SA solar energy boom
Here’s how South Africa’s solar energy boom is saving the country. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Home » Here’s how SA’s solar energy boom is quietly saving the country

Here’s how SA’s solar energy boom is quietly saving the country

The import of panels this year alone is in the billions of Rands. Here’s how SA’s unlikely solar energy boom is weening us off Eskom.

By Ray Leathern
08-08-23 09:23
in Business
SA solar energy boom
Here’s how South Africa’s solar energy boom is saving the country. Image: Wikimedia Commons

South Africa is in the midst of a solar energy boom, hitting a new record for the import of solar panels into the country. The R12-billion value of imports in 2023 to date is more than the entire value imported in 2022, which was R5.6 billion, reports Business Tech.

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Forget the money. In pure power terms this is believed to be equivalent to 2 200 MW of generation capacity. Energy that Eskom and South Africa simply did not have before. And thanks to our sunny climate, the growth potential for solar in South Africa is boundless.

SA’S SOLAR ENERGY BOOM

solar energy boom
South Africa’s untapped potential when it comes to solar power. Graphic: Solargis.

In the face of rampant Eskom tariff hikes and loadshedding, this growth is due to sustained interest from the private sector, says Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies senior economist, Gaylor Montmasson-Clair.

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The incompetence of Eskom has pushed many South Africans and companies to invest in alternative energy sources, such as solar. This is particularly positive with the private sector stepping in to bolster electricity generation.

HOW MUCH POWER HAS SOLAR ADDED TO THE GRID?

solar energy boom
Evidence of SA’s solar energy boom. Graphic: Gaylor Montmasson-Clair.

Data shared by Eskom and Professor Anton Eberhard revealed that South African solar installations in households and businesses have increased from 983 MW in March 2023 to 4 412 MW in June 2023.

ALSO READ: Regulator challenges rampant Eskom tariff hikes

This 349% solar energy boom took place in just four months and reduced the residual load that Eskom needs to meet during the day to keep the lights on. And it gave Eskom increased scope to restore its pumped hydro and diesel storage.

WHY ARE WE IMPORTING SOLAR PANELS?

solar energy boom
Image: Pixabay

South Africa has two major solar panel manufacturers currently, ART Solar and SeraphimSolar. The latter is a Chinese company with a local factory. Ideally, South Africa should produce its own solar panels. However, the demand has not outstripped supply until the solar energy boom of now.

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Sustained demand is the key for building a local industry based on solar energy. It appears South Africa’s solar energy boom is just getting started.

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Tags: Eskom featured HNelnny Important loadshedding solar energy South Africa solar energy boom