Letsatsi

Key Facts

HOMES POWERED

MEGAWATTS (MW)

Eskom will purchase 100% of the electricity produced under a 20-year contract, and will then use this electricity for distribution to its customers in South Africa.

LOCAL CONTENT

45% of the total project value was local content spend, with 60% of the local content with BBBEE providers.

MEGAWATT-HOURS POWER PER YEAR

The project will deliver approximately 150,000 megawatt hours annually, enough to power about 65,000 South African homes with clean energy.

SOLAR PANELS

325,360 solar panels were installed, with more than 800 workers on-site during peak construction.

EMISSIONS

The Letsatsi Solar Power Project completed construction in May 2014. In addition to helping South Africa meet its critical electricity needs, the Letsatsi project has brought long lasting economic benefits to the region. The project reserves a percentage of total project revenues for enterprise and socio-economic development of local communities.

Letsatsi

Key Facts

HOMES POWERED

MEGAWATTS (MW)

Eskom will purchase 100% of the electricity produced under a 20-year contract, and will then use this electricity for distribution to its customers in South Africa.

LOCAL CONTENT

45% of the total project value was local content spend, with 60% of the local content with BBBEE providers.

MEGAWATT-HOURS POWER PER YEAR

The project will deliver approximately 150,000 megawatt hours annually, enough to power about 65,000 South African homes with clean energy.

SOLAR PANELS

325,360 solar panels were installed, with more than 800 workers on-site during peak construction.

EMISSIONS

Media Gallery

At 75 MW-DC installed capacity, Letsatsi is among the largest renewable energy projects in Africa.

Letsatsi achieved full commercial operation in May 2014.

Over 277,000 solar PV panels make up the Letsatsi plant.

Letsatsi generates approximately 150,000 MW-hours annually.

A % of the project revenues are set aside for enterprise and socio economic development to benefit local communities.

Letsatsi powers 65,000 homes in South Africa.

Project Overview

BLOEMFONTEIN, FREE STATE, SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa is a country at the forefront of the solar energy revolution.
The Letsatsi Solar Power Project completed construction in May 2014 and is fully operational, successfully helping to power the Eskom South African electric grid with clean renewable energy. The project is playing a part in helping South Africa meet its renewable energy targets, in addition to stimulating long-term economic development and creating new jobs. The Letsatsi Project generates enough clean, renewable electricity to power approximately 65,000 homes in South Africa.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Location: Bloemfontein, Free State Province, South Africa
Technology: Photovoltaic (PV)
Size: 75 MW-DC installed capacity; 64 MW-AC net generation
Electricity Production: approximately 150,000 MW-hours annually
Power Purchaser: 20-year government supported PPA with Eskom
Homes Powered: 65,000 homes

KEY PROJECT BENEFITS

Clean, zero-emission solar energy in South Africa
Helping South Africa meet its renewable energy targets
Direct and indirect employment
Local Content: 45% of the total project value is local content spend
Preferential Procurement: 60% of the local content is with BBBEE providers
Operating Expenses: During the 20+ year operating life, the project will expend in excess of ZAR 2 billion on operations and maintenance costs
Long term Enterprise Development and Socio-Economic Development investments

HISTORY

In 2011, SolarReserve joined with local empowerment infrastructure investors and local developers in the South African market to develop large-scale photovoltaic solar energy projects.

The Letsatsi Power Project was awarded by the South Africa Department of Energy in the first round of bidding under the South Africa Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP). Letsatsi began full commercial operations in May 2014.