
Sick of load-shedding? How wheeling can save the South African electricity landscape
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Wheeling is the start of a modernised electricity picture, as it uses Eskom’s grid to connect private buyers and sellers together, in turn making more space for competition and choice for private buyers.

What does the first large-scale wheeling project mean for South Africa?
SOLA has officially launched a first-of-its-kind 10 MW solar plant in the Northern Cape three months ahead of schedule, which provides clean energy to Amazon Web Services via the Eskom grid.

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.


What the 100 MW license cap lift means for your business
The Electricity Regulation Act of 2006 is an important piece of legislation that governs how electricity is generated and distributed in South Africa. The amendment to schedule 2 of the ERA means that the 1MW cap has been lifted - which is great news for large energy consumers in South Africa.


What does a career in renewable energy look like if you’re a woman?
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 to reach gender equality. We asked some of our female executives what made them join (and stay in) the renewable energy world.



The definitive guide to solar PPAs
There’s been growing interest in solar PPAs over the past few years, and they are now much more mainstream. However, you may still have some questions about PPAs and solar finance. What are PPAs, and how can they benefit your business? We’ve put together a definitive guide to help.


Is installing embedded solar PV in new property developments worthwhile?
Embedded solar PV generation is often retrofitted in industrial buildings due to its immense cost and carbon benefits. However, new buildings and greenfield property developments stand to benefit greatly from incorporating solar PV into their designs as well.


New report shows that job creation in the PV sector is inevitable
A new study, completed by the CSIR and commissioned by the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) with sponsorship from SOLA, has set out to look at just how many jobs solar PV has created in South Africa so far, and what we can expect from the industry in the future.



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 great opportunity to reform South Africa’s power sector
Whilst renewables still make up a small share of South Africa’s total generation capacity, the growing cost gap between the grid and solar, along with falling battery prices, means that South African electricity consumers are faced with something new in the context of our traditionally monopolistic electricity market: choice.


Is it possible for your business to go off-grid?
Grid reliability has been severely reduced over the past few years and Eskom tariffs are substantially higher than the costs of solar on an average lifetime basis. As such, many companies are looking at the possibility of severing ties with the grid and managing their energy needs independently.



How new methods of procuring solar electricity enable more access to affordable power
Intuitively, solar-generated electricity is cheap: the sun, after all, is a free resource, and compared to fossil-based energy such as coal and gas that require constant inputs, once installed, solar PV systems harness the sun’s energy for “free”, providing years of clean energy. PPAs are now allowing businesses to access this "free" power.


How electricity generation has changed over the past 10 years – and what it bodes for our future
Alongside the global pandemic, electricity has been on many South African’s minds this year. And rightly so: South Africans can expect a 15% increase in their electricity costs from mid-2021, marking more than a decade of average annual increases of 14%, relative to average inflation of just under 6%.


Load Shedding Solutions for Your Business
With the prospect of load shedding being around for at least another three years, considering viable alternative sources of power is important for business.


Women in STEM: SOLA engineers share their experience
SOLA is committed to diversity - and believes in the power of diverse thought to enhance the work that we do. Today, we take a look at two women engineers at SOLA who are on their own mission to change the world.


Why remote mines in Africa should be considering energy storage
Africa is blessed with great solar resource, as well as mineral and metal resources - making mining an important industry on the continent. But remotely-located mining operations often mean that energy generation is an important concern.



Three ways to future proof your business in light of COVID-19
We are now into our third month of lockdown, and are starting to see the widespread economic impact of the COVID 19 pandemic. In light of this, how will businesses prepare for the already uncertain future?


How Solar Power Systems Can Help Your Business?
Solar power systems are not only relevant to governments and large utilities looking to procure solar power, but to commercial and industrial businesses too. Currently, solar PV systems are the cheapest form of available power, and prices are continuing to drop.



Removal of Power Constraints Crucial for Post COVID-19 Recovery
It is difficult to understand why the main limitations to private power generation have not been removed, despite repeated pledges from government to that effect. There is a real danger that while grappling with the immediate crisis, policymakers will shelve the issue indefinitely.


Solar PV Microgrids for Mining: cost-cutting meets sustainability
The mining sector is one of the most important economic contributors to the African economy. However, mining is also facing several challenges – particularly with regards to sustainability and cost-saving. Mining operations are increasingly turning to solar PV microgrids as a reliable and sustainable alternative energy option.


AB InBev bolster breweries with 8.7 MW renewable energy from SOLA
The Power Purchase Agreements will total around 8.7 MW DC capacity. Of this, 2.6 MW have already reached practical completion with the remaining projects in advanced stages of construction. Renewable energy solutions are a quick and efficient way for South Africa to reduce energy demand on Eskom’s constrained grid.


SOLA starts 2020 by reaching 100 GWh target
SOLA has officially met its goal to generate over 100 000 000 kWh of clean energy by 2020 - with a day to spare. 100 000 000 kWh of clean energy in South Africa, where the carbon factor is quite high because of a coal-based electricity system, equates to saving around 92 590 tons of carbon emissions equivalents (CO2eq).



Can urban high-energy consumers benefit from solar PV?
It’s no surprise that high energy consumers are those that might benefit the most from renewable energy. But simply adding a few solar panels is not necessarily the answer either.


