Solar Academy of Sub-Saharan Africa is a Johannesburg-based renewable-energy company with a national franchised footprint.
Its product range includes solar thermal systems, solar photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, underfloor heating systems, solar pumps, energy efficient lighting and smart metering systems used in the domestic and industrial sectors.
The company, which was established in 2008 and whose premises are in Alrode, Alberton, on Gauteng’s East Rand, is the sole distributor in South Africa of the Tasol range of solar products, including geysers, heat pumps, photovoltaic systems, underfloor heating systems and integrated solar systems. It was recently appointed a distributor in this country of the Bosch range of top-end solar and gas water-heating systems. Other partners include Grundfos, for solar pumps, Philips, for energy efficient lighting, and carbonTRACK, which has appointed Solar Academy of Sub-Saharan Africa the sole distributor of its new first-generation smart metering system, to be launched next month.
In 2011, the company established a South African Bureau of Standards-approved plant for the manufacture of nonpressurised solar geysers.
Earlier this year, the Industrial Development Corporation of Southern Africa bought a 25.1% equity stake in the company.
A total of 240 young people are employed in its own operations and across its network of franchises.
The company’s most recent major contracts include one for the rooftop photovoltaic system at a BMW dealership in Alberante, on the East Rand. This 300 kWp grid-tied system is scheduled for completion next month.