Sustainability | HellermannTyton South Africa goes solar

Sustainable Strides with Solar Power Installation

The real winner here is the environment

Sustainability has long been a core focus for HellermannTyton, a company committed to reducing its environmental impact and helping our customers do the same. Over the years, we have actively contributed to sustainability by innovative means such as replacing heavy metal components in vehicles with lightweight plastics to enhance fuel efficiency.

Additionally, we have powered our operations with diesel generators during load shedding, using substantial amounts of fuel. The environmental and economic impact of such practices prompted HellermannTyton to explore greener alternatives.

Choosing the right partner

In line with our ongoing commitment to sustainability, HellermannTyton has taken a significant step forward by embracing solar power. This initiative is aimed at reducing our carbon footprint associated with large-scale manufacturing projects. Our decision to go solar was not only about harnessing renewable energy but also about selecting the right partner for the project.

Energy Gurus, a company with a name that reflects their deep understanding of energy systems, stood out as the perfect choice for HellermannTyton. Energy Gurus' enthusiasm for their work and their holistic approach to energy solutions, beyond just solar power, aligned perfectly with HellermannTyton's goals.

Scope of the project

The solar installation project at HellermannTyton South Africa’s manufacturing plant in Johannesburg involved the installation of over 1200 solar panels, each producing 540 watts. The panels cover approximately 3400 square meters and generate around 700 kilowatts at peak capacity, providing roughly 60% of the company's power consumption. This transition to solar power required not only high-quality equipment but also a meticulous approach to installation.

To ensure a top-quality solar solution, Energy Gurus had to elevate their standards across the board. They paid close attention to the selection of components like cable ties, opting for UV-rated and solar-specific options. This level of detail is essential for the long-term reliability and safety of the solar installation.

HellermannTyton's commitment to safety extends beyond the choice of cable ties. The combiner boxes and fuse boxes were tested to meet IEC norms. This rigorous approach not only guarantees the safety of the solar installation but also minimizes fire risks associated with DC systems.

Fortifying the installation

Collaboration with DEHN, a trusted supplier and customer of HellermannTyton, further fortified the solar project. DEHN specializes in protection boxes and components for lightning and earthing protection, essential in a region like South Africa with frequent lightning activity.

DEHN's involvement ensured that the solar installation is safeguarded against external factors.

Our commitment to a sustainable future

HellermannTyton's solar installation represents a forward-thinking commitment to sustainability, demonstrating that with the right partners and meticulous attention to quality and safety, businesses can transition to cleaner, greener energy sources, reduce their carbon footprint, and contribute positively to the environment.

A huge stride forward

The entire solar installation at HellermannTyton is expected to produce approximately 1.2 gigawatt hours of electricity annually. However, the most significant achievement of this project is the substantial reduction in their carbon footprint. The switch to solar power is projected to cut over 1000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, making a remarkable impact on both the company's bottom line and the environment.

Watch the video to see how HellermannTyton ZA took a huge stride to reduce our carbon footprint.

Help about sustainability

Please contact us here with your sustainability and governance enquiries. We will ensure that the appropriate person in our company provides you with the information you require as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.