KJION Energy SA: Secretive solar

It’s not often we’re unable to say who the customer is, but in this installation that will need to remain a secret. Let’s just say it’s about governments and politics.

Secrecy aside this project is yet another example of Fronius and Victron Energy products working together for grid backup and supplemental energy systems; the initial collaboration between Fronius and Victron having been announced at Intersolar Europe in 2015. An example installation that resulted from this announcement was for an unnamed affluent client, who built a second home in the Kenyan bush. Here then is another collaborative project example.

Saving money

KJION Energy SA have installed a number of three phase systems with LiFePO4 batteries, both DC and AC coupled, for residential and commercial buildings in South Africa.

During this particular project the complete distribution system was renewed to ensure the smooth working of the system, as the electrical system was over 40 years old. As you can see below that has made for a quality installation.

The solar part of the system comprises of 40 x 255 Watt panels. A 45kVA diesel generator (which serves only as a backup to the grid supply) is also integrated into the system and controlled via the Victron Energy Quattros and Color Control GX.

Commissioned in June 2016 this new system saves money when compared to the previous one as grid electricity prices have been rising at an average of 13% annually, from the local provider.

In light of the unreliable and expensive local grid supply it is worth noting that during the Summer months the new system runs almost 90% independently from the grid – providing a robust solution with commensurate financial savings.

System Components

3 x  10 kVA Victron Quattro  Inverters (three phase operation)

12 x 200 Ah Victron LiFePO4 batteries

1 x Victron BMS

1 x Victron Color Control GX

1 x Fronius Symo 12.5-3-M

Conclusion & credits

No matter who the customer is (named or otherwise) there are clear benefits to integrating Fronius and Victron Energy products into grid backup and supplemental energy systems.

Thanks to Andre du Rand of Victron Energy and Paul Fried, CEO of KJION Energy SA, for making me aware of this project.

John Rushworth