Investec Property to launch Africa’s largest solar rooftop PV plant at Cornubia Mall

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28-02-2022
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Property Wheel
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Investec Property will launch Africa’s largest solar PV rooftop plant on top of Cornubia Mall in Durban as part of its mission to embrace renewable low carbon emission technology across its assets.



“We are incredibly proud of our team for securing this deal and for being able to enhance the value of the exceptional shopping centre, Cornubia Mall”, says Gavin Bernstein, co-CEO of Investec Property.



On completion, the solar plant, with a DC capacity of 5 254 kWp (5.25 MWp) and an AC capacity of 4 290 kW (4.29 MW), will be the largest rooftop-only solar PV plant on the African continent – roughly 10.5% larger than the current biggest rooftop system which boasts a DC capacity of 4 755 kWp (4.75 MWp) and it will rank among the 15 biggest rooftop-only PV plants in the world.



“We have been at the forefront of ESG and standout among landlords who provide solar energy functionality to their tenants. We will offer 18 MW of solar power across the group, when we have completed our project at Cornubia by mid-April,” says Bernstein.



Popular among ‘Durbanites’ and visitors to KwaZulu-Natal for its combination of open-air shopping, free parking, and direct park-to-shop access, Cornubia Mall boasts more than 120 retail assets including its anchors, Checkers, Pick ‘n Pay, and Woolworths. The centre celebrated its 4th birthday in September 2021, having just expanded its retail footprint with the addition of The Pro Shop, which is scheduled to open in April 2022, and the expansion of Checkers, which will increase the mall’s gross lettable area (GLA) to 67 000m2.



Investec Property’s solar partner, Terra Firma Solutions, will install the plant over the next 5 months.

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