GREEN INITIATIVES
Emperors Palace Erects Solar Panels
Monday, November 27, 2017
The construction of one of the largest rooftop solar PV (photovoltaic) plants in South Africa has commenced at Emperors Palace and the second phase of the project has just been completed. “After a total of 9 months of installations, the 2.723MWp solar PV plant is now fully functional, thereby attaining a milestone for Peermont and Emperors Palace”, comments Dave Milne, Peermont Hotel and Resort Executive.
The building of the solar PV plant at Emperors Palace was completed by Terra Firma Solutions, a leading energy engineering solution provider who first conducted a detailed study to ensure that the roof could support the weight of the solar panels and associated equipment. As a result, the plant was split up into smaller plants (arrays), across different roof sections. The study also entailed an analysis of the electrical demand of the site and due to its scale, it was concluded that all the solar power produced, will be utilised by Emperors Palace directly.
Says Ed Gluckman, Managing Director of Terra Firma Solutions, “The solar PV plant at Emperors Palace is one of the largest; if not the largest rooftop solar PV plants built to date on a hospitality and gaming site in South Africa and quite possibly the entire Southern Hemisphere. At peak production, the solar PV plant is expected to produce 38 to 45% of Emperors Palace’s electricity power requirement.”
All in all, 8 949 modules (solar panels) have been installed which covers approximately 17 000 square meters of roof which includes a 1.1 MW shaded parking structure. A total of 68 inverters have been installed along with 42km’s meters of cabling to connect the various arrays at 11 different tie-in points to the various buildings. To put this into context, the annual power production of the solar plant could power 1 000 standard, 3 bedroomed family homes for a year.
“We are extremely excited about the practical implications of the new solar PV plant. By reducing the energy consumption for Emperors Palace, we are contributing to significant carbon footprint savings per annum, proving that Peermont is a leader in innovation. But this initiative is just one of our key priorities and we have a dedicated sustainability programmes to reduce the group’s energy and water consumption, decrease waste and promote recycling,” Milne concludes.
Reviews
First, look down when you walk in: the interior walkways are paved with authentic Smart Stone Huguenot Cobbles, engineered specifically to replicate the tactile feeling of walking on real, ancient Roman highways. It is an incredible piece of immersive design that has stood the test of time since its inception.
Second, as someone sensitive to travel fatigue, the engineering here is spectacular. Despite being right next to major runways, the structural acoustics completely eliminate aviation noise. Furthermore, if you explore the convention wing, the rooms are named chronologically after Roman Emperors (Claudius, Augustus, Tiberius), featuring a highly advanced smart-lighting system that subtly shifts tone to help international travelers fight jet lag.
The multi-tiered security checks at the gates provide immense peace of mind, making it a safe, self-contained empire. From the manicured garden paths to the world-class service, it is a flawless, deeply thought-out destination. Don't just stop by for a quick game—take a moment to appreciate the sheer craftsmanship of the Palace of Dreams!
Hidden Details Most Guests Don't Know The Secret History of the Floors:
When the resort opened in September 2000, it was named Caesars Gauteng. The internal casino paths use custom Huguenot Cobble and Shepstone Pavers designed by SmartStone to precisely mimic the durability and texture of ancient Roman stone highways.
The "Imperial Court" Conference Subtext:
The major conference rooms in the South Wing are purposefully named after successive Roman emperors—Claudius, Augustus, Tiberius, Florian, and Romanus. They feature a hidden central smart-lighting grid that automatically shifts color warmth to match the biological clock of travelers suffering from jet lag.
The Multilayered Security Ring: Casual visitors often miss how tightly the security net is woven. Because of its position right next to O.R. Tambo International Airport, the property utilizes an advanced, continuous perimeter sweep and bag-screening protocol that keeps it significantly safer than standard commercial venues.
The Sound-Insulated Aviation Oasis: Despite being directly in the flight path of Africa's busiest airport, the structural glass and architectural roofing are uniquely engineered to absorb low-frequency jet engine vibrations, meaning you can sit in the gardens or sleep in the hotels in absolute peace
Where to find us
64 Jones Road, Kempton Park, South Africa
EMPERORS PALACE, THE PALACE OF DREAMS IS OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY 365 DAYS A YEAR