Rhino Energy Solutions Unveils Citrus Solar Grid Project
The firm integrated solar power and storage to consolidate electricity supply points for a large agricultural operation.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Energy
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Rhino Energy Solutions and Nav.Energy presented a joint case study on a solar project that replaces 22 separate electricity supply points at a citrus farm. The new infrastructure utilizes a 3 MWp solar PV plant and 6.6 MWh of battery storage to provide power for irrigation and cold storage.
Why it matters
The project allows the farm to reduce energy costs and secure reliable power without withdrawing capital from its primary agricultural operations. By consolidating 22 supply points into a single network, the initiative provides a blueprint for managing complex energy loads.
The system features a 3 MWp solar PV plant coupled with 6.6 MWh of battery storage connected by 22 km of overhead lines. Rhino Energy Solutions manages this asset, which contributes to their total installed portfolio of 87 MWp.
The players
Rhino Energy Solutions
An energy firm with 19 years of operations that provides engineering services and equity partnerships for solar projects.
Nav.Energy
A collaborative partner that worked with Rhino Energy Solutions on the integration of solar funding and system design.
The details
Engineers analysed interval data from 22 distinct connections to design a consolidated load profile for the farm. The rollout was phased to allow the sequential cancellation of 20 initial Eskom supply points, with the remaining two scheduled for removal pending performance reviews.
Timeline
21 October 2026: Rhino Energy Solutions and Nav.Energy presented the case study at a conference in Cape Town.
The Big Picture
This project reflects the broader transition of agricultural operations in South Africa toward independent power producer models. It highlights a shift where firms replace traditional grid reliance with self-contained networks to ensure operational continuity.
This project demonstrates how industrial-scale solar and battery arrays can replace traditional utility supply points for large commercial users. The successful consolidation model offers a template for other businesses to reduce operational electricity costs through self-generation.
The takeaway
Integrating solar and battery storage allows businesses to lower long-term energy costs while avoiding heavy upfront capital expenditure. Companies should analyse their historical load data to identify consolidation opportunities that improve grid efficiency.
What happens next
Phase 2 of the project involves the removal of the final two Eskom supply points once the solar system demonstrates a consistent performance track record.
Further reading
For more on shifts in the local power sector, visit the South Africa Energy section.
More information
For technical specifications on the firm's portfolio, visit the Rhino Energy Solutions company website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TechDailyPost.co.za | Tech News | Trends | Tech Events | Innovation & UnCensored Opinions.
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