Solek
Electricity in Stellenbosch

Our company Solek, was founded in 1988 and has a proven track record of experience and professional service in South Africa.
Research and development reinforce our long term focus and Solek collaborates with Stellenbosch University as well as Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

As industrial engineers we offer you renewable energy solutions in solar technology, waste-to-energy development, energy efficiency, and customised grid designs. Solek now extends across the South African borders into Africa with experience and footprints in countries such as Angola, Mozambique, and Namibia. Mini-grid, hybrid and off-grid system designs form part of our 25 years’ experience in the field. Our industrial engineers specialise in project management and greenfield development, project roll-out, pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, operation and maintenance, and research and development. In 1988 our company installed its first off-grid system on a farm in the Northern Cape region. Our services and products have grown over the past 25 years from customised designs for single households and agricultural units to utility-scale commercial projects. Bio-energy, or waste-to-energy, is the process of turning waste into a renewable energy source. Most waste-to-energy processes generate energy in the form of electricity and/or heat when waste material is incinerated. The energy is either produced directly through combustion, or indirectly by creating a combustible fuel such as methane or synthetic fuels. Anaerobic digestion happens when organic matter such as animal and plant waste decomposes under anaerobic conditions (oxygen-free environment) Landfill gas is produced when the organic material contained in municipal waste landfills decomposes naturally. The gas produced by this bacterial process can be used as a source of renewable energy. As an energy services company, Solek provides turnkey solutions under the Eskom’s Integrated Demand Management (IDM) programme. We identify and implement projects leading to energy savings and improved energy efficiency. Significant energy savings and financial benefits can be realised by implementing energy efficient technologies. Eskom has made several incentive programmes available in order to encourage the private sector to engage in projects resulting in energy savings. These programmes entitle the customer to receive a rebate from Eskom based on the savings achieved, especially when technology improvements such as efficient lighting, VSD’s and heat pumps are achieved. Solek has been involved in various projects and is well-positioned to identify and implement energy efficiency projects under the Eskom IDM program. We are also able to administrate the rebate process. Normally we kick-off the process with a walkthrough audit to identify the savings prospects at the facility, after which we develop a business case and project proposal which is presented to our clients. Such proposal should assist clients to make informed decisions regarding energy efficiency projects and what to implement when. As consulting engineers and project managers we aim at long-term sustainability. If the project is feasible, we are responsible for the procurement and installation of the project, the administration of the rebate process and the overall project management. Since the Eskom rebates and financial savings are usually quite significant, the return on investment of such projects is extremely favourable. Investigating the possibility of these projects can be regarded as a necessity. Our team would like to have the opportunity to do an audit and discuss the possibility of such an endeavour at your facility.