The Sharks HQ Now Powered by Candi Solar
The Sharks Headquarters (HQ) located at the iconic Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium in the heart of Durban, has recently embraced solar energy to power its office operations.
In collaboration with Candi Solar, a 400-kW solar power plant was installed on the roof of the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium to transition The Sharks HQ to renewable energy. This initiative was designed to offset rising energy expenses, support the stadium’s sustainability goals and meet the energy demands needed to power The Sharks HQ. Completed in just three months, the solar solution has already delivered impressive results - significantly lowering electricity costs and reducing its carbon footprint - all without requiring upfront investment or financial risk.
Following a meticulous procurement process and a thorough evaluation to determine the most effective renewable energy solution for The Sharks HQ, the stadium chose Candi Solar as its partner on this solar energy journey.
Stadium Manager Mahomed Aslam explained, “The procurement process here is rigorous. After evaluating several proposals alongside our electrical engineer, it became clear that Candi Solar offered the most cost-effective and comprehensive solution.”
With Candi Solar’s expertise, the stadium implemented a tailored solar system designed around the energy demands of The Sharks HQ, tracked over three months. This usage-based customisation ensures the stadium pays only for the energy generated, benefiting from lower rates and a seamless shift to renewable power. Aslam added, “We are now paying less per unit than we would with Eskom, which means immediate savings and a greener, more sustainable facility.”
Currently, the solar system carries 60% of The Sharks HQ office's daytime energy load, significantly reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and lowering operational costs. In just six months, the stadium has avoided approximately R800,000 in utility payments since the solar system’s installation and mitigated 200 tonnes of carbon (CO₂) emissions, demonstrating the dual impact of both financial and environmental benefits.
How a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) Made It Possible
This solar installation was achieved through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), a cost-effective and hassle-free solution that enabled Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium to transition to solar power without upfront investment. Under this agreement, Candi Solar financed the entire project, covering installation, equipment, and ongoing maintenance. The stadium pays only for the solar electricity generated, replacing traditional Eskom bills with a lower, fixed-rate solar tariff.
The benefits of the PPA are clear:
Immediate Cost Savings:
The stadium now enjoys significant financial relief by paying a predictable and lower rate for solar electricity compared to escalating Eskom tariffs. These savings began as soon as the system was operational, ensuring immediate financial impact.
Simplified Energy Management:
With Candi Solar handling system monitoring, maintenance, and repairs, the stadium’s leadership can focus on its core priorities, knowing their energy needs are securely managed by experts.
Future Flexibility:
The PPA offers the stadium the option to purchase the solar system outright in the future, unlocking additional cost advantages and advancing its long-term energy independence goals.
By adopting this innovative PPA model, Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium has aligned financial savings with sustainability, paving the way for a greener and more cost-efficient future while setting a benchmark for renewable energy adoption in the South African sports industry.
Aslam stated, “A PPA solution suited us best as we save money while reducing our environmental impact.” By adopting this forward-thinking solution, the stadium has not only ensured moving towards a greener future but also strengthened its position as a pioneer in sustainable innovation within the South African sports industry.
Inspiring the Future
Beyond the financial savings, the adoption of solar energy at The Sharks HQ supports Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium’s commitment to embracing renewable energy to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices. This solar project complements other initiatives at the stadium, such as energy-efficient lighting and robust recycling programs.
The partnership with Candi Solar is not only a win for The Sharks HQ operations but also sets a shining example for other organisations exploring renewable energy in South Africa’s sports sector.
The challenge
Lower electricity costs
In 2025 alone, the system delivered:
R622,159
in electricity savings
1.4 GWH
of clean energy generated
1,800 TONNES
of CO₂ emissions avoided
The result is not only a more resilient operation, but a more cost-efficient and sustainable one too
One Successful Phase Deserves Another
The performance of the first phase gave Bracken Timbers the confidence to go further.
Following its success, the company approved an additional 540 kWp expansion. Once complete, the expanded system is expected to increase annual electricity savings to approximately R1.1 million, while covering even more of the sawmill's daytime energy needs.
Every time the power went out, production slowed. Delivery schedules became harder to maintain, customer commitments came under pressure, and the disruption extended far beyond the factory floor - to suppliers, customers and the company's 1,500-strong workforce.
The team explored generating electricity using its own wood waste, including sawdust and bark. While it was technically possible, building, operating and maintaining an energy plant would require specialist expertise outside its core business.
Bracken Timbers knew what it needed: a reliable energy solution and an experienced partner to make it happen.
The solution
Candi Solar designed and financed a 1.5 MWp solar installation through its Performance-Linked Instalment Sale (PLIS) model.
In simple terms, Bracken Timbers did not need to make a heavy upfront investment or take on the operational risk of managing a solar plant.
Instead, the business pays for the energy the system generates, while Candi takes responsibility for its performance, maintenance and long-term optimisation.
That means the Bracken Timbers team can remain focused on what it does best: producing quality structural timber - while its solar system gets on with producing reliable, more affordable energy.
The impact
Production Keeps Moving
The solar system was integrated with Bracken Timbers' existing backup generators, helping the sawmill continue operating for full nine-hour shifts during load shedding.
So, while grid interruptions continue to bring production to a halt for many manufacturers, Bracken Timbers can keep its mill running, stay on schedule and continue fulfilling customer orders.
Most importantly, this increased energy stability helps protect consistent employment for more than 1,500 people.
“
The partnership has delivered exactly what was promised. As the solar system operates over time, the financial and operational benefits will only continue to grow.
George Johnson,
Director, Sawmill & Charcoal,
Bracken Timbers
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