Phase 3 of Bell Equipment’s solar energy project at Richards Bay factory nearly complete
BELL Equipment’s Richards Bay factory is leading the way in energy-efficient manufacturing with Phase 3 of the company’s solar energy project currently under way. On completion it will increase the original equipment manufacturer’s solar capacity to 1,725MW AC and contribute almost 20% towards the factory’s total energy consumption.
Bell, with their modern 45,000m2 undercover manufacturing facility, have invested almost R22 million in solar energy projects over the past three years. Excavation for Phase 1 commenced in June 2023 and was completed at the end of January 2024, at a cost of R19 million.
This phase comprises a carport installation over the parking area consisting of 2,246 bifacial solar panels, each rated at 550W and delivering a total capacity of 1,235kWp. The system is supported by ten 125kW AC inverters that provide a combined AC output of 1,1MW.
Phase 2, a rooftop solar installation, began in December 2024 and was completed in April 2025. This 125kW AC system consists of 224 panels, each rated at 565W. The project was completed at a cost of R400,000 with installation carried out by Bell’s employees. Since commissioning, the two phases have collectively generated approximately 3.9GWh of energy.
Phase 3 commenced in March 2026 and is expected to be completed by the end of June 2026. This installation consists of 1,000 panels, each rated at 615W, delivering a total capacity of 615kWp. The system will include five 125kW inverters, producing a combined AC output of 500kW. This R2.2 million installation is also being carried out by Bell employees.
All generated solar power is consumed on site, as the factory’s demand currently exceeds the total generation capacity.
The company has planned for Phase 4 of the project and is looking at a future 500kW AC system that would also feed into the Bell site grid.
Bell Equipment director Dominic Chinnappen said the solar investment is part of Bell’s commitment to adopt the latest technologies and innovations to drive the continuous improvement needed to ensure that the factory performs to world-class standards, including environmental sustainability.
Other initiatives include energy-efficient lighting, air-conditioning and ventilation to reduce energy consumption, as well as rainwater harvesting and recycling of hazardous waste, recyclable waste and recyclable metals. In 2025, Bell recycled more than 8,600 tonnes, or 97%, of their total recyclable waste.
