The sun2rope PV energy installation, a first of its kind, is purposed to provide clean energy to the renowned Kenyan eco retreat “Cottar’s 1920 Camp”, which is near Kenya’s famous national park, the Masai Mara. The multi-award-winning Cottar’s 1920 Camp spreads over an area of 1,500 hectares, with a large concentration of watchable wildlife, and provides ten tents to host safari tourists.
To supply the eco-resort with renewable energy, seven rows of 168 polycrystalline PV modules, with a total capacity of 54 kWp, were installed. Once the site is completely finalized and commissioned, the generated energy will charge the batteries of the energy management and storage system, sun2safe, and for charging the sun2move e-bikes of the safari camp.
The modules are mounted on long-life, exceptionally resistant technical ropes supported by robust wooden poles. These ropes are distinguished by their extremely high breaking strength and a very low weight . Thus, the sun2rope solar PV structure is designed to resist wind speeds of up to 36 m/s. The core of the rope consists of a special UHMWPE (Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene) braid with a coat made of black UV resistant polyester braid. The technical ropes have been developed and engineered in conjunction with Gruschwitz Textilwerke AG, an enterprise from Germany (Baden-Württemberg), that has been engaged in this industry for more than 200 years.
With sun2rope the impact to the natural environment is minimized since heavy steel structures are replaced with rope and sturdy wood. It additionally contributes in achieving other targets, such as reducing the logistic costs by making use of the locally available wood from the controlled planting areas against steal structures with long shipping delays.
Being one of the 11 Global Ecosphere Retreats worldwide, the Cottar’s 1920 Camp is committed to the protection of nature and wildlife, as well as the preservation of the original culture and the lifestyle of the neighboring Maasai tribe, by combining cultural responsibility with animal welfare, sustainable management and soft tourism.
“We are proud to support the Cottar’s 1920 Camp in its endeavor of protecting wildlife and nature by delivering clean, sustainable and innovative renewable energy solutions as a sustainable power source, giving way to a reduced use and new deployment of diesel-based generators,” said Michael Georg , Senior Project Manager of Meeco Group.
