This large commercial project came to us through a referral from a trusted electrician, bringing us the opportunity to power the West Coast Medical Centre, a two-story facility designed to support a range of medical practitioners. This building, with 14 units for rent, accommodates diverse medical services including general practitioners, ambulance services, oncology care, and more. Collaborating closely with the builder, electrician, engineer, architect, and client, we developed a robust solution to meet the continuous power needs of a busy medical center.
To make the most of available resources, we installed 94x 540W panels across the roof, divided over three MPPTs. The setup includes two DC-coupled Victron MPPT RS units, dedicated to optimizing solar generation for battery storage, and a powerful 27kW Fronius AC-coupled grid-tie inverter, which efficiently directs PV power to cover building loads.
On the backup side, we designed the system with staged expansion in mind, allowing for up to three stages of upgrade, each capable of adding three Victron MultiPlus-II 10kVA inverters in a 3-phase configuration. Additionally, the design supports substantial future upgrades to battery backup capacity as the center’s energy needs evolve. Paired with two 20kWh Freedom Won lithium batteries, this setup ensures reliable, uninterrupted power across the medical center, enabling essential services to operate smoothly regardless of grid reliability.
To enhance functionality, we incorporated custom automation using Node-RED, allowing for intelligent controls and remote management. The system automatically manages fan operations based on temperature and provides the customer with remote access to control air conditioning and geysers outside of business hours. Additionally, excess power is fed back to the grid, letting the center benefit from unused energy. All of this is seamlessly managed through Victron’s world-class VRM app, offering real-time monitoring and control on the fly, ensuring an optimized and highly responsive energy system.
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Embracing a quieter lifestyle along the tranquil coastline of St. Helena Bay, our client decided to transition from city life to their holiday home in Britannia Bay, with plans to make it their primary residence over time. Familiar with the quality and reliability of Victron products, they reached out to us for a phased energy solution that would meet both current needs and future demands as the property underwent further construction.
Our initial setup was designed to maximize the existing roof space and power their day-to-day needs, with plans to expand the system as the property evolves. A key requirement was to enable solar charging for their Volvo XC40 Recharge, aligning perfectly with their sustainable lifestyle goals. This phased approach provides the flexibility to adapt as construction concludes, ensuring their home is equipped to support a seamless and self-sufficient coastal living experience.
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Tel: 022 495 0016
Tel: 022 495 0017
Cel/WA: 072 437 7620
Email: info@baysolar.co.za
39 Main St, Langebaan