Eastgate in Johannesburg has shamelessly exploited Africa’s largest rooftop solar installation for a publicity stunt, claiming it’s a major environmental achievement. But is it just a thinly veiled attempt to boost their profits?
The solar panels, which took two years to install, were touted as a groundbreaking project by the mall’s owner, Liberty Two Degrees (L2D). But critics are questioning the real motives behind this move, citing concerns over the cost of the project and the environmental impact.
The installation consists of almost 13 675 solar panels, which equates to a whopping 35% of the energy required to run Eastgate’s daily load generated through solar energy. But at what cost? The total cost of the project has not been disclosed, leaving many to wonder if the financial burden will ultimately be passed on to consumers.
Investing in solar power was touted as a strategic decision by L2D, but critics argue that it’s simply a way to increase profits by cutting costs. By reducing their reliance on the grid, Eastgate will see an estimated reduction of 10.9t of CO² emissions per year, but at what cost to the environment and our wallets?
But what’s even more egregious is that new structural steel subframes were constructed on the roof, with solar panels placed on top of them, taking up valuable parking space. Is this a bold move towards sustainability, or just a cash-grabbing exercise?
Carbon emissions: the real culprit
Despite the supposed environmental benefits, some experts argue that the real culprit is the mall’s massive carbon footprint. By installing solar panels, Eastgate is simply papering over the cracks, rather than addressing the root issue of its excessive energy consumption.
The question remains: is Eastgate’s solar installation a genuine attempt to reduce its environmental impact, or just a cynical ploy to boost its public image?
Read next: Homeowners are still going solar – but for different reasons
