Energy Partners and Fairvest Limited have set a new standard in sustainable architecture with the completion of South Africa’s first solar facade skyscraper, Metalbox in Auckland, Johannesburg.

Standing 80 metres tall with just under 15 000m² of GLA, Metalbox is one of the largest commercial office assets in Fairvest Limited’s portfolio.

“The Metalbox skyscraper project is history in the making,” says Energy Partners’ CEO, Manie de Waal. “We’ve seen similar projects succeed worldwide. But it required both a visionary client and a committed team to set a new benchmark for South Africa’s green energy transition.”

“Metalbox is an energy-hungry property,” confirms Fairvest Limited’s COO, Riaz Kader. “This solar installation marks our innovative, solutions-driven approach towards renewable energy solutions. This investment is in line with our ESG and strategic objectives. We are committed to investing in sustainable energy and water infrastructure to de-risk our portfolio by providing a degree of energy and water independence whilst lowering the cost of electricity for our Company and tenants.”

Featuring building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) that generate up to 300 MWh annually, the project incorporates two solar systems with monocrystalline panels situated on the sides of the building, providing energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal and which perform well even in low-light conditions. Its roof features carport-type panels, optimising sunlight exposure while offering weatherproofing to services located on the roof.

“Both systems utilise BIPV technology, which we’ve seen integrated into several iconic buildings around the world, including Japan’s Solar Ark and Denmark’s Copenhagen International School”, says Charl du Plessis, General Manager, Energy Partners.

“This technology performs the incredible task of transforming conventional building parts into solar systems, enhancing functionality, aesthetics, and ultimately improved return on investment. For us to be able to successfully complete such a project in South Africa is a game-changer.”

The business case for solar, confirms du Plessis, has three main drivers including cost, generation potential and alternative cost of electricity. “With the ever-increasing cost of grid electricity,” he notes, “a tipping point has been reached where even capex-intensive projects with lower generation potential are feasible.”

“The top priority for us was ensuring the safety of our installation team, who worked from lowered platforms,” says du Plessis. “Then we had to achieve adequate torque on the clamps for environmental resilience – no mean feat considering that the solar panels had to cover a total area of 1 259m², making this South Africa’s largest custom-built commercial installation.”

Shading had to be carefully modelled to accurately predict generation forecasts, and the engineering design includes various aspects to ensure maintainability over the long term.

Additionally, the project required close collaboration with regulatory authorities and had to undergo a glint and glare study to mitigate solar glare effects on neighbouring surroundings, building plan approval and embedded generation approval.