South Africa\u2019s electricity minister intends to ask the Chinese government to help ensure that solar-power installers in the country secure reliable access to panels as demand for alternative sources of energy grows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kgosientsho Ramokgopa will travel to China this week to meet six of the nation\u2019s biggest solar equipment manufacturers to help make it easier to import panels amid ongoing blackouts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
South African businesses and households are increasingly opting to reduce their reliance on the grid as state utility Eskom, which supplies more than 90% of the nation\u2019s electricity, subjects the country to daily power cuts because its old and poorly maintained coal-fired plants can\u2019t meet demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are only two solar panel manufacturers in South Africa, but they\u2019ve committed all their output to major projects being implemented by mining companies, while all others are being imported from China, Ramokgopa said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEven when there is supply, you still wait three to four months,\u201d he said in an interview. \u201cWe will say to the Chinese that we are sitting with this problem, can you accelerate for us?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Backlogs and a lack of efficiency at South Africa\u2019s ports could also constrain equipment imports, according to Ramokgopa \u2014 an issue the government has said it\u2019s addressing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The minister has met with four of the nation\u2019s biggest banks to discuss financing options for clients wanting to install rooftop solar panels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Government Employees Pension Fund is also finalizing a funding offering for its members, while the state is considering alternatives for lower-income households.<\/p>\n\n\n\n