While only a fraction, approximately 0.69%, of households in South Africa have adopted rooftop solar installations, their impact has been substantial, reducing the potential electricity supply gap by 44% in 2023.
This is according to GoSolr, a provider of residential subscription solar solutions in South Africa and is part of findings contained in its "Light Paper" Quarterly Solar Update, which introduced the SA Solar Index.
Andrew Middleton, co-founder and CEO of GoSolr, pointed out that despite there being 17.8 million homes in the country, less than 1% utilise solar power. Middleton also noted that 40% of solar energy generated in the previous year went unused.
However, he expressed optimism about the potential for surplus energy to be fed back into the grid but cautioned about potential challenges, citing the example of California where excess daytime power production leads to shortages during peak hours.
GoSolr's report underscored the necessity for significant reforms to promote a resilient and decentralised energy grid.
It called attention to the inconsistencies in energy policies across provinces and advocated for a unified approach to address the current fragmented regulatory landscape hindering renewable energy progress.
The report also examined the broader implications of expanding solar energy usage in South Africa, including economic benefits, environmental impact, and job creation potential. However, it acknowledged the complexities arising from inconsistent national policies and varying political commitments.
Through initiatives like the SA Solar Index and quarterly updates, GoSolr aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the solar energy sector in South Africa, urging proactive measures to tackle the ongoing energy crisis and pave the way for a sustainable energy future.
Key findings from the GoSolr quarterly update include:
Private households have made a significant contribution in driving solar power adoption in the country, citing data from the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association that households alone have likely installed around 620 MW of solar to date.
Citing Eskom, as of March, about 5 440 MW of residential and rooftop solar had been installed across the country. Rooftop solar increased by 2 630 MW in 2023, and a further 236 MW had been added in the first quarter of this year.
There are considerable opportunities for expansion, given South Africa's abundant solar energy potential despite its slow adoption rates. Transitioning towards decarbonizing the power sector could yield approximately 145,000 net jobs in the coming two decades, opening avenues for roles in installation, upkeep, and the lifecycle management of solar systems.
Comments