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Energy Solutions

On-Grid SolarOff-Grid SolarHybridCompare
  • Looking for solutions

    Most of our clients are looking for one or more of the following:

If these are your goals, we can help

  • Ensure you are energy efficient

    Let’s look at how and when you use electricity and identify ways to improve efficiency in areas such as heating, cooling, lighting, and the use of manufacturing equipment.

    Read more
  • Explore the tech and financial tools available

    Solar PV is almost always the cheapest source of power and energy backups and batteries don’t have to break the bank. We are equipped to design a system which addresses the particular needs of your business.

  • Structure the funding to work for you

    Once we’ve identified what you need, we can work out a flexible funding plan to get you saving asap!

    See financing

Smarter energy, built around you

The solution for you

There are a number of ways in which solar PV can provide you with the best electricity for your business.

On-Grid Solar

Grid-Tied

Setup

See how it connects

An on-grid system connects directly to your existing electricity supply. 

Financing options

During the day, solar reduces how much electricity you buy from the grid, and excess power can sometimes be fed back.

This is the simplest and most affordable setup, offering immediate savings without the cost of batteries.

The trade-off is that it only works when the grid is available. During outages, it shuts down unless backup is added. It’s best for businesses with a stable grid connection looking for a low-cost solar option.

Off-Grid Solar

Stand-Alone

Setup

See how it connects

This system is completely independent of the grid.

Financing options

Solar powers your operations during the day, with excess energy stored in batteries for night or cloudy periods. Most off-grid systems also include a generator for backup.

The key benefit is full independence. You don’t rely on Eskom or municipal supply, making it ideal for remote sites like farms, mines, lodges, or villages.

The downside is higher upfront cost due to batteries and generators. However, compared to running only on diesel, they’re cheaper long-term and far better for the environment.

Hybrid

Solar + Grid + Backup

Setup

See how it connects

A hybrid solar system combines the best of both worlds.

Financing options

Hybrid systems connect to the grid but include batteries and/or a generator for backup. They automatically switch between solar, grid, batteries, and generator based on cost and availability.

This makes them ideal in South Africa, where load-shedding is common. Batteries provide instant backup, while generators support longer outages. They can also reduce costs during peak demand.

The downside is higher cost and complexity. They require careful design and a larger upfront investment, but for businesses and estates needing reliable power, they offer the most seamless and secure solution.

Compare

Type
About
Pros
Cons
Ideal for
TypeOn-Grid(grid-tied)
More info

About

  • Solar connects to grid
  • You buy less power
  • Excess energy fed back

Pros

  • Cheapest, simplest
  • Immediate savings
  • Sell back excess power

Cons

  • Needs grid to work.
  • No production during load-shedding
  • Needs batteries or generator backup
Businesses in urban/industrial areas where grid supply exists and cost savings are the priority
TypeOff-Grid(stand-alone)
More info

About

  • Independent of the grid.
  • Use you stored power 24/7
  • Often supported by a generator.

Pros

  • Energy independence
  • Reliable in remote areas
  • Reduced fuel costs and carbon footprint

Cons

  • Cost of batteries
  • Careful design required
  • May still need generator
Remote sites (mines, lodges, rural villages) with no grid connection or where self-sufficiency is essential
TypeHybrid(solar + grid + backup)
More info

About

  • Mix of solar, grid, stored and diesel power.
  • Automatically switches between sources for reliability and cost savings.

Pros

  • Reliable power
  • Load-shedding safe
  • Flexible to reduce costs
  • Can reduce peak demand charges

Cons

  • More complex & costly
  • Tailored design required
  • Generators costly if used often
Businesses or estates in grid-connected areas where power is unreliable, or where seamless backup is needed

Disclaimer: Carbon credits may be issued through Verified Carbon Standard project 5619 for the greenhouse gas emission reductions or removals associated with Broadreach Yield Pty Ltd projects whose emissions footprint is changed by the project activities.

Ensure you are energy efficient 

For any energy solution to be truly effective, it is vital first to ensure you are using electricity efficiently. As technology advances, new opportunities arise to use electricity more efficiently or reduce consumption.

Broadreach will analyse your electricity usage to identify potential savings over time. Common areas for improvement include efficient lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, variable speed drives, and smart power management systems that optimise when and how power is used.

Cape Town Biogas is a great example of building sustainable utility resilience:

See article