Containerised Solar Solution Accelerates Delivery of Riverside 3 MW Power Plant
June 2026System Integration & Control Systems Design
Project & Industry
Proconics was engaged by NewFields to deliver the electrical integration solution for the Riverside 3 MW Solar Power Plant in Zimbabwe. The project required a compact, modular approach that could simplify deployment, minimise site works, and support rapid commissioning in a remote location.
Project Outcome
The project successfully delivered a fully integrated, containerised solar power solution that streamlined installation and reduced project complexity.
Key benefits included:
• Reduced civil construction requirements
• Simplified transportation and deployment
• Faster commissioning through preconfigured assemblies
• Improved maintainability through equipment consolidation
• Reliable power generation supported by a balanced redundancy strategy
The result is a robust solar generation facility designed to maximise uptime while maintaining operational simplicity.
Biggest Challenge
The project presented several challenges:
Remote Electrical Integration
A complete electrical design was required from the solar modules through to the 33 kV switchgear in a remote operating environment.
Equipment Consolidation
The client required a compact solution that reduced site infrastructure requirements while remaining easy to install and maintain.
Rapid Commissioning
Aggressive project timelines demanded a plug-and-play approach that would minimise on-site assembly and testing.
Our Solution
Proconics developed a containerised, centralised inverter solution that integrated key electrical equipment into factory-assembled units.
The solution included:
• Centralised string inverters
• Low-voltage (LV) switchgear
• Medium-voltage (MV) switchgear
• Transformers
• Integrated monitoring systems
By delivering preconfigured, plug-and-play assemblies, the team significantly reduced on-site installation requirements and accelerated commissioning activities.
The design also balanced redundancy with simplicity, ensuring reliable power production while avoiding unnecessary system complexity.
Key Technologies & Tools Used
• Centralised string inverter technology
• Containerised power conversion systems
• LV and MV switchgear
• Integrated transformers
• Plant monitoring and performance systems
• 33 kV grid integration
Unique Selling Point
Proconics delivers fully integrated, containerised power solutions that combine rapid deployment, reduced site complexity, and dependable long-term performance in challenging environments.
Project Highlights
• 3 MW solar power plant
• Containerised, plug-and-play design
• Full integration from PV field to 33 kV connection
• Accelerated commissioning
• Reduced civil works and installation footprint
• Optimised balance between redundancy and simplicity
Why integration defines the next competitive edge in pulp and paper
System Integration & Control Systems Design
ABB’s Arvin Ramjee argues that fragmented automation, assembled from different suppliers at different stages of a plant’s lifecycle has become one of the pulp and paper industry’s most overlooked commercial risks, and that true integration, rather than surface-level connectivity, is what delivers measurable business value.
Read more...Integrated automation enhances water treatment at dairy facility Process Dynamics
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Process Dynamics delivered the electrical, instrumentation, control and automation integration for an advanced water treatment and reverse osmosis system at a major South African dairy processing facility, achieving a 50% reduction in the client’s water utility costs.
Read more...Intelligent process control is reshaping cement production in Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Advanced process control, predictive analytics and automation are helping African cement producers cut energy use and stabilise output as they contend with rising electricity costs and tighter margins.
Read more...Process Dynamics – Integrated Automation for Dairy Water Treatment Process Dynamics
System Integration & Control Systems Design Project and industry
Process Dynamics delivered the electrical, instrumentation, control and automation integration for an advanced water treatment and Reverse Osmosis (RO) system at one of South Africa’s ...
Read more...New SI programme strengthens Schneider Electric’s partner ecosystem Schneider Electric South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Schneider Electric’s SI Energise 2.0 programme offers system integrators a competency-based framework to develop deeper expertise in EcoStruxure and AVEVA software, enabling them to deliver full-lifecycle industrial automation solutions.
Read more...AI and smart solutions for underground proximity detection systems
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Booyco Electronics explains why fitting proximity detection systems underground is far more complex than installing sensors, and how integration, data and intelligent analytics are helping mines manage the challenge.
Read more...Why cloud-ready BMS is reshaping building operations Schneider Electric South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Smart sensors and non-contact radar are reshaping industrial measurement, feeding connected platforms that predict failures before they happen.
Read more...Project and industry
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Transforming crushing plant operations through integrated automation.
Controlgear Instramac was engaged to deliver the electrical control and automation systems for a new crushing plant within the ...
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.