Rooibos Ltd., the global market leader in rooibos tea production, has chosen to install a 511 kWp SolarWorld solar system on the roofs of its storage facilities in the Cederberg region of South Africa.

Rooibos Ltd., the global market leader in rooibos tea production, has chosen to install a 511 kWp SolarWorld solar system on the roofs of its storage facilities in the Cederberg region of South Africa.

African Technical Innovations (Pty) Ltd. was chosen as EPC partner for this project alongside SolarWorld as technology supplier. "We have partnered with photovoltaic technology supplier, SolarWorld on a number of large projects within the agricultural sector. As an experienced team with world-class technical competence, we understand the requirements of clients like Rooibos Ltd. The implementation of this project will allow Rooibos Ltd. to provide their suppliers with a product that has a lowered carbon footprint. This is important as agri-food sector exporters are required to measure and take actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their supply chains in the European Union and the United States of America", says Kobus Engelbrecht, African Technical Innovations Managing Director.

The installation of 2088 SolarWorld 245W modules, is expected to generate 875 000 kWh per year and subsidise Rooibos Ltd.'s total electricity usage by 43%. In keeping with current commodity supply industry standards, the system will reduce Rooibos Ltd.'s CO2 emissions 840.28 tons per annum.

"Rooibos Ltd., as a leading company in the Rooibos industry, always strives to demonstrate sensitivity to the impact of our activities on the natural environment. With our production facility located in Clanwilliam we have a very high percentage of sunny days therefore the generation of renewable energy is ideal. Approximately 40% of our production facility's electricity requirements will be generated through this solar installation and by using solar energy in the production process we will decrease our carbon footprint dramatically", says Martin Bergh, Rooibos Ltd. Managing Director.

"Rooibos Ltd.'s commitment to sustainability through the use of renewable energy signals a tipping point in the agri-food industry. We are delighted at our partnership with a uniquely South African brand that has such a strong global presence and to be able to support them in attaining their sustainability goals. Rooibos Ltd. will not only benefit from a solar system with a guaranteed performance over the next 25 years but it will see a payback on invested capital in the next seven to eight years", says Gregor Küpper, SolarWorld Africa Managing Director.

With a global market share of 70% and export into over 50 countries, Rooibos Ltd.'s supplies major brands such as Freshpak and Twinings with its high quality tea and plant extracts.

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For further press information please contact:
Chatroom
Roshaan Patel, Account Manager
T: 021 422 2806
M: 082 500 1953
E: roshaan@chatroom.co.za

For further product information, please contact:
SolarWorld Africa (Pty) Ltd.
Claire Lockey
T: 021 421 8001
M: 082 382 8737
E: Claire.Lockey@solarworld.co.za

About SolarWorld AG: SolarWorld AG manufactures solar power systems and in doing so contributes to a cleaner energy supply worldwide. The company, located in Bonn, employs approximately 2,500 people and carries out production in Freiberg, Germany, and Hillsboro, USA. From raw material silicon to the solar module, SolarWorld manages all stages of production ‒ including its own research and development. Through an international distribution network, SolarWorld supplies customers all over the world with solar modules and complete systems. The company maintains high social standards at all locations across the globe, and has committed itself to resource- and energy-efficient production. SolarWorld has been publically traded on the stock market since 1999. More information at www.solarworld-usa.com (or: www.solarworld-uk.co.uk, www.solarworld.sg, www.solarworld.co.za)