Solar and wind energy could set South Africa on track for the world’s cheapest electricity
It’s a no-brainer — a move to renewable energy will not only boost the economy and create jobs, it is also the path to providing South Africa with potentially the cheapest electricity in the world given our natural wind and solar resources.


Industrial solar installations – dos and don’ts for facilities managers
The below guide highlights 5 dos and don’ts for facilities managers to ensure that the procurement of solar is an effortless one.


How solar for mines helps to reduce operational costs and achieve a lower carbon footprint
Mining facilities that typically rely on diesel electricity can use a solar microgrid to reduce the overall cost of energy, increase energy resiliency, thus ensuring control of their energy and power requirements.


Is solar energy suitable for my business?
you might be wondering if solar PV is relevant for your business. It is worth considering that various factors affect the overall costs and tariffs of solar PV systems.


SOLA secures R400M to finance solar PV projects for Commercial and Industrial properties through Power Purchase Agreements
The SOLA Group has secured R400m in order to build commercial and industrial solar PV facilities across Southern Africa.


Achieving electricity cost reductions through energy storage
Energy storage represents the major opportunity for the electricity sector, but how affordable is it for business to adopt?


Solar for the FMCG Sector: Clean Energy Solutions that Work
FMCG is one of the largest drivers of the industrial sector in Africa, presenting a wealth of opportunity for manufacturers and distributors



#WeAreSOLA: SOLA Future Energy and Aurora Power Solutions join forces to provide Africa-wide renewable energy offering
Today marks the beginning of our newly consolidated group: a…



SOLA awarded 40 MW solar projects in Zambia
The SOLA Group, in a consortium with Globeleq, has been awarded…


3 Options to proof your commercial and industrial building from load shedding
Whether it is a backup generator, installing a solar PV system with a backup generator or battery, or going entirely off-grid, there are options for commercial and industrial buildings in South Africa


Electricity in SA seems bleak, but it’s loaded with opportunity.
Originally published on LinkedIn
What the Eskom’s current state…


Is solar the green solution agribusiness needs?
Agribusiness contributes significantly to a country’s overall…



A reflection on South Africa’s energy landscape in 2018
South Africa’s renewable energy sector received a new lease…


Salt River Secondary receives a solar system, thanks to Project 90 and SOLA
On 7 December, SOLA Future Energy was privileged to build a solar…


O&M service contracts 101: how to choose an O&M service provider
We’ve spoken previously about the value of obtaining O&M…




When cost reduction is king: 3 sectors perfect for solar finance
If you’re in business in South Africa, you’re likely feeling…


SOLA’s Robben Island Project wins SANEA Project of the Year Award
SOLA Future Energy has won SANEA's Energy Project of the Year…


Finance options for rooftop solar PV in Southern Africa
If your business is considering a solar PV system, chances are…


How to save through solar: 3 tips for commercial and industrial property managers
It’s long been known that managing commercial and industrial…


Installing solar on your commercial or industrial property? 6 questions you need to ask
Installing solar PV systems on commercial or industrial property…


Going wire-free in Africa: Two examples
Our last blog post focused on how microgrids in Africa can enable…


Microgrids in Africa: rethinking the centralised electricity grid
Think about it: just two decades ago, many African towns were…


How the mining sector in Africa can benefit from solar energy
The mining sector is one of Africa’s largest, with much of…























































































5 African countries that are perfect for solar PV
Although Africa has historically been labelled “the dark continent”,…


Reflections on the last 5 years of solar PV
Over the last five years, solar PV has moved from a peripheral…


5 ways solar PV can optimise your industrial electricity usage
Inexpensive electricity is the foundation of a globally competitive…


New design engineer off to a great start with industrial solar system design
Mandilakhe Qavane has been with SOLA Future Energy for about…


Robben Island’s 666.4 kW solar PV and battery storage microgrid
Last week, the Minister of Tourism opened the Robben Island solar…


Video clip shows the transformation of Robben Island into a beacon of hope
When SOLA found out that they had won the contract to build a…


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…


SOLA Future Energy obtains ISO 9001:2015 Quality Certification
SOLA Future Energy has obtained its ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management…


How long is a solar lease or PPA?
With no upfront costs, solar leases are an attractive option…


SOLA Future Energy and Atterbury partnership to see 20 MW solar capacity built over next few years
SOLA Future Energy and Atterbury Property Developments have partnered…


SOLA Opens its doors in Johannesburg
Since its foundation in Cape Town in 2013, SOLA Future Energy…


Takeaways from Intersolar 2017: the latest and greatest in solar technology
SOLA CEO, Dom Wills, and CTO, Ian Burger, attended the world’s largest…


Reflections from Intersolar, day 1
SOLA CEO, Dom Wills and CTO, Ian Burger, are currently in Munich…


SOLA Future Energy helps to green Century City Conference Centre
This week, SOLA Future Energy was pleased to assist the Century…


SOLA Future Energy installs 550 kW solar system in Gardens
SOLA Future Energy recently completed a rooftop solar PV installation…


780 kW solar system at Soneike Mall, Kuils River
SOLA future energy recently completed a 780 kW solar rooftop…


Parkwood Primary School goes solar!
As part of a community development program, SOLA Future Energy…























































































SA leading the way on renewable energy
One has to wonder what motivation the South African Nuclear Energy…


Wind, solar can supply bulk of South Africa’s power at least cost, CSIR model shows
There has been much discussion in recent months about the work…




















































