Innovations in solar energy, such as off-grid energy solutions company Blockpower’s Blackbox, an energy management system (EMS), allow for energy savings and cost-efficiency, as well as system longevity for households, businesses and heavy-duty industries, says Blockpower engineering head Timothy Mahlangu.

An EMS offers several benefits, including optimising surplus solar energy through intelligent hot-water control solutions and managing high inrush consumption by staggering equipment startup. This is particularly appropriate for South African hospitality industries, as it helps ease the load on the national grid, which is frequently unable to keep up with increasing demand and ensure the timely provision of electricity.

The Blackbox provides additional optimisation solutions for clients when needed, adds Mahlangu. These solutions include real-time monitoring and control, and ongoing technical support, which helps with performance management in various operational processes,  such as equipment monitoring for predictive maintenance.

“While residential development projects encompass about 75% of our portfolio, 25% of our work involves solving the challenges facing businesses and industry. We conduct detailed energy-use studies, model tariff scenarios and design systems that reduce reliance on the grid during peak hours,” says Mahlangu.

Much like any other solar energy product and service provider, Blockpower must contend with regulatory obstacles and variable sunlight, as well as the lack of robust communication networks that can affect the performance of its real-time monitoring and control offering.

Fortunately, the Blackbox overcomes the challenge of limited sunlight by storing energy in the battery energy storage solution (BESS) during the day for use at night, while intelligently shifting geyser loads to daytime hours when surplus PV is available for hot-water storage. At the same time, it optimises system performance and reduces consumption to extend backup capacity during power outages.

Further, Blockpower’s products and services meet existing regulatory requirements.

“We tackle challenges head-on. Our storage systems are sized to handle cloudy days, our designs meet or exceed grid code from the start, and our monitoring systems are built with backup communication paths so we’re never flying blind. We also work with trusted suppliers and maintain critical spares locally, so our clients aren’t left waiting weeks for a replacement.”

Mahlangu adds that client requirements vary, but the company puts every kilowatt hour “to work”, allowing for flexible fine-tuning of solar-related performance.

“For homeowners, it’s all about matching energy use to solar production. We make sure batteries charge first to guarantee evening supply, then push any extra into things like geysers or electric vehicle (EV) charging. Businesses, on the other hand, are more complex and loads need to be prioritised, tariffs analysed and control settings adjusted for seasonal changes.”

BESS solutions are further enhanced when combined with emerging digital innovations that improve the performance and reliability of solar power installations. For example, Blockpower is rolling out a comprehensive energy ecosystem through its Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) model, designed to maximise efficiency and ensure consistent energy availability, while also delivering cost savings and providing clients with hassle-free management of metering and billing, leaving these responsibilities in the hands of experienced professionals.

“EaaS combines high-efficiency solar PV with battery storage and the Blackbox, and can be scaled as needs grow,” Mahlangu adds.

Wheeling

Mahlangu believes that wheeling offers numerous benefits. Wheeling – the sale of solar power through third parties – helps households and businesses save money and can also enable them to sell excess solar energy directly to third parties or back to the municipality.

This would, however, require EMS and monitoring solutions to ensure that proper monitoring and metering is in place, and that technical requirements are met.

“We can design systems to prioritise a business’s own usage first, then export the surplus when it makes financial sense . . . At Blockpower, we design solutions with the long game in mind, producing systems that not only perform today, but adapt as the client’s needs, tariffs and overarching regulations change,” he explains.

With the regulatory framework for the solar industry evolving, Mahlangu says the future will likely involve the trade of solar power or wheeling by independent power producers and businesses with excess solar reserves; the adoption of smart demand management for EVs and smart appliances; and the implementation of hybrid systems and/or smart controls for increased automation.

“A successful solar project starts long before the first panel is installed. It’s about understanding the energy profile, choosing the right technology and planning for operations over the next decade or more . . . quality and compliance will become critical, and there’s no room for shortcuts,” he concludes.