Sun City generates R8m in electricity savings with solar power

South Africa’s Sun City resort in the North West Province has generated more than 5.8 million kWh of solar power since the completion of its latest solar panel installations in August 2024. This translates into over R8 million in electricity savings while easing pressure on the national grid.

Phase three of the solar project extended installations to the roofs of The Palace and the Sun City Hotel, following earlier coverage of Sun Central. The initiative forms part of a R17-million investment designed to reduce electricity consumption from the national grid.

“Our sustainability promise is based on people, planet and profits, in that order. Solar is beneficial to our broader community as the less power we draw from the grid the more is available to others, it works for our guests – especially those travelling from overseas – as they want to know that they are not increasing their own environmental footprint when they stay at Sun City and it works for our own bottom line,” said GM Brett Hoppé.

Sun City is ISO14001:2015 certified, aligning with global environmental standards to enhance management of energy, waste and pollution. The resort integrates sustainability into waste management, energy efficiency, water conservation and biodiversity protection.

Solar panel installation overview:

• Sun Central: 2 793 panels (1.56 MW)

• The Palace: 585 panels

• Sun City Hotel: 606 panels

• Total: 3 984 panels (2.24 MW)

Environmental impact:

• Reduction in annual CO₂ emissions: 5,286 tonnes

• Reduction in electricity demand from Eskom: 5% annually

Financial impact:

• Total spend on solar installations and maintenance: more than R17 million

• Approximate savings to date: R8 305 600