Repro Flex, South Africa
Repro Flex, a leading printing business in Durban, partnered with Candi Solar to enhance the reliability of its existing solar installation by adding battery storage. Facing ongoing challenges from cable theft and load shedding, the business required a more resilient power solution to support its growth and ensure uninterrupted operations. candi integrated a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) into the original 43.2 kWp solar setup, adding a 50 kVA hybrid inverter and a 40 kWh LFP battery bank under a risk-free, performance-based contract. The result is stable, uninterrupted power supply, enabling Repro Flex to maintain on-time production despite grid disruptions, while gaining long-term certainty and peace of mind.
Background
All businesses need reliable, affordable power. Solar systems are a key way to achieve this, but the journey doesn’t have to stop with simply generating power. Storage solutions are an increasingly important part of the equation, and one in which Candi has significant expertise. A recent installation for Repro Flex is a case in point, and demonstrates the certainty and peace of mind that adding storage to solar can bring.
Repro Flex is a printing business based in Durban, South Africa. They are a significant player in the local printing market. In their industry, reliable, on-time performance is key to success. As one of the very first South African solar clients to partner with Candi, they have already been reaping the rewards of a solar solution for years, however, new factors emerged which were challenging their business in an important phase of growth.
The Challenges
Electricity cable theft is a significant issue in the South African context. It can cause serious unexpected power disruptions to business, which are worsened by the local municipality’s often slow response to rectify the problem. Over the last few years, load shedding (scheduled outages to manage electricity demand on the national grid) has further added to the uncertainty Repro Flex was facing. The existing candi solar system was going a long way to helping the business respond to these challenges, but now, a more advanced solution was required.
Candi solar’s Solution
After a comprehensive assessment, the candi team proposed a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) that could be simply and seamlessly integrated into the existing solar generation technology. With candi’s end-to-end expertise, they were also able to accurately understand and meet Repro Flex’s requirements. Describing the process, Mercy Ntuli, Solar Engineer on the project says, “Knowing our client’s load profile, and understanding their specific business needs and electrical supply issues enabled us to provide a tailor-made solution for them.”
Initially, candi had installed a system with 43.2 kWp of PV capacity. In this second phase, the BESS system was integrated, adding a 50 kVA hybrid inverter and 40 kWh LFP battery bank. The system was installed and financed through a three-year, performance-based contract which ensured the solution was risk-free for Repro Flex. With the candi model, if the system doesn’t perform, the client doesn’t pay. Most importantly in this case, the system was developed with the growth trajectory of the business in mind, too, ensuring it was future fit.
The Results
The solution has been successfully installed and Repro Flex is already reaping the rewards. Despite recent loadshedding in the country, Repro Flex was able to run smooth on-time business operations without any concerns for power supply, ensuring their reputation for on-time delivery will remain secure. When asked about the overall experience with candi, Craig Oliver, Director of Repro Flex says, “We are very happy with our system. The installation has been done very professionally and is neat and good looking – everybody remarks on how well it has been set up”.
As this case study shows, storage capacity can be added to systems both during the initial build, as well as later on. By providing a complementary capability to solar generation, they allow businesses to enjoy even more reliable, affordable power, along with all the operational benefits that it enables.
For more information on candi’s storage offering, and how it can be integrated into systems of all sizes, contact us.
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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