July 6, 22:24

Power of rooftop solar panels in South Africa exceeds 8.3 GW amid energy sector changes

The popularity of rooftop solar energy in South Africa continues to grow, reaching 8.3 GW, even though the power outage problem that triggered this surge has practically disappeared.

Reasons for market growth

According to the latest data from the national transmission company Eskom, the capacity of rooftop solar installations in the country has exceeded 8.3 GW. The main driver for the shift to solar energy is now financial: significant increases in Eskom's tariffs have made solar energy more advantageous for many households and businesses compared to grid electricity.

Public surveys by Stats South Africa show that 675,000 households installed solar panels in 2025, representing an 86% increase over three years. More than two-thirds of these homes are located in the Gauteng and Western Cape provinces. Only rooftop solar installations now surpass the total operational capacity under the government's flagship renewable energy programs.

Overall picture and expert opinion

Overall, the total installed solar power in South Africa has exceeded 10 GW, cementing the country's status as the largest solar market in Africa, after approximately 1.6 GW was added last year. Marius Rudolph, a solar energy industry expert and founder of Your Solar SA, based in Gauteng, noted fundamental changes in the market.

According to Rudolph, South Africans no longer view solar panels solely as a backup solution. They have transformed into an investment in financial freedom, energy security, and long-term sustainability. He emphasized that every installation means a family or business is taking control of its future.

Customers who previously installed solar panels just to survive outages are now focused on reducing monthly bills, protecting against future tariff hikes, and increasing the value of their properties. Rudolph noted the evolution of customer demands: they now ask how to maximize savings, integrate battery systems, and secure the future of their homes, viewing solar energy as a sound financial as well as an energy decision.

Regulatory steps and public reaction

Meanwhile, Eskom has begun the process of integrating the wave of private installations into the regulatory system. The company extended the waiver of registration fees for small systems up to 50 kVA until September 30, canceling connection fees and providing a free smart meter—valued at up to R10,000 for urban customers and R36,000 for rural ones. Agnes Mlambe, executive director of the current Eskom distribution working group, stated: 'We recognize the vital role customers play in South Africa's energy transition. Our goal is to ensure that installations are safe, compliant, and aligned with the protection of the national grid.'

The energy regulator Nersa clarified that registration is not intended to impede the use of solar energy but rather to ensure systems are connected in a way that protects the national grid. However, some public groups express skepticism, questioning why households that invested in solar energy during the energy crisis must now face bureaucratic hurdles.

Industry analysts predict further market growth until 2026, driven by falling technology costs, improved financing options, and sustained tariff pressure. Rudolph concluded that this shift is permanent, asserting that renewable energy is no longer the future, but the present, and that South Africans have demonstrated incredible resilience by making solar energy a shining example of how innovation can solve real problems and create value for future generations.

iol.co.zaJuly 6, 08:00

2160 solar streetlights being installed in Johannesburg center to enhance safety

A large-scale project is underway in the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD) to install 2160 solar streetlights, aimed at improving safety, increasing visibility, and stimulating economic activity within the city limits.

Details of the Initiative

More than 535 solar lights have already been installed as part of this initiative. The project is valued at approximately 22 million rand. It is being carried out by the non-profit organization Jozi My Jozi for urban renewal, with financial support from the FirstRand Foundation.

Functionality and Benefits

The installed solar lights will be equipped with integrated cameras and placed in high-traffic and high-risk areas. According to project partners, the lighting system can convert three hours of sunlight into up to 40 hours of continuous illumination, offering an economical alternative to traditional street lighting.

Project organizers expect that the improved lighting will make the streets safer for both pedestrians and drivers. Furthermore, it should contribute to increased business operating hours, reduced carbon emissions, and lower energy costs.

Socio-Economic Impact

The project is also intended to create jobs through the processes of installation, maintenance, and infrastructure monitoring, thereby contributing to the overall efforts to revitalize central Johannesburg. Partners emphasize that the new solar lights will help make the city center safer while reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Governance and Goals

Progress will be tracked using metrics such as the number of installed lights, crime statistics, evening business activity, and jobs created. The entire project will operate within a management system ensuring transparency, accountability, and the long-term sustainability of this initiative.

The FirstRand Foundation stated that this project is part of its focus on creating sustainable communities by supporting safer public spaces and economic activity in the Johannesburg CBD. The Foundation noted that such a partnership demonstrates how 'strategic alliances can translate philanthropic intentions into tangible results—restoring dignity, ensuring economic participation, and contributing to a safer and more inclusive Johannesburg.'