Wilgewandel Farm Energy Autonomy
Hybrid Solar for Off-Grid Farm and On-Grid Restaurant
Company Name: Wilgewandel Farm
Location: 25km outside Oudtshoorn, near Cango Caves, Western Cape, South Africa
Industry: Hospitality/Agriculture (Holiday Farm)
Short Description: Farm achieving energy independence with hybrid solar for accommodations and restaurant efficiency.
Scope of Project: Deployed 23.7kWp solar with 72 panels, three inverters, two MPPTs, and 30kWh LiFePO4 battery.
Wilgewandel Farm in the Karoo implemented a 23.7kWp hybrid solar system, powering off-grid house and accommodations fully while optimizing the on-grid restaurant. Split panel installations and robust battery storage ensure autonomy during variable conditions and loadshedding, boosting overall savings.
This hybrid solar project at Wilgewandel Farm delivers 100% off-grid capability for main areas and significant reductions for the restaurant, enhancing reliability in a rural setting. Improved management potential increases efficiency, supporting sustainable agriculture and tourism near iconic Cango Caves.
Deployed a 23.7kWp three-phase hybrid setup:
72 Solar Panels: 36 ground-mounted near restaurant, 36 on roof.
3 Quattro Inverters and 2 SmartSolar MPPTs for efficient charging.
30kWh LiFePO4 Battery Bank for nighttime and outage storage.
Key results & impact
100% off-grid savings for main house and accommodations; restaurant achieved 7-10% reductions in 2021, with potential for 15%+ via improved management.
Contactable Reference: Mr. George Muller – info@wilgewandel.co.za
