- info@sunspec.co.za
PROJECT: UNHCR Embassy Solar Energy System
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
Client: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – South Africa
Sunspec Solar successfully designed and implemented a commercial-grade hybrid solar and battery storage system for the UNHCR Embassy in Pretoria, supporting the United Nations’ mission for sustainability and energy resilience.
The system ensures continuous power to critical embassy infrastructure, reducing operational costs and minimizing environmental impact. It demonstrates Sunspec Solar’s ability to deliver reliable, high-efficiency renewable solutions for secure and mission-sensitive environments.
PROJECT BRIEF:
The UNHCR required a dependable, sustainable energy solution capable of maintaining operations during South Africa’s grid instability and load-shedding, while achieving measurable carbon reductions and cost efficiency. Sunspec Solar engineered a turnkey hybrid power system utilizing LONGi high-efficiency solar panels, ATESS hybrid inverter technology, and a PLC-based control and monitoring system to manage the complete energy cycle — ensuring intelligent automation between solar generation, storage, and grid synchronization.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Technical Information
Duration of Installation: 8-10 weeks
PV Capacity: 177 kWp
Battery Storage: 300 kWh Lithium-Ion Battery Bank
System Type: Hybrid Solar with Intelligent PLC Control
Inverters: ATESS HPS Series Hybrid Inverters
Solar Modules: LONGi Monocrystalline Panels
Mounting Structure: Roof-mounted aluminum rail system
Control & Monitoring: Industrial PLC System with Real-Time Energy Management
REMOTE MONITORING
Advanced monitoring capabilities, ensuring peak efficiency and reliable performance year-round.
PROJECT: Overview
The Sunspec Solar engineering team executed the project under strict embassy security and operational protocols, ensuring seamless integration with existing electrical infrastructure. The PLC control system continuously manages load priority and power source switching between solar, battery, and grid. The ATESS hybrid inverters deliver stable energy output, while the LONGi panels maximize generation efficiency, even in partial shading conditions. This intelligent hybrid system now provides reliable, clean power with real-time operational control and long-term scalability.
PROJECT: OUTCOME
Since commissioning, the UNHCR Embassy system has achieved: Over 55% reduction in grid energy usage Zero downtime during load-shedding and grid failure Annual carbon offset of approximately 400 tons Enhanced energy independence and cost efficiency This installation represents Sunspec Solar’s commitment to world-class renewable energy engineering, combining advanced technology, reliability, and sustainability for critical infrastructure clients.