Unparalleled Solar Irradiation Levels The Northern Cape boasts irradiation levels of more than 8 kWh/m2, ideal land for solar installations and nearby supply of water as well as connections to the grid. The government has shown willingness to absorb some of the risk of developing in the region through National Demonstration Project status for some projects and has promised to expedite environmental assessments. However, despite the huge potential of South Africa and government support for renewables, some challenges still exist.

Solar South Africa is the ideal opportunity to address these challenges. An international speaker faculty will allow delegates to uncover the effect of an aged grid, uncertainty around the nature of power purchase agreements, what the IPP reform process in South Africa will mean for renewables and will put you directly in touch with investors who will outline their perspective of the market and what government, as well as project owners need to do to kick start the industry.

Renewable energy will support the power mix in South Africa, reduce the risk of rolling black outs, grow GDP by R1.071-billion a year, encourage investment into the country, create 20,000 new jobs and develop local skills. Reducing the current reliance on coal (95% of current supply) will drastically reduce carbon emissions and water waste by 16.5-million kilolitres and provide a more stable supply of power. Solar power will play a big part in the re-generation of South Africa’s power market and a 5 GW pilot project is in the pipeline for Upington.

Co-located with Wind Power South Africa 

 “People who grew up in the Northern Cape will recall a saying coined in 1994 after the dawn  of democracy. People here said: we don’t have a lot of people, so we will not follow the crowds but follow the sun.”