Global information and communication technology infrastructure and smart devices provider Huawei has installed a LUNA2000 2.0 MWH battery energy storage system (BESS) at Sunspot Farm, in Montagu, Cape Town.

The farm has also installed the photovoltaic model SUN2000-330KTL smart string invertor, which works perfectly alongside the BESS, says Sunspot owner Mark Bleloch.

“Its 10 MPPTs (maximum power point trackers) help reduce string mismatch and optimise energy yield, generating a full 330 kW. At Sunspot Farm, innovation meets sustainability, proving that even the smallest farms can make a big impact.”

The LUNA2000 offers higher usable capacity with refined energy management capabilities, including pack-level monitoring, battery pack optimisation, smart rack control and distributed temperature regulation.

“This system has several layers of safety to protect against water exposure and ensure even heat dissipation. Each battery pack can identify faults, making it easy to address any potential risks safely and efficiently,” explains Sunspot Farm solar manager Danie Poolman.

The LUNA2000 incorporates multi-level proactive protection, including physical isolation, circuit breaker protection and fault identification, while the cloud-based battery management system ensures active warning notifications, enhancing the overall safety of the system.

“This success story exemplifies how innovative technology can empower sustainability and foster resilience in even the most challenging environments.”

The rugged build and low-maintenance system ensures operations in the most demanding conditions.

Its automatic state-of-charge calibration eliminates the need for periodic balancing or on-site visits, enabling “plug and play” operations with pack optimiser-enabled spare parts, making it a hassle-free solution.

“Given the unpredictable weather conditions in Montagu, where sudden rains and harsh droughts can lead to fire risks, this reliability is invaluable.”

Further, the 20 ft standardised container design allows for easy transportation to remote locations, potentially reducing costs by up to 40%. Its high energy density and prefabricated installation require only simple wiring and site preparation.