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Solar PV

Solar PV (solar photovoltaic) is a technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effect. When photons from sunlight strike the solar cells, they excite electrons in the semiconductor material, creating an electric current that can be captured and used as electrical power. The technology has become one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources globally, driven by falling costs, improved efficiency and climate-change mitigation efforts. Solar PV systems range from small rooftop installations on residential and commercial buildings to utility-scale solar farms generating hundreds of megawatts. In South Africa, solar PV has seen rapid adoption both as grid-connected installations and as embedded generation to mitigate loadshedding and reduce reliance on the national electricity grid. The sector encompasses manufacturing of solar panels, inverters and balance-of-system components, as well as project development, installation and maintenance services. Key drivers include declining module prices, supportive policy frameworks such as feed-in tariffs and net metering, and corporate power-purchase agreements. Challenges include grid integration, intermittency requiring energy storage or backup systems, and regulatory hurdles in some markets. Solar PV capacity is typically measured in watts peak (Wp), megawatts peak (MWp) or gigawatts peak (GWp), representing the maximum output under standard test conditions. The technology has evolved significantly since the first practical photovoltaic cells were developed in the mid-twentieth century, with ongoing advances in materials science, manufacturing processes and system design continuing to improve performance and reduce costs.

Solar PV Updates

SAPVIA calls for fair access to limited grid as new renewable utility Eskom Green powers up

15th June 2026 By: Schalk Burger

Industry organisation the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) welcomes the establishment of State-owned renewable-energy utility Eskom Green, but calls for assurance that...

What South Africa’s renewable energy sector needs from this year’s AEF

11th June 2026

Next week, Cape Town will once again host the continent’s most influential energy gathering, the Africa Energy Forum (AEF). The annual forum, which brings together ministers, developers, investors,...

What South Africa’s renewable energy sector needs from this year’s AEF

11th June 2026

Tongwei solar modules introduced to South Africa

5th June 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

Solar PV distribution company SOLARWORLD Africa and solar energy solutions provider IBC SOLAR South Africa this week announced a new partnership that will bring China-headquartered solar...

Sasol and Air Liquide large-scale renewable-energy procurement programme, South Africa – update

5th June 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

SOLA Group reached financial close and started construction on Naos-1 in February 2026.

Construction under way at the Naos 1 project

Naos-1 hybrid solar and battery project, South Africa – update

5th June 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

The Naos-1 project is a landmark 435 MWp solar PV and 660 MWh battery energy storage project, developed entirely by SOLA Group.

Ian Burger

22nd May 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

This week we profile Ian Burger, MD: Technical at SOLA Group, a company that develops, designs, constructs, operates and manages solar PV and battery energy storage facilities, primarily via...

Warning over value loss without localisation strategy in solar boom

22nd May 2026 By: Schalk Burger

There are gaps in South Africa's ability to effectively localise manufacturing and fully capture the economic benefits of the energy transition that is being driven by rapid solar PV expansion,...