Solar Panels at Cresta and Westgate Shopping Centres

A significant economic benefit of going green is that it helps lower costs and save money. Use of renewable energy helps reduce energy consumption which in turn helps save money used on electricity bills. An additional benefit of going green is that it helps reduce power bills significantly taking pressure off our natural resources.

Pareto Limited is making a quality solar investment at Westgate & Cresta by entering into a power purchase agreement with Solar Saver. Westgate & Cresta are excited to introduce Solar Energy at their centres as part of their environmental-friendly strategy.

We asked the General Managers of Cresta and Westgate some of their thoughts about the installation of the solar panels at their centres. Virginia Bester, the General manager of Cresta Shopping said: “Cresta wants to use their sustainable changes to set an example and educate the wider community on how they can play a part in the change with small daily changes.” The Centre understands the current context in our country and the energy focus at the Centre is one that also helps solve a problem for shoppers to make sure Cresta shoppers are catered for even during times like Load Shedding and to show that Cresta is committed to more sustainable efforts.

Wiley Quin, General manager of Westgate Shopping said “The solar power will boast an excellent financial benefit. The centre has recorded major electricity cost savings already and look forward to long term electricity savings that will contribute towards the profitability of the centre.”  A benefit is that we will be able to re-sell electricity to our tenants. Another important benefit is job creation. A large part of the cost comes from the installation and this contributes to local job creation. We will be employing people from the surrounding areas for the cleaning of the solar panels. And to close off customers want to support businesses with a vested interest in social change and the environment. -Virginia Bester (Cresta GM)

This project will not only benefit these centres by saving energy but it will create job opportunities. The centres will be employing people from the surrounding areas for the cleaning of the solar panels. The project team was headed by our very own Mokgadi Maunatlala and she did a great job. Mokgadi demonstrated a high level of professionalism and competence. She proved to be very knowledgeable of project management and solar systems.