The Superpower Driving the Future of Low-Carbon Electricity
The Superpower Driving the Future of Low-Carbon Electricity By Dom Wills, Executive Director at SOLA Group If you’ve ever worked on a large infrastructure project, you’ll know that these ventures are often plagued by delays, budget overruns, and underwhelming results. In fact, Professor Bent Flyvbjerg of Oxford University has spent decades studying these
The Environmental Impact of Utility-Scale Solar Projects
The Environmental Impact of Utility-Scale Solar Projects At SOLA, we believe that energy shouldn’t cost the earth. As a leading developer and constructor of utility-scale solar PV projects in South Africa, our mission goes beyond providing clean, cost-effective electricity — it’s about building a more sustainable future for people and the planet. W
Virtual Wheeling: A Game-Changer for Businesses on Municipal Power
Virtual Wheeling: A Game-Changer for Businesses on Municipal Power For years, businesses connected to municipal electricity networks have faced a frustrating barrier: they couldn’t access clean, affordable energy from private producers because they weren’t directly connected to Eskom. But that’s all changing. Thanks to Eskom’s newly launched Virtual
How Battery Energy Storage Can Revolutionise Mining in South Africa
Powering the Future: How Battery Energy Storage Can Revolutionise Mining in South Africa The mining sector, both in South Africa and globally, is facing growing challenges in securing its energy needs. As energy costs rise, the reliability of supply becomes more uncertain, and the pressure to decarbonise intensifies, mining companies must adopt new approache
Sustainable Procurement: Powering a Greener Future for Businesses
Sustainable Procurement: Powering a Greener Future for Businesses As businesses evolve in an increasingly conscious marketplace, the role of procurement is shifting beyond cost-saving measures to include sustainability as a core priority. Sustainable procurement ensures that every purchasing decision supports environmental, social, and economic goals –
How Renewable Energy Reduces Costs for SA Businesses
How Renewable Energy Reduces Costs for SA Businesses In today’s challenging economic climate, South African businesses are seeking innovative ways to cut costs and enhance operational efficiency. One of the most effective strategies is the adoption of green energy solutions. At SOLA, we are committed to delivering clean energy that not only supports sustai
Understanding Green Energy Solutions for Your Business in South Africa
Understanding Green Energy Solutions for Your Business in South Africa In South Africa’s dynamic energy landscape, businesses are increasingly turning to renewable energy solutions to reduce costs, improve sustainability, and ensure energy security. With a variety of options available, understanding the right fit for your business is essential. SOLA, a lea
Identifying Accredited Independent Power Producers (IPPs)
Identifying Accredited Independent Power Producers (IPPs) As demand for green energy grows in South Africa, the market has seen a significant rise in Independent Power Producers (IPPs) stepping up to supply sustainable energy solutions. However, not all IPPs operate with the required certifications and accreditations needed to legally provide renewable energ
Understanding Energy Tariffs & Rebates
Understanding Energy Tariffs & Rebates When it comes to electricity in South Africa, the price you pay – or tariff – isn’t just a flat rate. Eskom, South Africa’s main electricity provider, along with various municipalities, offers different tariffs that vary based on factors like usage patterns, time of day, and even whether or not […]
Energy Wheeling 101 – What Is Energy Wheeling In SA?
