoë Spoed Dis, wat by NAMPO debuteer, help boere om tyd en geld te bespaar.
Fifteen years ago, Guru started his farming journey with little knowledge. Today, he has turned his 500 Ha farm in Zambia into a thriving enterprise and a family legacy. Using 20 Ha of drip-irrigation and two Agrico centre pivots, Guru has irrigated his way to success.
From efficient irrigation to purpose-built implements, Agrico offers the best of both worlds. Our expertise in irrigation design and seedbed preparation is what your farm needs to take it to the next level. Don’t believe us? Come see for yourself at NAMPO 2024.
Faced with a tight deadline, Sampada-Agri and Agrico collaborated to install an illigation system for sugar beans in just two weeks. This project showcased innovative problem-solving and effective teamwork, ensuring timely planting for Sampada-Agri’s expansion into sugar beans.
“Sonkrag is die toekoms en ons visie by Agrico Vredendal is om die tipe tegnologie in besproeiing uit te brei,” sê Roekie Coetzee, takbestuurder van Agrico in Vredendal. “Dit is juis waarom ons reeds venootskappe in sonkrag begin vorm het: sodat ons die boer kan help om daardie omskakeling so moeiteloos as moontlik te maak.”
