Reducing energy consumption in shopping centers
Borj Fez stands out as an iconic shopping center located in the heart of Morocco’s spiritual capital, Fez. Its strategic location between the historic medina and the modern city makes it a dynamic meeting place for residents of the Fez-Meknes region. With its three levels and over 80 stores, Borj Fez is a major commercial hub attracting more than 5 million visitors each year. This success highlights its importance as a must-visit destination for shopping and leisure, offering a unique experience that blends tradition and modernity.
Under the management of Aradei Capital, the shopping center not only enchants visitors with its diverse offerings but also engages in proactive environmental and social initiatives, including the installation of photovoltaic solar panels across its various centers. This approach aims to reduce the energy consumption of the centers while supporting sustainable economic growth.
“Aradei Capital, the property company that owns Borj Fez, has committed to an environmental and social strategy called ‘Bricks For Impact.’ This strategy aims to promote job growth while reducing environmental impact. A key initiative of this strategy is the installation of photovoltaic panels on the roofs of properties that can accommodate them, with the goal of reducing the shopping centers’ energy consumption,” explains Hamza Squalli, Mall Manager of Borj Fez.
Huawei FusionSolar C&I smart inverters
Borj Fez Shopping Center is equipped with a 260 kW photovoltaic system, including 1300 m² of solar panels, as well as 2 Huawei FusionSolar 100 KTL inverters and 1 Huawei FusionSolar 60 KTL inverter, chosen for the following reasons :
Optimal performance : These inverters are known for their high conversion efficiency, maximizing energy production from the solar panels.
Safety : The inverters come with Arc Fault Detection (AFCI) technology to prevent fire risks by detecting electrical arcs. They also include surge protection to safeguard equipment from voltage fluctuations.
Energy optimization : Huawei FusionSolar inverters feature multiple MPPTs for optimal panel management under varying sunlight conditions. Additionally, they offer IV curve diagnostics to facilitate quick detection of anomalies and failures.
Management and maintenance : Real-time monitoring via the online platform and FusionSolar mobile app for proactive maintenance.
Flexibility and scalability : These inverters adapt to various types and sizes of photovoltaic installations with their modular configuration. They can be integrated into different panel setups and allow for easy addition or replacement of units to meet future needs. 
The technical team from Green Power supported Solar Power throughout the project, collaborating with the pre-sales team for sizing and equipment selection, and with the post-sales team for commissioning, troubleshooting, and resolving technical issues.
Up to 25% savings on the shopping center’s energy consumption
The benefits of this project are manifold. Combined, they demonstrate how a well-designed and sustainability-focused project can generate tangible advantages on several fronts, including :
Reduction in energy costs : The project has allowed Borj Fez to decrease its reliance on traditional electricity, leading to substantial savings on electricity bills.
Carbon footprint reduction : The shift to a cleaner energy source has a direct impact on Borj Fez’s carbon footprint. By using renewable energy, the shopping center actively contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Enhanced brand image : Implementing eco-friendly initiatives enhances Borj Fez’s brand image as a socially and environmentally responsible entity. By adopting environmentally friendly practices, the shopping center positions itself as a leader in corporate social responsibility.
” Since the commissioning of Borj Fez’s photovoltaic system, we have achieved savings ranging from 15 to 25% on the site’s total electricity consumption, depending on the time of year. This initiative was launched at Borj Fez and has since been extended to the Socco Alto shopping center in Tangier, with plans to deploy it to other sites, ” says Hamza Squalli, Mall Manager of Borj Fez.
Aradei Capital’s initiative to reduce the energy consumption of Borj Fez Shopping Center through a photovoltaic solar installation is an inspiring example of how businesses can combine economic performance with environmental responsibility. By integrating renewable technologies, Borj Fez is positioning itself as a key player in the transition to a more sustainable future while providing an effective energy management model for other shopping centers and businesses.