By Anoop Hariparsad, digital energy BU leader, Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric.
The South African solar energy market has certainly gone through an exciting time, marked by surging demand, fluctuating prices, and changing government policies. Last year was one for the books; with the looming threat of prolonged and severe loadshedding, both homeowners and businesses scrambled to install solar panels and backup power systems.
In fact, the upsurge in solar PV installations was so significant, BloomBergNEF’s (BNEF’s) First-Quarter Global Photovoltaic (PV) Market Outlook predicted that South Africa would become the tenth-largest PV market in 2024.
After last year’s mad scramble, 2024 heralded a normalised energy landscape, albeit with a mixture of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar PV.
Now, almost two thirds through the year, it would seem the rollercoaster is gaining momentum again; the country has a more stable grid, and whilst loadshedding is not over, government remains buoyant about its improved performance. The energy landscape has changed again.
A double-edged sword
Where does this leave the solar PV marketplace? Do businesses and homeowners continue to pursue their solar PV project dreams? The short answer is, yes. Not only does renewable energy give way to a prosumer economy, it also contributes to the continued stabilisation of the grid and ultimately the country’s decarbonisation goals.
Anoop Hariparsad, digital energy BU leader, Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric.
Importantly, solar PV panel and batteries have gone through a significant price reduction in the last year, which is good news indeed for consumers. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the world’s solar manufacturing capacity is set to remain at more than double annual installations in the coming years, with the dynamics of oversupply continuing to depress panel prices. This global oversupply of solar systems has seen solar PV panel prices dropping by as much as 50% between January and December 2023.
Consumers, however, must continue to tread carefully, particularly in a marketplace that is becoming more affordable, but equally oversaturated, with bewildering array of choices. For example, many of the new products on the market may not meet South African standards for safety and performance, potentially leading to issues such as fires, infrastructure damage, and insurance complications.
It is therefore crucial that consumers and businesses alike remain discerning in their choices. Partnering with reputable suppliers and ensuring that all products meet local regulations and certifications is essential. Failure to do so could result in serious consequences, such as insurance claims being denied if non-compliant equipment is installed.
Solar remains key
If one considers the above, it is clear that despite ups and downs in pricing, demand and grid stability, consumers and businesses should seize the moment and invest in solar. The trick is to be conservative and cautious, striking a balance between affordability and quality to ensure that investments in solar technology are both safe and sustainable.
Overall, the South African solar PV market is here to stay, which is good news indeed. The reduction in loadshedding is providing relief, but for the country to truly benefit from a stabilised grid it must adopt a hybrid posture that combines grid power with renewable sources, establishing a sustainable energy landscape for the future.
Compact, high density power protection system for AI, data centre and large-scale electrical workloads Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has launched its new Galaxy VXL – a highly efficient, compact, modular, scalable and redundant 500-1250 kW (400 V) 3-phase uninterruptible power supply (UPS), complete with enhanced cybersecurity, software and safety features.
Read more...Duct and plant room air quality (PRAQ) sensors Schneider Electric South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Schneider Electric South Africa offers a comprehensive range of SpaceLogic duct and plant room air quality sensors. These cutting-edge sensors are designed to enhance building air quality and energy efficiency by combining multiple sensing capabilities into a single unit.
Read more...Taking the pain out of panel building Omron Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
Panel building stands as a cornerstone of industrial automation, shaping the efficiency and reliability of automated systems across different and diverse industries, from manufacturing to infrastructure. Omron leverages over 80 years of experience to furnish OEMs and builders with cutting-edge control panel solutions.
Read more...The sensory reaction of the BMS Schneider Electric South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Today’s building management systems cannot function properly without sensors. Like our senses, they are an integral part of operations that run silently in the background, almost taken for granted.
Read more...Powerless is not an option
Electrical Power & Protection
When the power goes out it is important for commercial and tertiary facilities to be able to keep essential electrical equipment running. UPS systems are critical for transitioning and emergency backup power.
Read more...Securing the power supply
Electrical Power & Protection
Grid management systems are the linchpin of modern transmission and distribution networks. To understand the intricacies of grid management, it is necessary to unpack its core components: scada systems, energy management systems, outage management systems and wide area management systems.
Read more...Digitalisation in mining - the advantage you need now Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Digitalisation offers immense and proven benefits such as streamlining operations, reducing error and accelerating workflows. Mining operators today leverage digital technologies to improve efficiency, sustainability and very importantly, safety.
Read more...The shape of water – automating hydropower operations Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Hydropower is undoubtedly one of the building blocks of today’s renewable energy industry and its operations need to be efficient, reliable and sustainable. Automation must therefore form part of today’s modern hydropower operations to improve resource management and enhance reliability.
printer friendly version