Energy Wheeling 101 – What Is Energy Wheeling in SA? As South Africa continues to embrace renewable energy, the concept of energy wheeling has emerged as a key solution for transferring power across distances without the need for on-site generation. With the country’s growing demand for reliable and sustainable energy, energy wheeling allows business
Long-Term vs. Short-Term PPAs and Their Benefits
Long-Term vs. Short-Term PPAs and Their Benefits As the global shift toward clean energy intensifies, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) have emerged as an essential tool in financing and developing renewable energy projects. These agreements outline the terms by which electricity is generated, delivered, and paid for, making them key for both energy producers
BESS 101: Understanding Battery Energy Storage Systems
BESS 101: Understanding Battery Energy Storage Systems and Their Importance in South Africa As South Africa continues to embrace renewable energy, finding efficient ways to store energy has become crucial. One of the most promising solutions to this challenge is the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). But what exactly is BESS, and why is it […]
Unlocking Clean, Affordable Renewable Energy for Your Business
Powering South Africa’s Future: Unlocking Clean, Affordable Renewable Energy for Your Business At SOLA, we’ve been pioneering innovative energy solutions for over 16 years. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce a groundbreaking new energy product that promises to transform the electricity landscape in South Africa. Just recently, President Ram
Pioneering solar projects with SOLA Group and Tronox start operations in the Free State
Pioneering solar projects with SOLA Group and Tronox start operations in the Free State July 2024, SOLA Group, in partnership with Tronox Holdings plc (“Tronox”), announced its multi-million Rand solar wheeling projects in Lichtenburg, North-West, South Africa have reached commercial operation. The two solar plants, which were constructed in 2022, reache
Our New Leadership Must Put Power into the Hands of All South Africans
Our New Leadership Must Put Power into the Hands of All South Africans At the SOLA Group we often talk about creating South African solutions to South African problems. We’re proud of our sixteen-year history of delivering innovative clean energy projects, often against the grain of prevailing energy policy or industry norms. But we also […]
Partner with SOLA to buy green, clean energy for your business
Partner with SOLA to buy green, clean energy for your business South African businesses have historically had little choice when it comes to buying electricity. SOLA helped to change that when we built the first utility-scale solar PV wheeling project in the country. The plant allowed our client, Amazon, to buy large amounts of clean, […]
SOLA signs land lease agreement with Eskom for renewable energy development
SOLA signs land lease agreement with Eskom for renewable energy development We have concluded land lease agreements with power utility Eskom, to develop some of its underutilized land in Mpumalanga. SOLA Group will use this land to develop two large renewable energy projects, with a combined generating capacity of approximately 345MW. We intend to conclude [
Sick of load-shedding? How wheeling can save the South African electricity landscape
Sick of load-shedding? How wheeling can save the South African electricity landscape Just as South Africans start forgetting about the resources that go on behind the scenes when they switch on the lights, they’re reminded about how much they’re actually reliant on Eskom. But the return of load shedding spells something even more concerning than [&hellip
SOLA launches its first engineering bursary to encourage solar PV expertise amongst electrical engineers
SOLA launches its first engineering bursary to encourage solar PV expertise amongst electrical engineers SOLA has launched its first engineering bursary, giving the opportunity for a final year electrical engineering student to have their tuition paid for and a job opportunity as a graduate engineer in the solar PV field. The move comes as part of […
What does a career in renewable energy look like if you’re a woman?
What does a career in renewable energy look like if you’re a woman? New SOLA executives lead the charge in a male-dominated industry Whilst Women’s day in South Africa marks the historical contribution of women to ending Apartheid, it is also an opportunity to bring into public discourse the long way we have to go […]
What the 100 MW license cap lift means for your business
What the 100 MW license cap lift means for your business In June, amid much celebration, Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the amendment of Schedule 2 in the Electricity Regulation Act – a clause that has long had both producers and consumers of energy at loggerheads with government – was imminent. Today, the amendment was officially […]
SOLA gets approval for largest solar PV wheeling agreement in South Africa
SOLA gets approval for largest solar PV wheeling agreement in South Africa A flagship renewable energy project, commissioned by Amazon, is set to demonstrate the flexibility and convenience of procuring independent power through the electricity grid. The project will see 28 GWh of solar energy wheeled via Eskom’s utility grid from a solar farm in […
The Robben Island solar microgrid shows the power of solar PV and batteries
The Robben Island solar microgrid shows the power of solar PV and batteries It has been almost a year and a half since the Robben Island Solar Microgrid project was awarded to SOLA Build. After a thorough process of designing, planning and implementing, the project has been launched – and is a demonstration of how […]