Commercial solar for business
Gentricity designs, finances and supports commercial solar systems for South African businesses. We start with the bill, the load profile, operational needs and the payback model. Then we specify the system.
Positioning
A commercial solar decision should not start with a panel count. It should start with the business case: what you use, when you use it, what the grid costs now, and how the financing route changes cash flow.
The facts usually do the selling. If the model shows a sensible return, we move to system design. If it does not, we say so.
We do a site visit, check the bill, operating hours, mounting type, backup needs and ownership structure.
You get a short, specific view of savings, payback and finance routes.
Only then do we size the system, specify components and prepare a proposal.
What we install
Daytime load
The simplest commercial solar configuration. It reduces grid draw during operating hours and gives the fastest return where most consumption happens in daylight.
View configurationFlexible with high ROI
A grid-tie design commissioned so battery systems and generators can be integrated later, when the business case makes sense.
View configurationOperational continuity
Battery backup keeps selected loads running through outages and extends the value of solar beyond daylight-only savings.
View configurationDiesel reduction
If the generator is already part of the site, solar can reduce daytime diesel runtime and make backup power less expensive to operate.
View configurationFarms and packhouses
Solar for irrigation, cold storage, packhouses and processing facilities where grid reliability is often weakest and energy use is business-critical.
View configurationClient proof
Commercial solar is judged after commissioning. These client comments show what clients value after the system is already running.
“
The system has exceeded initial performance projections, delivering better-than-anticipated yields - a result that speaks to both the accuracy of their modelling and the quality of their execution.
Director, Lapalaka Property Developments
“From our journey starting in 2018, the maintenance and support provided by Gentricity have been exemplary. Their team is highly responsive and proactive, ensuring that our systems operate optimally at all times. Any issues that have arisen were promptly addressed, minimizing downtime and ensuring a continuous power supply for our operations. Their commitment to excellence in service is evident in their thorough and regular maintenance checks, which have kept our systems running smoothly and efficiently.”
COO, Foundation for Professional Development
How to pay
Own the asset
A bank or specialist financier funds the system. You repay over a fixed term and own the asset.
See detailsHighest IRR
Pay once and keep the full energy saving. Section 12B can materially improve the effective cost for qualifying taxpayers.
See detailsZero capex
A third party owns and operates the system. You buy the solar power at an agreed tariff.
See detailsOperating expense
A fixed monthly lease payment for the system. Ownership remains with the lessor during the term.
See detailsComparison
| Criterion | Commercial Finance | Cash purchase + Section 12B | Power Purchase Agreement | Lease to own |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Financier funds the system; you repay and own it. | Pay full cost upfront and own it. | Third party owns it; you buy the power. | Lease the system for a monthly fee. |
| Typical term | 60-84 months | Permanent ownership | 8-20 years | 5-10 years |
| Capital outlay | Zero upfront | Full upfront cost | Zero upfront | Low upfront |
| Best for | Ownership while preserving capital | Highest long-term return | Capex sensitive businesses | Operating-expense preference |
Albert and Riaan at Gentricity are an excellent team to collaborate with.
A short discovery call, then a practical view of savings, payback and financing options.
Get your solar model