Local interest in photovoltaic (PV) tech- nology has heightened since the launch of South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme in 2011.

Through this initiative, government aims to procure and install 1.45 GW of PV capacity by the end of 2014.

The first South African-owned solar PV module manufacturer, ART Solar, has recently been established and is well positioned to play a role in providing reliable and independent electricity to support the country’s growing economy and to combat the effects of rising utility costs.

ART Solar’s KwaZulu-Natal manufacturing plant, with the latest equipment from Swiss manufacturer Meyer Burger Swiss Solar Systems, is geared to produce about 250 000 PV modules or about 75 MW/y. These modules can be 48-, 60- or 72-cell modules, with a glass-backsheet or a glass-glass construction.

Every module manufactured at ART Solar meets the exact specifications of each customer, says ART Solar MD Mark Walsh.

These requirements include the percentage of local content necessary, as well as aesthetic needs.

“With the investment in solar PV modules, users are able to generate electricity and benefit from cost savings in the long term. An advantage for the local market is that funding for renewable-energy projects is available. South Africa will also benefit by taking note of the faults and successes of solar power projects implemented around the world,” says Walsh, who adds that PV technology is a reliable and proven source of electricity because of its environment-friendly and cost-efficient features.

The sun is the only resource needed to power PV panels and the silicon used in the manufacture of PV cells is an abundant and nontoxic material. PV modules produce no noise, no harmful emissions and no polluting gases. These modules can be recycled, which means materials used during manufacture are re-used.

Other features include easy installation and low maintenance requirements. ART Solar offers a 25-year guarantee for its modules, which have an estimated 40-year service life. All modules are manufactured according to stringent quality, environmental and safety specifications, such as International Electrotechnical Commission specifications, and are certified at ART Solar by independent test institute TüV Rheinland, in Germany.

The company’s commitment to meeting the exact requirements of the African market is evident in the development of PV modules, specifically for local climate conditions. Special encapsulants are used to prevent delamination and yellowing in high insolation conditions and ensure extended service life of modules at elevated temperatures.

PV panels are designed for large-scale power plants, mines and rural electrification, as well as industrial and residential roofing. Modules with enhanced aesthetics are manufactured for residential and commercial installations. This environment-friendly sys- tem can also be integrated into roofs and facades to reduce the energy buildings consume.