Harnessing the Sun Responsibly: 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.

Why Environmental Protection Matters in South Africa

South Africa is home to some of the world’s most unique ecosystems — from the Cape Floristic Region to the arid beauty of the Karoo and the diverse savannahs of Limpopo. These environments are not only critical for biodiversity, but also for the well-being of local communities who depend on natural resources for food, water, and livelihoods.

However, the country also faces significant environmental threats:

●       High carbon emissions due to its coal-heavy energy mix

●       Water scarcity exacerbated by climate change

●       Land degradation due to unsustainable development practices

In this context, renewable energy, and particularly solar, offers a powerful solution. It’s clean, resource-efficient, and low-impact. That’s why SOLA is committed not just to generating clean power, but doing so in a way that protects and enhances the natural environment.

Averting Carbon Emissions with Clean Energy

Each of our solar PV plants is a small revolution in the making. Collectively, SOLA’s utility-scale projects are helping to shift the needle away from fossil fuels, replacing coal-heavy energy with renewable power generated by the sun.

One of our flagship initiatives is the 200 MW solar wheeling project in Lichtenburg, developed in partnership with Tronox Mineral Sands. This project — South Africa’s largest operational wheeling facility — helps Tronox Mineral Sands avoid over 420,760 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. That’s the equivalent of taking nearly 75,000 cars off the road every year.

Keeping the Ground Beneath Us Healthy

Solar isn’t just good for the air — it’s good for the land, too. Our projects are designed to harmonise with the natural landscape. At the Selemela Solar Park, for instance, we’ve adopted land management practices that support the regrowth of indigenous grasses and protect the topsoil. These practices help reduce erosion, preserve biodiversity, and maintain ecological balance.

Some of our solar arrays are spaced and elevated in ways that allow sunlight to filter through, creating shaded microhabitats that benefit local wildlife and pollinators. With the right design, solar farms can coexist with the land rather than displace it.

Building with Purpose

Our commitment to the environment starts from day one. Every SOLA project undergoes comprehensive environmental impact assessments (EIAs), and we work closely with local communities and environmental consultants to ensure our developments uphold the highest sustainability standards. We believe that long-term success depends on respecting the land we build on — and leaving it better than we found it.

How Businesses Can Put the Environment at the Heart of Procurement and Operations

South Africa’s energy transition won’t be led by government or industry alone — it will take a collective effort across all sectors. Businesses of every size have a role to play in ensuring that their operations reduce environmental harm while supporting a more resilient, inclusive future.

Here’s how:

1. Procure Energy from Renewable Sources
2. Prioritise Suppliers with Environmental Credentials
3. Set and Track Environmental KPIs
4. Design for Circularity
5. Invest in Sustainable Infrastructure
   

Powering a Cleaner Tomorrow

With one of the highest solar potentials in the world, South Africa is primed for an energy revolution. At SOLA, we’re proud to be leading the charge — not just by building solar plants, but by building responsibly.

We also work with businesses who are ready to take action — not just for their bottom line, but for their communities and the country. If your business is looking for ways to go green, our team is ready to help.

Visit our Buy Energy page to explore clean energy solutions tailored to your operations.