HERFS/AUTUMN BONUS TYDSKRIF 2026

For agri-processors competing on international markets, energy risk is no longer just a cost line, it’s a competitiveness factor. Conclusion: The future of farm energy is access, with ownership secondary. In 2026, South African agriculture is finding itself at an energy crossroads. With electricity tariffs climbing above inflation and diesel prices fluctuating with global pressures, energy costs can no longer be treated as secondary. They are core inputs, shaping profitability and resilience. The promising news for farmers is this: The barrier to access solar + storage has fallen. Solar Power Redefined S ™ G REEN T OWER ES E NERGY S ECURITY S OLUTIONS S OLAR SOLAR AS A SERVICE E I E ENERGY With financing models like PPAs with monthly services fees and purpose-built systems like Ordiphase’s GreenTower ESS, farms and agri- processors can secure reliable, predictable power without breaking the bank upfront. At the end of the PPA term, ownership passes on to the farmer. GreenTower Solutions are now provided with key equipment warranties of between 10 and 15 years while the operational life of solar panels exceeds 30 years. In a world where energy certainty increasingly determines operational success, this shift from capital burden to strategic access represents one of the most significant transformations in agricultural infrastructure South Africa has seen in decades. The generators may still hum on busy mornings, but increasingly they’re just backups to a smarter, cleaner, and more predictable energy future.