Archive: Solar


News & Analysis Electricity pylons

The programme is the largest on the African continent for the procurement of renewable energy and resource efficiency for public facilities.

News & Analysis Wind turbines at sunset

Wind and solar energy grew to a record 12 per cent of global electricity generation in 2022, according to a new report by Ember.

News & Analysis Array of rooftop solar panels

Evidence shows an additional 5 GW of renewable capacity could all but end load shedding and its associated socio-economic damage.

News & Analysis Electricity pylon and power plant air pollution

To address the power and climate crises, massive investments in transmission infrastructure and renewables are needed over the coming years.

Explainer Aerial view of solar panels

While fossil fuel prices soar, solar is the solution to affordable energy security, job creation and sustainable economic growth.

Explainer Photograph of a man placing the charger in a white Nissan Leaf. Only his right arm and the right side of his body are in shot.

South Africa’s car manufacturing industry can remain a key contributor to the economy if it pivots to electric as soon as possible.

Explainer Row of electric vehicles and charging point

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. Here are the upfront and ongoing costs to expect if you make the shift.

Explainer An electric vehicle (EV) charging on a street

Lower running and maintenance costs mean EV ownership can prove an excellent investment, particularly as more affordable models become available.

Explainer Aerial photograph of rooftop solar panels at sunset

Renewable energy investment could go a long way to filling the gaps caused by retiring coal-fired power plants and would reduce the need for load shedding.

Explainer Aerial photograph of an electric vehicle driving on a one-track road with fields either side and a farmhouse or barn in the distance.

Running an electric car saves money long term, and it also means being less vulnerable to temporary price spikes and shortages of petrol and diesel.

News & Analysis Wide shot of generic coal power station spewing toxic chemicals into the air

Mpumalanga province is not typically known for wind and solar generation, but there are major advantages to encroaching on coal country.

Explainer Wind turbine on a landscape of grass and trees

Our fossil fuel energy system comes at a massive cost. Climate change is causing extreme temperatures, drought and catastrophic flooding.

Explainer Aerial photo of Cape Town lit up at night

While waiting for government measures to be implemented, many businesses are taking control of their own energy security through investment in solar.

Explainer Engineer in industrial facility wearing high visibility jacket and safety helmet

Experts say that hydrogen is one answer to South Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions problem.

Explainer Blue and white infographic showing how hydrogen (H2) can power transportation and buildings

South Africa’s Low Emission Development Strategy 2050 is the country’s most recent emissions reductions plan.

Explainer Solar panels power a building in Cape Town, South Africa.

With the roll out of solar panels globally, solar energy is increasing in popularity as an alternative, renewable source of energy. In South Africa, this is no different.

Explainer Rooftop solar panels on flat roof in urban area

South Africa suffers from crippling power outages, locally known as load shedding. In the first three months of 2021, load shedding occurred for 650 hours.

Explainer Ariel view of large scale solar power plant

The Independent Power Producers (IPP) procurement programme is part of the South African government’s answer to its energy generation shortage.

Explainer Photovoltaic solar panels cover a large flat urban rooftop

Solar power is a clean, renewable source of energy that does not emit greenhouse gases. Photovoltaic technology (PV) is a type of solar energy.

Explainer A wind farm in Caledon, Western Cape.

Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned electricity provider, is under severe strain. In July 2021, Eskom’s debt stood at about R400 billion.