The Morgenster Shopping Centre in the Mitchell’s Plain neighbourhood of Cape Town, South Africa, was recently revamped with a vision of providing a commerce hub built on the mantra, “for the community, by the community.” That vision has been realised, with the revamped centre now serving as a safe, welcoming place where shoppers from the community can find a wide range of goods and services delivered by local entrepreneurs.

A talented hairdresser who previously worked out of her car and now has her own salon; a butcher renowned far-and-wide for his top-notch cuts of meat; a barber famous for his lightning-fast shave and haircut; a mom-and-pop print shop that has grown into a bustling business. These are just a few examples of the vibrant group of entrepreneurs who make up Morgenster Shopping Centre.

The solar installation is a direct request from shopping centre tenants to reduce electricity costs and operate more efficiently and sustainably, and to continue the community upliftment already taking place at Morgenster.