Local renewable energy industry body the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has joined forces with SolarPower Europe, the European association for solar power, to unlock the potential of the green energy source.
In a statement, the companies say they have been at the forefront of shaping the regulatory environment in their respective territories.
By joining forces, they aim to drive forward innovation through knowledge sharing, adopting best practice and the exchange of information.
The partnership will serve to elevate the sector and deliver on its potential to reach nearly 1TW of global generation capacity in 2021.
SAPVIA COO Niveshen Govender says: “This partnership will allow SAPVIA to help our members capitalise on the significant opportunities solar PV offers. We need to create the right framework for growth, establish the right governance and renewable energy regulations as well as ensure industry is ready to make the step change and accelerate the growth of solar PV.
“Working with SolarPower Europe, we will share global best practices with our members through dynamic knowledge sharing to develop and grow the solar PV value chain in South Africa. We will help create new business opportunities in the European and South African solar PV markets by cooperating across a number of key areas that we believe will deliver immediate and sustainable results.”
Over the next 12 months, SAPVIA and SolarPower Europe members will gain access to exclusive webinars and events, the organisations say.
They add that this will start with international knowledge sharing and the development of best practices guidelines for solar PV operation and maintenance.
The partnership will allow South African and European players to access knowledge on digitalisation and storage; policy advocacy, regulatory framework and sustainability; and recycling to fully tap solar’s global potential.
Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, says: “South Africa is the largest solar market in Africa and the potential for growth is extraordinary.
“We look forward to exchanging knowledge and best practices to benefit both the European and South African solar sectors. Together, we can accelerate the growth of solar power, bring vast economic and social opportunities to both continents, and pave the way to a climate-neutral future.”
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