Integrated Solar Solutions - One Project - One Supplier

By AM Solar & InSynch

Here we have a project recently completed by AM Solar for a client in the Johannesburg, Kyalami area.
The project consists of a number of related but separate renewable and solar energy solutions including:

• Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power  -  Medium Scale Residential (15kw Peak)
• Solar Hot Water - incl. various High Pressure & Low Pressure systems.
• Heat Pumps - various size systems on the main house and cottages.
• BioGas System - connected to the main house & cottages.
• Energy Savings - replacement of std lights & fittings to LED & CFL.

The Solar Photovotaic (PV) Array.
Using SolarWorld 260W Panels in Series Strings to generate the power from the sun.
Also a 200L Solar Hot Water (High Pressure) system.  All by AM Solar (InSynch Partners).
Note: All Solar Hot Water system used on the project qualified for the ESKOM Rebates.

Solar Power System (15kw Peak):
The Grid-Tied Solar Power system makes use of the following components:

• 3x 5kw Victron Grid-Tied Inverters
• 2x SMA Sunnyboy Inverters (between PV arrays and Grid-Tie)
• 2V Hoppecke Cells (Batteries) for Backup Power.
• On-Line (Web) System Monitoring (Real Time) & Performance Analysis system.

Heat Pumps:
Multiple Heat Pumps were used, all qualified for ESKOM rebates

Biogas System:
In-Situ Cast BioGas system, used for cooking on the plot.

Another Solar Hot Water System used in this project.

The Installation and overall System Design, Project Management and Implementation was done by AM Solar and their partners.

Contact AM Solar or InSynch for more information on this project or for technology enquiries..

Progress Photos - Sioc-CDT (Rammed Earth)

This project is unfolding in Kathu in the Northern Cape in South Africa.
InSynch is constructing the Sishan Iron Ore Companies (SIOC) new Head Office's Rammed Earth walls in partnership with the local community and affecting a skills transfer..

Here are some photographs of our progress on site:

Some of the local community Under-Training.

SiocCDT Project - 1st Rammed Earth Walls Appear

New InSynch Project Kicks-Off - SIOC-CDT

InSynch has just started on-site with a project that has been in the pipe-line for some time now.
It is the construction of a new Head Office for the Sishan Iron ore Company (SIOC) in partnership with the Community Development Trust (CDT) in Kathu.
Kathu is in the Northern Cape, South Africa.

InSynch's role is as specialist sub-contractor and on-site consultants for the Rammed Earth walls integrated into the building. The project is known as the SIOC-CDT project.

Here is the Architects (Cube Architects) colour impressions of the completed building with the beautiful and very prominent Rammed Earth walls in full view...

More pictures and progress posts on this project to follow...!

Spine Rammed Earth Wall - Monaghan Farm, JHB

This home uses a central spine wall made from Rammed Earth to regulate internal temperatures. The beauty of the wall is also visible from outside the house as the walls are parapet type walls, thus they extend beyond the roof line.

The borrow pit clearly visible, where the soil used for the walls was excavated from. Walls were stabilised with Portland Cement to NHBRC specification.

Wall Dimensions: 54m long x 5.5m high x .45m wide.

The construction of the Rammed Earth walls was done by InSynch Sustainable Technologies (Pty) Ltd.

The soil science on this project was challenging due to blinkered view by NHBRC on structural tolerances and crush tests expectancies for Rammed Earth.

Never the less the walls are compliant with the project engineering specification and with NHBRC regulations.

Albeit the cement content is way over what it could have been.

Project completed Feb 2011.

For more info on Rammed Earth or InSynch: info@insynch.co.za

Alastair

Finished Product - Rammed Earth Reception Desk

Here is the completed wall, in use at the Green Design Centre in Kyalami at Waterfall Estate.

Wall sealed, courtesy of B-Earth Paints (see: http://www.b-earth.co.za/).

B-earth Eco-Paints are 100% breathable, have zero VOC's, are extremely hardy and have been especially formulated for Rammed Earth.

InSynch worked with B-earth in designing a suitable sealer for Rammed Earth walls.

Contact: InSynch or B-earth for more details.

Outback FlexPOWER 2 Installation - Piet Retief

Off-Grid PV, SHW & Gas System, Design & Supply by AM Solar and InSynch:

• Inverter/Charger - Outback FlexPOWER 2 (2 x 3KW)
• Charge Controller - Outback FM80
• PV Panels - 8x SetSolar 200W
• Batteries - M-Solar 350AH (48V)
• Solar Hot Water - 200L Thermo-siphon System
• Backup - Generator and Gas Manifold

[Picture: The Outback FP2 installation]