South Africa’s energy landscape is undergoing a pivotal transformation. With aging infrastructure, rising demand, and the urgent need to decarbonise, new models of energy generation and distribution are stepping into the spotlight. One of the most promising solutions? Microgrids.

In a recent episode of the Podcast: Energy Careers, Dom Wills, co-founder of SOLA and long-time energy innovator, unpacked the emergence of microgrids, the power of decentralised generation, and what it all means for the future of electricity in South Africa.

What Is a Microgrid?

At its core, a microgrid is a localised energy system that can operate independently or alongside the main grid. It typically includes generation (like solar PV), storage (like batteries), and control systems to ensure efficient and reliable power delivery.

According to Dom, South Africa is in the midst of what he calls a “second dawn” of electricity. The first dawn happened a century ago with the birth of Eskom and the centralised grid. Now, the rise of renewable energy and microgrids is ushering in a new, decentralised era. And unlike the coal-heavy systems of the past, this dawn is cleaner, smarter, and more accessible.

Why Microgrids Matter in South Africa

South Africa has long relied on a coal-based grid, which Dom describes as “90% coal for a long time.” For him, it was always clear that our country needed clean energy more than most, and microgrids are a vital part of that puzzle.

Microgrids bring power closer to where it’s needed. They can power remote communities, critical infrastructure, or commercial operations without relying solely on a strained national grid. More importantly, they allow us to reduce emissions, improve energy resilience, and unlock new opportunities for trade, learning, and connectivity – especially in rural or underserved areas.

“Electricity isn’t just electricity,” Dom says. “It’s Wi-Fi, telecoms, jobs, education, business – it’s everything that stacks up on top of energy access.”

Scaling Up: From Rooftops to Utility-Scale Solar

When Dom started his journey in renewables, solar was still expensive, and the idea of selling clean energy to private clients was unheard of. But fast forward two decades, and things have shifted dramatically.

“In 2019, SOLA was still installing one megawatt projects over 8-12 weeks,” he recalls. “Within three years, we were installing a megawatt  a day.”

This rapid growth was catalysed by changes in regulation that allowed independent power producers (IPPs) to sell energy directly to private clients, bypassing Eskom as the sole buyer. These Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) have enabled businesses to lock in cheaper, greener electricity – often at prices significantly lower than grid-tied tariffs.

One of Dom’s proudest moments? Leading the SOLA team who developed South Africa’s first large-scale solar farm to sell power directly to private clients through Eskom’s grid. The Adams project located in Kathu – a landmark project that decentralised energy delivery and set the stage for future innovation.

Robben Island: A Real Microgrid in Action

SOLA’s experience with microgrids isn’t just theoretical – it’s practical. One of the most notable examples is the Robben Island Microgrid.

Using solar PV, battery storage, and smart control systems, SOLA built an integrated microgrid solution for Robben Island (formerly reliant on diesel generators) to power itself almost entirely with renewable energy. The result? A significant drop in fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and a more reliable, sustainable energy supply.

This project has become a national symbol of what’s possible when technology, regulation, and purpose align.

The Power of Purpose in Energy Careers

Reflecting on his journey, Dom emphasises the importance of purpose: “If we were making diesel generators, it would be hard to feel like we were building the future. But in the renewable energy industry, purpose is built in.”

He also points out that the energy transition isn’t just for engineers. “There’s a huge legal side, a huge financing aspect, and various others required to develop, build and maintain these projects. So no matter your skillset – law, project management, finance, logistics – there’s a role for you in this movement.”

Microgrids, PPAs, and the Future

With South Africa only “5 to 10% through the journey of SA’s transition from a centralised, fossil fuel-based electricity system to a decentralised, renewable energy-driven system”, Dom stresses the urgency of scaling renewable projects fast. The good news? The technology is ready. The costs have dropped. The willpower is growing. Now, it’s about execution.

Microgrids and wheeling solutions are central to this next phase. Microgrids decentralise and strengthen the grid. Wheeling PPAs give buyers price certainty and cleaner energy. Together, they offer a resilient and sustainable path forward.

Want to Make the Switch?

If your business is looking for cheaper, more reliable, and cleaner energy, whether through a microgrid, PPA, or wheeling solution, SOLA can help.

Visit our Buy Energy page to learn more about how you can power your business with green electricity from one of our solar projects. Let’s decentralise energy together – for your business, and for the planet.