HERFS/AUTUMN BONUS TYDSKRIF 2026

Even before factoring in diesel and generator maintenance costs, energy alone is now a strategic production input that can make or break seasonal profitability. A new kind of investment: solar + storage as a service GreenTower ESS is not just another piece of equipment – it’s a comprehensive energy solution designed for: • Irrigated farms with heavy pump loads • Cold storage facilities with zero tolerance for outages • Agri-processing plants running continuous ovens, conveyors, or handling lines • Packhouses needing predictable power through peak harvest windows • Lodges needing reliable electricity for guest accommodation The business model shifts the financial burden away from capital expenditure (CAPEX) to operational expenditure (OPEX). Producers can secure clean power without the upfront cost of solar panels, inverters, or batteries. Instead, solar electricity is provided from a system that: • Is professionally maintained • Is sized for their specific load profile • Includes backup power for load-shedding immunity • Integrates intelligent control for peak shaving This approach aligns with how modern agricultural businesses already think about financing: predictability, risk reduction, and focus on core production rather than infrastructure ownership. Real stories, real benefits Take, for example, a fruit farm near Nelspruit that faced rising cost pressures on its electricity account. Electricity costs had soared well beyond inflation due to compounded tariffs, and diesel usage remained a crippling operational expense during outages. After adopting a solar + storage solution under a PPA with a GreenTower system: • Monthly energy costs stabilised • Fuel usage dropped dramatically • Production uptime improved • Operating margins expanded Not just a tariff game – it’s about risk Many farmers still think in terms of cents per kilowatt-hour (c/kWh) versus rand per litre diesel. But the savvy view – particularly post- 2025/26 tariff increases – is that predictability and risk management matter deeply. Grid costs aren’t only rising, they’re volatile. Recent increases have lifted prices significantly year-on-year, and while regulatory forecasts suggest adjustments may moderate in coming years, overall pressure remains high. Diesel prices, too, can swing with global crude, exchange rates, and tax policy. A PPA-based solar + storage system lets farms hedge these risks, securing a portion of their energy cost exposure for years. Who benefits most from this model? Ideal candidates for GreenTower ESS under a PPA include: • Facilities with stable energy demand • Operations facing significant diesel expenses • Businesses with budget pressures or limited upfront capital • Export-oriented producers needing reliable power • Farms that value predictable OPEX Ordiphase works with each client to model load patterns, compare scenarios (PPA vs cash vs hybrid), and align choices with business goals. Beyond cost savings: strategic advantages Lower energy costs are only the beginning. Producers adopting solar + storage systems under modern financing models gain: • Operational certainty: Less disruption during grid instability • Energy sustainability goals credibility: Cleaner energy supports sustainability narratives • Competitive edge: Lower overheads mean better pricing flexibility • Future readiness: Infrastructure that supports electrification, automation, and digital monitoring www.agribonus.co.za Herfs/Autumn 2026 BONUS 55