Beneath the iconic Table Mountain, a centuries-old property is writing its next chapter in sustainable living with the help of leading renewable brand ATESS.
Wytham Estate, dating back to the Dutch governance times, has completed a groundbreaking renewable energy transformation that marries heritage preservation with cutting-edge technology.
The 2017 redevelopment of the estate into a premium retirement community presented unique challenges: how to power a sprawling historical property while maintaining its architectural integrity and meeting modern sustainability standards.
Treetops Renewable Energy Systems, tasked with this complex undertaking, partnered with ATESS to implement an innovative solution.
“Wytham Estate represents a breakthrough in large-scale battery storage integration,” Treetops Renewable Energy Systems General Manager Helen Ortmann said.
“The project’s scope and sophistication demonstrate what’s possible in residential renewable energy.”
The system’s specifications are impressive: 244 solar panels generating 134 kilowattpeak, managed by ATESS’s 150 kilowatts hybrid inverter.
This advanced setup powers not only residential units but also critical infrastructure, including fire suppression systems and emergency lighting.
Module-level optimisation technology addresses the challenges posed by the estate’s varied roof structures, ensuring maximum efficiency.
At the project’s core lies a proudly South African innovation: the Freedom One battery system.
With 400-kilowatt-hour capacity split between two 200-kilowatt-hour banks, this local technology showcases the country’s growing renewable energy capabilities.
The environmental impact is substantial. In its first six months of operation, the system has demonstrated remarkable efficiency, generating 190 megawatts-hour annually.
This translates to 95 tons of carbon dioxide emissions avoided, 57,000 litres of diesel conserved, and environmental impact equivalent to planting 4750 trees.
The financial outlook is equally compelling. With projected investment recovery within five years and a 10-year battery warranty, the system promises long-term returns while ensuring energy security for residents.
This installation represents more than just an upgrade to existing infrastructure.
It exemplifies how historical properties can embrace sustainability without compromising their character.
While the estate’s historical significance provided unique challenges, ATESS’s advanced technology proved more than capable of meeting them.
As South Africa’s renewable energy sector continues to grow, ATESS remains committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that combine technological innovation with practical reliability.
The Wytham Estate installation stands as a testament to ATESS’s ability to power the future while preserving the past.
For more renewable and solar news, subscribe to ecogeneration.