Resilient Expands Solar and Battery Capacity

The South African retail REIT is scaling renewable energy at its shopping centres to reduce reliance on the national grid.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Commercial

Isometric editorial illustration of a flat rooftop with rows of dark teal solar panels and slate blue battery cabinets under even sunlight. — Resilient REIT is expanding solar and battery capacity at its South African retail centres, targeting 94.4 MWp of solar PV by year-end to reduce grid reliance. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Resilient REIT is expanding solar PV and battery storage across its South African retail outlets to cut dependence on grid electricity. Solar PV capacity is set to reach 94.4 MWp by year-end, while battery capacity stands at 30.7 MWh.

Why it matters

Rising electricity costs and administered tariff increases make energy supply a direct cost pressure on retail property owners. Investing in on-site generation and storage seeks to contain these costs and reduce exposure to the national grid.

Solar PV capacity is projected to reach 94.4 MWp by the end of the financial year, up from 59.9 MWp in 2023. Battery storage stands at 30.7 MWh, though the report does not yet quantify rand savings from the programme.

The players

Resilient REIT

A JSE-listed, retail-focused real estate investment trust with a market capitalisation of R28.81 billion, operating shopping centres across South Africa and Europe.

PSG Financial Services

A South African financial services group that currently rates Resilient's stock as a hold.

The details

Resilient is rolling out solar and battery installations across its retail outlets and has introduced automated micro-grid systems to manage and optimise demand and consumption. The REIT's South African portfolio includes Galleria Mall, Mall of the North and The Grove Mall, which are part of a 28-centre local footprint.

2023 financial year: solar PV capacity stood at 59.9 MWp, covering 27.7% of electricity consumption.
2024: Resilient explained its long-term energy strategy to shield property income.
First half of 2026: battery storage expanded to 30.7 MWh and distributable earnings rose 11.66%.
End of 2026 financial year: solar PV capacity is expected to reach 94.4 MWp.

Big Picture

Resilient's investments are a hedge against Eskom's move to cost-reflective pricing and restructured tariffs. Alternative energy is becoming a margin-support lever for South African property owners facing a shifting power-cost base.

Tenants and shoppers at Resilient's centres may see steadier operating conditions as energy costs are managed on-site. The REIT's average renewal increase of 2.5% and 1.9% vacancy rate indicate a stable leasing environment for retail tenants.

The takeaway

Energy self-sufficiency is becoming a practical tool for commercial property owners managing volatile electricity costs. Tracking how solar and storage investments translate into rand-denominated savings will reveal whether the strategy delivers.