A brief overview of the history of solar energy in South Africa
Many people wonder when solar energy started being used in the country. Where did it all start? How far has it come? Who is using it? This blog gives an overview of the history of solar energy in South Africa.
The beginning
The biggest growth in the history of solar energy in South Africa has been in the last decade. New Southern Energy’s growth as one of the country’s top solar companies has been concurrent with the widespread adoption of solar energy.
Over this time, it has shown tremendous growth. Perhaps due to circumstances, the industry has outperformed many others. Additionally, it gone against economic growth trends. A recent report by WWF congratulated South Africa for being the first country in Africa to achieve 1 GW of solar PV energy.
South Africa has a sunny climate. Therefore, it is well placed for solar. It gets an average of 2,500 hours of sunshine per year. Our average solar-radiation level ranges between 4.5 and 6.5kWh/m2 per day. This is approximately 40% more than Central Europe.
A vital part of the history of solar energy in South Africa is the people. The industry is filled with hard-working, ambitious people. They are embracing the opportunity that solar panels and solar EPC provides. The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REI4P) has shown that South Africa can successfully implement a large-scale, world-class renewable energy programme. This has been remarkable.
Naturally, most solar comes from large-scale projects. However, it is also being widely used in residential areas. This way people can power their homes from solar.
The Solar revolution
The current phase we are in, in the history of solar PV in South Africa, is referred to as the solar revolution. This is because the use of solar is being adopted so fast. Additionally, solar panels are being used in various ways.
This growth has mainly been driven by the private sector, both at the household and industry level. South Africa the second fastest-growing solar market on the African continent. We are out-ranked only by Egypt.
Many factors contributed to this. The cost of PV panels has dropped significantly worldwide. Therefore, they are more affordable. The load shedding of 2007/08 and again from 2015 onwards play a role. Additionally, the continuously rising cost of electricity in South Africa has accelerated growth. Furthermore, the cost of installation has dropped.
Watershed moments
There are two key watershed moments in the history of solar energy in South Africa. Firstly, the government signing major solar purchasing agreements with Eskom from 2011 onwards. Secondly, when solar installations started to make financial sense. From approximately 2016, you could recoup your costs in 5 – 6 years. This is a number that investors find comfortable.
These circumstances have all led to an explosion in the history of solar energy in South Africa. Mainly, these are PV panels installed on rooftops. Solar plants have mushroomed all over the country. Our current installed solar capacity is estimated to be 2,5GW. This is a big number. Think about it.
What we have learnt
Over the years in the history of solar energy in South Africa, the industry has matured. The growth of the operations and maintenance and funding elements of the solar industry have also been remarkable. At the same time, we’ve learnt plenty.
The correct design approach has been perfected. We’ve learnt that the ideal orientation of solar systems in this country is facing north at 30 degrees. Alternately, panels on south-facing roofs need to be tilted to point north.
Inverter positioning has also improved in the history of solar energy in South Africa. In Europe, due to cooler climates, inverters can be outside. Here, our direct sunlight causes inverters to derate. Hence, they produce less power. Ideally, they should be placed in cool rooms.
The solar industry
There are currently about approximately ten major players in the solar industry. Additionally, there are literally hundreds of SME’s if you count every electrical company that installs solar. The solar industry will no doubt continue to grow as people see the value in it.
View some of the solar systems that New Southern Energy has installed here.
