Solar Wheeling: Control Electricity Costs with Solar Energy Wheeling Projects with Our Solar PV Solutions

Become Energy Independent Today

Solar Wheeling: Control Electricity Costs with Solar Energy Wheeling Projects with Our Solar PV Solutions

Become Energy Independent Today

Solar wheeling gives you access to cheaper clean power, even when it is not produced on your property. This solution allows energy from a generator to be sent across the national grid to an end-user located in another area. Bilion Power Solutions manages the full wheeling agreement and grid connection process. We help your business lower electricity costs while using renewable energy generated from solar. This model suits large users in South Africa that need steady electricity supply without adding rooftop panels.

What Is Solar Wheeling and How Does It Work?

A solar PPA is an agreement between an energy consumer and an independent power producer. The provider installs the solar PV system on the customer’s property and delivers power generated by the system back to the user. The customer pays a fixed price per kilowatt for the electricity used. This is usually lower than the grid electricity price. The solar panels may be installed on rooftops or open land, depending on the site layout. The provider handles the installation of a solar system and maintains a solar system throughout the term of the agreement.

In a wheeling project, the generator - such as a utility-scale solar farm - injects power into the grid. The power plants may use solar PV systems with bifacial solar modules and single-axis trackers. The quantity of electricity is measured and balanced by the utility. A financial transaction takes place between the generator and end-user, while Eskom or the municipality charges wheeling fees for use of the distribution or transmission network. The process of transmitting electricity is tracked under a contractual wheeling agreement. The end user benefits from lower costs compared to the standard tariff.

The generator is usually an independent power producer, or IPP. This entity owns and operates the solar installation. The end user is often a large business, mining company, or multi-site operator looking to reduce energy costs. Wheeling allows the energy generator to sell electricity to the end user directly. The wheeling model supports bilateral transactions, avoids standard utility tariffs, and improves energy efficiency across the system.

Benefits of Renewable Energy Wheeling Projects

  • Reduce Electricity Costs While Supporting Renewable Energy

    Wheeling lets you lock in long-term energy rates with a clean energy source. The structure avoids tariff hikes by using renewable electricity delivered through the grid. You support Africa’s shift toward renewable energy while reducing your own operating costs. The use of wind and solar through wheeling projects helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions being avoided annually in South Africa.

  • Bypass Local Supply Constraints Through Grid-Based Energy Wheeling

    Wheeling helps you avoid local supply issues or space constraints. You do not need to build a system on every property. The energy is generated remotely and transported across the grid. This is ideal for businesses with sites in dense urban areas or locations with limited land. Examples like the Tronox Mineral Sands wheeling project and Sola’s utility-scale renewable wheeling solutions show how wheeling can supply electricity reliably to different regions, including Lichtenburg and the Northern Cape.

  • Meet Sustainability Goals Without On-Site Solar PV Installations

    Wheeling removes the need for on-site infrastructure by shifting generation to high-yield solar zones. This supports sustainability goals by facilitating clean power generation in one region and delivering it elsewhere. Companies reduce tons of carbon dioxide emissions, meet internal ESG goals, and show compliance with green procurement policies. Wheeling makes it easier to access clean energy at scale without requiring new construction at every facility.

How Wheeling in South Africa Supports Business Energy Strategy

The Role of Municipalities and Eskom in a Wheeling Project

Wheeling depends on utility cooperation and regulatory approval. Eskom and local municipalities must allow access to their transmission network.

Bilion Power Solutions manages this process on your behalf. We handle licence applications, technical submissions, and contractual approvals with Eskom or municipal officials.

We align with regulatory guidelines to ensure each wheeling project meets compliance.

How Wheeling Helps You Avoid Standard Tariff Increases

South Africa’s standard tariff increases continue to pressure business operations. Wheeling avoids these costs by locking in fixed supply terms with an independent generator.

While wheeling charges apply, they are often lower than utility markups. Your business gains financial predictability and protection against rate hikes.

Over time, this translates into measurable savings and improved budgeting.

Integrating Wheeling into Multi-Site Energy Management Plans

If your business operates across South Africa, wheeling gives you a single supply solution for multiple properties.

You can allocate generation capacity from one solar farm to various branches across the grid.

This supports centralised energy procurement and avoids the need to build systems at every site.

Wheeling makes multi-site energy supply simpler and more efficient.

Wheeling with Bilion Power Solutions: How Our Solar PV Model Works

Our Process: From Site Analysis to Wheeling Agreement Approval

We begin with site feasibility and load evaluation. Our engineers assess the potential to supply energy from a remote generation site to one or more consumption sites. We work with regulatory stakeholders to finalise the wheeling agreement. Our team also ensures proper alignment with the local supporting state utility and Eskom’s procedures. This includes technical documentation and compliance with grid standards. Our role is to simplify the approval process while keeping your project on track.

Managing Grid Access and Solar Electricity Flow

Once approved, we coordinate with relevant stakeholders to activate your wheeling path. We ensure the act of balancing the energy across consumption and generation points meets national regulations. This includes monitoring the electrical grid’s supply input and managing energy delivery per site. Our technical team keeps records of energy annually transferred and compares actual data to projected figures. This process protects your business from mismatch charges and ensures accurate billing.

Calculating Wheeling Costs and Energy Balancing Per Site

We calculate expected cost based on site usage, volume, and path. Our system models consider energy annually expected from the generator and site-level consumption. You get clear data and pricing before signing a power purchase agreement. This gives you confidence in the economic return. We align each agreement with South African municipal structures and include all expected charges. This makes your wheeling project financially and operationally viable.

Common Questions About Solar Wheeling in South Africa

Do I Need to Own a Generation Site to Participate?

No. You can partner with a generator or energy developer who owns the plant. Companies like Sola already operate large solar PV plants that comprise bifacial arrays and supply electricity across the grid. Bilion Power Solutions helps connect your consumption site to these generators through a legal and technical framework. You benefit from solar power without building a new plant.

Wheeling is a specialised form of a power purchase agreement. The key difference is that the generation site is separate from the consumption site. The agreement still outlines how much electricity will be supplied, at what cost, and over what timeframe. Wheeling adds the layer of grid access and energy balancing, making it suitable for large or multi-site operations.

Yes. Wheeling is scalable and can support projects that deliver power to households with electricity needs across regions. In the North West, for example, similar models have been used to supply electricity to mining towns and remote facilities. With proper licensing and planning, wheeling supports long-term energy independence in residential or public-use environments.

Start a Wheeling Project with Bilion Power Solutions

Speak to an Expert About Wheeling in South Africa

We have experience navigating South African energy frameworks. Our team helps you understand how wheeling fits your structure, from a commercial park to public infrastructure. We handle the hard parts—regulatory work, engineering, and compliance.

Get a Proposal for Solar Wheeling Across the Grid

We create a detailed proposal including source location, volume, load profile, and expected costs. We match you with a generator or structure your own plant. You’ll receive a step-by-step guide to project delivery.

Use Renewable Power to Supply Multiple Locations Efficiently

Start your transition today. Entering into a PPA means you support cleaner power generation, lower your monthly expenses, and avoid the risks of owning a solar system. Contact Bilion Power Solutions to begin the process.

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