- Solarise Africa has commissioned the Idstone Vaalboskop Irrigation Project, a landmark collaboration between Solarise Africa and Idstone Farming.
Developed through Solarise Africa’s hybrid financing model, the project features two advanced solar PV systems powering variable speed drive (VSD) pumps across the farm’s critical irrigation infrastructure. This structure ensures reliable performance both on- and off-grid, while enabling the farm to benefit from South Africa’s Section 12B tax incentives. The installation not only supports cost-effective and sustainable farming but also strengthens energy independence at a time of increasing grid instability.
The custom-engineered solar VSD systems now power both the river and irrigation pump stations, ensuring year-round energy reliability and enhanced agricultural productivity.
Two custom-engineered solar VSD systems for improved operational efficiency
The first system, located at Idstone’s irrigation pump station, comprises a 444.6 kWp solar PV array and 262 kW of solar VSD capacity. The system includes 780 Longi 570W solar panels and four ABB hybrid solar VSD pumps (three 75 kW and one 37 kW), each managed by dedicated solar VSDs running at a fixed speed of 50 Hz. Water is pumped from an on-site dam to irrigate the farm’s fields. The pumps are manually activated by the irrigation team as needed, with solar energy prioritised to maximise off-grid operation and reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-generated power.
Image credit: Idstone Farming
The second system powers the river pump station, also situated in Plooysburg. This larger setup features a 786.6 kWp solar PV system and 448 kW of solar VSD capacity, comprising 1,380 Longi 570W panels and eight ABB hybrid solar VSD pumps (four 75 kW and four 37 kW). These pumps draw water from a nearby river and transfer it to the on-site dam for subsequent irrigation. The design ensures seamless energy use for continuous water transfer and enhances agricultural efficiency through a resilient, renewable-powered operation.
“This solar installation is not just an energy upgrade — it’s a step towards building a more sustainable, independent agricultural future. We now have reliable, cost-effective power that allows us to focus on what we do best: growing food and supporting our community,” said Roscoe Lawrence from Idstone.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
