Government's plan to provide more South African homes with solar energy has been boosted with the launch of a R1.5 billion solar power plant near Kimberley that will power more than 19 000 homes a year.
Droogfontein Solar Power is one of SA's first large plants using photovoltaic (PV) technology to provide renewable energy to the Northern Cape's Sol Plaatje Municipality. The facility is owned by renewable energy company Globeleq, which signed a 20-year deal with Eskom and will provide 85 458 megawatts (MW) of electricity per year, according to a statement from the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Built on a 100-hectare site that operates 165 000 PV panels, the new plant is part of the Department of Energy's Integrated Resource Plan, targeting 8.4 gigawatts (GW) of solar PV capacity to be produced by 2030. Around 500 jobs were created during the peak of its construction, says the DST.
Mark Pickering, GM of Droogfontein Solar Power, says government's partnership with the private sector "encourages a diverse range of supply technologies to meet the country's future electricity needs, reduce its carbon emissions and make a positive impact on local communities".
More to come
The SA Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) organises local solar energy producers, with its membership growing from eight in 2011 to 130 this year. Dr Chris Haw, SAPVIA spokesperson, says more companies are expected to finalise deals with Eskom and start construction later this year.
Recent reports noted government plans to use solar energy to power more than three million homes by 2030.
SA was recently ranked as the most attractive emerging country for solar energy investors, according to a study by global market analysis company IHS Technology. The country scored 66 out of 100 in the IHS Emerging PV Markets Attractiveness Index for the fourth quarter of 2013, which ranks the attractiveness of PV markets to investors, developers and manufacturers.
A Stellenbosch-based power plant launched in February, introducing new solar panel technology to rival international products to supply local and international companies.
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