Lifting Equipment for the Solar Industry
While the benefits of solar are clear, the road to installation is not always smooth. “Transporting and installing solar panels presents a unique set of logistics challenges,” says Alistair Bennett, Managing Director at SkyJacks. “These panels are not only bulky and fragile but getting them safely onto rooftops using traditional lifting methods can be time-consuming, risky, and expensive.”
Large-scale solar panels, often used in commercial and industrial projects, are delicate by nature and susceptible to damage from mishandling. Rooftops can be difficult to access, and using the wrong equipment can lead to costly breakages and long project delays, issues that weigh heavily on contractors who operate on tight budgets and timelines.
Entire project lifecycle
Breakages don’t just increase hardware costs; they ripple through the entire project lifecycle. “When panels are damaged during lifting or installation, it’s not just about replacing the equipment,” explains Alistair. “There are lead times for new panels, and in some cases, entire teams are idled while waiting. It impacts the bottom line and the contractor’s reputation.”
The Geda Solarlift is a solution designed specifically for the solar industry. With its modular, compact design and a lifting height of up to 19 metres, it provides an efficient, safe, and cost-effective way to transport photovoltaic panels onto rooftop: whether in urban centres or remote agricultural settings.
Access and project scale
The Solarlift was developed with the realities of solar projects in mind,” says Alistair. “It’s lightweight and easy to set up, even on uneven ground or in tight construction sites. The adjustable platform holds solar panels securely during the lift, reducing manual handling and lowering the risk of both damage and injury.”
This has made the system particularly valuable for rooftop installations in industrial parks, warehouses, and commercial farms, where rooftop access and project scale can vary significantly. For installers working in remote regions, such as those popular for utility-scale solar in the Northern Cape, the Solarlift’s portability and quick setup offer added advantages.
Flexible rental model
SkyJacks, the local supplier of the Geda Solarlift, has introduced a ‘pay-as-you-use’ rental model that reduces the barrier to entry for contractors and renewable energy developers. “Our rental model is designed to be as flexible and supportive as possible,” Alistair states. “There’s no need for a big upfront investment, which helps ease cash flow constraints. And all equipment is fully serviced and tested before each use, so contractors know they’re getting equipment that’s safe, reliable, and ready to go.”
This model allows small and mid-sized contractors to compete on larger projects without committing capital to own specialised equipment. It also helps solar providers scale their operations more easily; renting additional lifts as needed without incurring permanent overheads.
Hands-on support
SkyJacks’ offering extends beyond equipment. The company provides end-to-end support, including site assessments, technical advice, and on-site setup assistance. “We work closely with our clients to make sure the Solarlift is properly integrated into their workflow,” Alistair states. “Our technical teams are available to assist with setup, troubleshooting, and compliance, which takes pressure off the contractors.”
This comprehensive support ensures that even less experienced contractors can safely and efficiently operate the Solarlift, helping them meet deadlines and reduce costly mistakes.
