Solar shift slashes costs for Ferndale Apartment Block

304 On Main saves R204K a year while powering through load-shedding

• R204,000 annual savings with stable solar-powered electricity
• Zero upfront cost to residents with a phased levy approach
• 260 tonnes of CO₂ avoided and 376,000 litres of water saved annually

Case Study: Sunshine Powers Smart Living at 304 On Main

In response to relentless load-shedding and climbing Eskom tariffs, the trustees at 304 On Main in Ferndale, Randburg, turned to solar power and haven’t looked back.

The 162-unit sectional title development installed a fully funded rooftop solar PV and battery system that now delivers cost savings, energy security, and environmental impact.

The Results: Financial and Lifestyle Gains

The new system supplies electricity at a fixed R2.36/kWh, providing relief from fluctuating Eskom rates between R2.27 and R3.10/kWh. This consistency is helping trustees stabilise levies and reduce monthly utility bills saving residents at least R17,000 per month, or R204,000 annually.

With 288 solar panels and 48 high-capacity batteries, the system keeps critical services like lifts, lighting, and security running even during outages, a game-changer for families, the elderly, and residents with health needs.

Ongoing performance is ensured through 24/7 live monitoring, a comprehensive SLA covering maintenance, reporting, and panel cleaning, and minimal management burden on trustees.

Environmental and Social Impact

• 260 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided annually
• 376,000 litres of water saved (used in traditional power generation)
• Zero upfront cost for owners through a phased, levy-based funding model

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“This solution elevates sectional title living from basic convenience to true resilience,” says Bradley Mason, Director at Sectional Title Solutions, who led the project.

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The Way Forward

‍304 On Main proves that energy independence is not just viable, it’s essential. As trustees and managing agents across South Africa seek long-term answers to power instability and budget constraints, this case offers a clear, replicable blueprint.

The future of sectional title living is solar-powered and the time to switch is now.

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