Since 2010, South Africa has imported R35 billion worth of solar panels. Imports were initially supported by government investment into renewables but are now primarily supported by private investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Based on the assumption that solar panels cost $0.2 to $0.3 per watt, Montmasson-Clair estimated that the R12 billion of imported solar panels is equivalent to roughly 2,200 MW of generation capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following the same assumption, the country added 1,100 MW to 1,700 MW across the entire year of 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sustained demand is vital for building a local industry based on solar energy generation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n South Africa has two solar panel manufacturers, ART Solar and SeraphimSolar. The latter is a Chinese company with a local factory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Increased load-shedding has pushed many South African citizens and companies to invest in alternative energy sources, such as solar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a particularly positive development in solving ongoing load-shedding in the country, with the private sector stepping in to bolster electricity generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Data shared by Eskom and Professor Anton Eberhard revealed<\/a> that South African households and businesses had installed 4,400 MW of rooftop solar PV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eberhard posted data from Eskom, which showed that the country\u2019s installed solar rooftop PV increased from 983 MW in March 2023 to 4,412 MW in June 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This 349% increase in solar rooftop PV significantly reduced the residual load that Eskom needs to meet during the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eberhard said it meant less load-shedding and more available energy for Eskom to restore its pumped hydro and diesel storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The rapid increase in solar PV installations was expected, considering the higher stages and frequency of load-shedding over the past 18 months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This article was first published by Daily Investor and republished with permission. Read the original here.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dailyinvestor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/something-1024x725.jpg\")
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