Technology
Smarter Solar Investments Through Proven Engineering
Driving South Africa’s Agro-Processing Competitiveness Through Decarbonisation and Renewable Energy in the Global Green Export Race.
Why Our Solar Designs Actually Deliver What They Promise
Picture this: A boutique hotel invests R2.5 million in a solar installation. The provider promises 60% energy savings and a 5-year payback. Two years later, the actual savings are barely 40%, and the system can't handle peak demand during loadshedding. The financial model is in tatters, and the owner feels misled.
This scenario isn't rare—it's the industry norm. And it all comes down to one critical mistake: inaccurate system sizing.
The Hidden Flaw in Conventional Solar Design
Most solar systems are sized using simplified methods that look convincing on paper but fail in practice. Monthly utility bills, rough assumptions, and generic battery calculations are often used in place of detailed operational modelling.
The result is typically one of two outcomes:
Oversized systems that inflate capital costs and extend payback periods
Undersized systems that can’t handle peak loads, forcing continued reliance on Eskom during critical times
For tourism and hospitality businesses, where guest experience and operational continuity are non-negotiable, this level of inaccuracy introduces unnecessary financial and operational risk.
A Research-Driven Alternative
At Lean Energy, we developed a more accurate approach: the Solar PV Hybrid System Sizing Procedure (SoHUBS™). This methodology was developed by our engineering team, peer-reviewed, and published through IST-Africa 2024.
Rather than relying on rules of thumb, SoHUBS™ integrates advanced modelling tools to reflect how energy systems actually operate, including:
Detailed load analysis and hourly demand modelling
HelioScope and SAM-based solar production forecasting
Dynamic battery simulation that reflects real-world performance
Together, these elements allow us to design hybrid systems that closely match real operating conditions, rather than idealised assumptions.
Validated by Real-World Performance
SoHUBS™ was not developed in isolation. The methodology was validated against post-installation performance data from multiple tourism establishments across South Africa.
When compared to other sizing approaches, SoHUBS™ consistently produced the lowest Energy Savings Error (ESE)—meaning predicted savings aligned far more closely with actual system performance after installation. This level of accuracy significantly improves financial modelling, payback assessments, and long-term planning.
When we forecast system performance, those projections are grounded in validated data, not optimistic estimates.
What This Means for Your Business
Accurate system design delivers clear, practical benefits:
Financial confidence through realistic savings forecasts and dependable payback modelling
Optimised system sizing that avoids unnecessary capital spend while meeting peak demand
Operational resilience during loadshedding, without compromising guest comfort or business continuity
The result is a renewable energy investment that performs as expected—year after year.
Engineering-Led Solar, Designed to Perform
For hospitality operators, energy is more than a utility cost. It underpins guest experience, safety, and operational stability. Solar systems should be designed with the same level of precision and accountability.
That’s what SoHUBS™ delivers: solar PV hybrid systems backed by published research, validated by real-world data, and designed to perform exactly as promised.
Interested in the research behind our methodology? Read the full published SoHUBS™ article here.
