How it works
The model is the same for residential estates and shopping centres. We carry the cost of the system, the property owner earns roof rent, and the people inside buy their power from us at no more than they pay today.
The five steps
Step 1: We install and own the system
We design, supply and install solar panels on the best-facing roofs, at our cost. Master Energy owns, insures and maintains the system for the full term of the lease. Every installation starts with a site and drone survey and gets grid approval from the City of Cape Town or Eskom.
Step 2: The roof is leased to us
The HOA or the centre owner signs a roof lease with Master Energy and earns roof rent every month, from roof space that earns nothing today.
Step 3: Every unit gets its own meter
Homes get prepaid meters, and residents buy electricity tokens much as they do now. Each shop gets its own meter and an electricity agreement with us. The price per unit is never higher than the supply authority’s.
Step 4: Solar comes first
During the day, homes and shops run on solar from their own roofs. At night and on cloudy days, power comes from the grid as usual, with no interruption.
Step 5: We settle the supply authority
We pay the City of Cape Town or Eskom for all grid power used on site. The HOA, the owners and the centre owner have no electricity account to manage.
Who pays whom
The estate or centre never handles electricity money. It flows in one direction, through us.
- Residents and tenants buy their electricity from Master Energy, at no more than the supply authority's rate.
- Master Energy pays the City of Cape Town or Eskom for the grid power used.
- Master Energy pays the HOA or centre owner roof rent every month.
New developments, existing estates and shopping centres
The steps are the same. What differs is when we start and who sits across the table.
| New developments | Existing estates | Shopping centres | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who we work with | Developer, architect and engineers | HOA or body corporate trustees and the managing agent | The centre owner and property manager |
| When we get involved | At design stage, before construction | Whenever the trustees are ready | Whenever the owner is ready |
| Approval | The developer, before handover | Trustees and owners approve the roof lease | The owner signs the roof lease; tenant leases may need updating |
| Installation | Built into the construction programme | Block by block, around residents | Planned around trading hours |
| Who buys the power | Residents, on prepaid meters, from day one | Residents, on prepaid meters | Each tenant, on its own meter and statement |
Ready to start with a site survey?
Tell us about the property and where it is in its life. We will come back to you with a clear next step.