NERSA Reports Significant Growth in South Africa’s Solar Energy Sector

NERSA registered 142 solar facilities, adding over 1.1 GW of capacity in Q3 2024-25, with highest installations in Western Cape and Gauteng. Limpopo showed the highest investment of ZAR 13.5 billion, reinforcing its role in energy generation. Overall, NERSA has approved 1,811 facilities since 2018, totaling 10.5 GW.

South Africa’s National Energy Regulator (NERSA) recently announced the registration of 142 solar facilities in the third quarter of the 2024-25 financial year, contributing over 1.1 GW of new capacity. The average investment cost for these projects amounted to ZAR 22,371 ($1.22) per kW, underscoring the nation’s commitment to enhancing its energy generation capabilities.

The provinces of Western Cape and Gauteng led the registrations, with counts of 54 and 35 facilities respectively. Notably, Limpopo province reported the highest investment value of ZAR 13.5 billion for 627 MW of solar capacity, thereby emphasizing Limpopo’s increasing significance in South Africa’s energy landscape.

Among these newly registered projects, one facility was approved for commercial use. Of the total registered capacity, 82 projects representing over 1 GW are connected to Eskom’s distribution network, while the remaining facilities are integrated into municipal networks.

Since initiating its registration framework in 2018, NERSA has granted approval to 1,811 generation facilities, culminating in a collective capacity of 10.5 GW. NERSA remarked, “This growth is a testament to the effectiveness of the regulatory framework in facilitating energy generation capacity.”

Furthermore, according to data from the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), 1.1 GW of solar energy was added in 2024, continuing the positive trend in renewable energy development in the country.

The recent registration of 142 solar facilities highlights South Africa’s progress in enhancing its energy generation capacity, particularly through significant investments from various provinces. With the framework established since 2018, NERSA has approved a total of 1,811 facilities amounting to 10.5 GW, affirming that the country is on the right path towards sustainable energy solutions.

Original Source: www.pv-magazine.com