At Eversolar, we deliver turnkey solar and energy storage solutions for agricultural operations. The Marlo Marlothii project demonstrates how solar PV, battery storage and intelligent energy management can be combined to improve energy security across a large agricultural operation.
The project combines 1.116 MWp of solar PV capacity with a 3.096 MWh Sig Energy Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The system was designed around the farm’s distributed electrical infrastructure, with a strong focus on resilience, scalability and reduced dependence on the national grid.
Creating an Agricultural Microgrid
The Marlo Marlothii solution operates as an integrated microgrid, combining solar PV, battery storage, Sig Energy hybrid inverter technology and a controlled Eskom supply. A rectifier connection allows electricity to be drawn from Eskom when required, particularly during off-peak periods. This energy can be used to charge the batteries when solar generation is insufficient, helping the farm maintain reliable power while using grid electricity more strategically. The result is an energy system that can prioritise solar generation and stored energy while retaining Eskom as a supplementary source when operationally or financially beneficial.
Designed for Scalability and Redundancy
The Sig Energy platform provides a modular architecture that can expand as the farm’s energy requirements grow. Additional battery or inverter capacity can be introduced incrementally without redesigning the entire system. This makes the solution well suited to agricultural operations where production, equipment and electricity demand may increase over time.
The distributed inverter and battery configuration also improves redundancy. If an individual inverter or battery stack requires maintenance, the remaining system can continue operating, reducing the risk of a single component disrupting the entire farm.
Managing Distributed Loads Across the Farm
One of the main technical challenges was the scale of the farm’s electrical network. Approximately 12 kilometres of overhead lines distribute electricity from the centralised energy infrastructure to 10 separate points of supply across the property.
This required a solution designed around the farm’s existing distribution network rather than a conventional single-building solar installation. By centralising generation and storage while supplying multiple load points, we created an energy system suited to the practical demands of a large agricultural operation.
Using Energy More Strategically
The battery system allows solar energy generated during the day to be stored and used when production drops or electricity demand increases. When additional charging is required, the system can also use lower-cost off-peak Eskom electricity. This gives the farm greater flexibility over when energy is sourced, stored and consumed. Combining solar generation, battery storage and controlled grid charging allows the operation to reduce grid dependence while maintaining a reliable supply of electricity.
Supporting Long-Term Energy Security
Reliable electricity is critical to agricultural operations, where power can support irrigation, pumping, processing, refrigeration and other essential infrastructure. The Marlo Marlothii project provides a resilient energy platform designed around these operational requirements. Its modular architecture allows the system to grow with the farm, while its microgrid design provides greater control over energy supply and consumption. For Eversolar, the project demonstrates how agricultural businesses can use solar PV and battery storage as core infrastructure rather than simply as a supplementary source of electricity.
A Collaborative Agricultural Energy Project
The successful delivery of a project of this scale depends on close collaboration between the client, EPC team, suppliers and technical partners throughout design, installation and commissioning. We are proud to have delivered a solution that demonstrates what modern agricultural energy infrastructure can achieve. The Marlo Marlothii 1.116 MWp PV and 3.096 MWh Sig Energy BESS project provides a scalable and resilient foundation for greater energy security while supporting the farm’s future growth.
Ready to strengthen your energy security? Contact Eversolar to discuss a tailored solar and battery storage solution.