As 2024 draws to a close, the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) reflects on a year of growth, marked by significant milestones, achievements, and lessons learned. The solar industry has set the stage for a brighter and more sustainable energy future for South Africa.
Significant Growth Milestones
By October 2024, South Africa had added 961 MW of private-sector solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity, bringing the country’s total solar PV capacity to 8.97 GW. This represents an 11.9% increase from 2023, with 2.8 GW coming from public procurement programs like the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) and 6.1 GW from private-sector contributions.
“With almost 500 MW of utility-scale projects under construction and 375 MW scheduled to come online in 2025, the future of solar in South Africa looks incredibly promising,” said Dr. Rethabile Melamu, CEO of SAPVIA.
SAPVIA’s continued efforts in policy advocacy, including its contributions to the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) draft 2023 and engagements with government entities, have been instrumental in driving this growth. Initiatives such as the South African Wholesale Electricity Market (SAWEM) advocacy have further facilitated increased solar PV deployment.
Economic Impact and Community Contributions
The solar sector has also become a significant economic driver, creating jobs and advancing skills development. SAPVIA’s collaboration with the National Business Initiative (NBI) and Absa has trained 100 installation companies to meet the growing demand. “Members like SOLA have made significant strides in advancing private-sector renewable energy projects,” Melamu added.
Challenges Faced in 2024
Despite the sector’s successes, 2024 was not without challenges. Regulatory delays, grid connection backlogs, and limited financing options for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) presented significant obstacles.
“SAPVIA responded by advocating for streamlined processes with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA),” said Melamu. “We also launched a financing access initiative to connect SMEs with funding opportunities and foster partnerships with larger companies to share resources and expertise.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Solar in South Africa
SAPVIA predicts notable developments in the energy storage sector in the coming years, particularly in solar-plus-storage systems to address intermittency issues. Microgrids, especially in rural areas with limited grid access, are also expected to gain traction. Additionally, the adoption of rooftop solar for residential and commercial buildings will continue to grow as electricity prices rise and consumers seek ways to reduce grid dependence.
“We are collaborating with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive grid upgrade plan that includes smart grids and energy storage integration to support renewable energy expansion,” Melamu said.
Solar Energy: Contributing to Energy Independence
In 2024, solar energy played a crucial role in South Africa’s energy landscape, contributing significantly to the country’s 300 days of uninterrupted electricity. This reduced reliance on fossil fuels and helped cut carbon emissions.
“Solar PV systems supplied 5.2 TWh of energy, displacing approximately 4,260 tons of CO2,” Melamu stated. “As we look ahead, solar energy will not only shape South Africa’s energy future but also position the country as a global leader in renewable energy innovation.”
Looking forward, SAPVIA remains committed to its vision of ensuring that every South African has access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy, continuing to drive the country toward a more sustainable and energy-independent future.
