A solar facade skyscraper capable of generating up to 300 MWh annually has been unveiled in Auckland Park, Johannesburg.

The ‘Metalbox’ skyscraper solar project, developed by Energy Partners in collaboration with property development company, Fairvest Limited, features building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) that generate up to 300 MWh annually.

“The Metalbox skyscraper project is history in the making,” says Energy Partners’ Chief Executive Officer, Manie de Waal. “It sets a new benchmark for South Africa’s green energy transition.”

The skyscraper is 80 metres tall and incorporates two solar systems. Monocrystalline panels on the sides of the building provide energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal, performing well even in low-light conditions. The roof features carport-style panels to maximise sunlight exposure and provide weather protection for the services located on the roof.

“The BIPV technology, which we’ve seen integrated into several iconic buildings around the world, including Japan’s Solar Ark and Denmark’s Copenhagen International School, transforms conventional building parts into solar systems,” says Charl du Plessis, General Manager of Energy Partners, Power.

One of the challenges of the project was ensuring the safety of the installation team, who worked from lowered platforms. “Then we had to achieve adequate torque on the clamps for environmental resilience – no mean feat considering that the solar panels had to cover a total area of 1 259 sqm, making this South Africa’s largest custom-built commercial installation,” says du Plessis.

In addition, shading for the structure had to be carefully modelled to predict generation forecasts accurately. The project required close collaboration with regulatory authorities for building plan approval and embedded generation approval, and it had to undergo a ‘glint and glare’ study to mitigate solar glare effects on neighbouring surroundings.

“With the ever-increasing cost of grid electricity, a tipping point has been reached where even capex-intensive projects with lower generation potential are feasible,” says du Plessis.