Recently, shoe manufacturer Maxion Wheels has partnered with solar solutions company TerraFirma to commission the construction of a 2.9 MW solar project to inject green energy into Maxion's manufacturing plant in Johannesburg.

The layout of the installation facilities for this solar energy project is clever, with solar panels laid on the roof of the carport and ground installations. Among them, the solar panels installed on the ground have made outstanding contributions, meeting approximately 20% of the factory's annual electricity demand. This achievement is of great significance, significantly reducing Maxion's dependence on the State Grid and effectively preventing the risks brought by rising electricity prices. At the same time, the project can reduce approximately 5100 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, making a positive contribution to environmental protection.

During the project implementation, TerraFirma leveraged its professional expertise and was responsible for the development, design, and engineering installation of the project based on a comprehensive multi-year power procurement agreement. It will also undertake the management and maintenance work throughout the entire lifecycle, providing a solid guarantee for the stable operation of the project.

At present, the cooperation between the two sides is still deepening. These companies have confirmed that the second phase of increasing rooftop solar capacity will be completed in the first quarter of next year, and may introduce battery energy storage systems for energy arbitrage and providing backup power, further improving energy efficiency and stability.

For manufacturers like Maxion, electricity is one of the biggest input costs. Due to its energy intensive production processes, such as casting systems and automated transportation networks, managing electricity costs is crucial for maintaining competitiveness. The implementation of solar energy projects provides Maxion with a feasible solution that helps reduce and manage costs, improve business resilience, and minimize climate impact.Editor/Cheng Liting