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The transformation of the world’s energy markets continues to gain momentum. Renewable energy projects, which have seen a rapid decline in cost over the last decade, are increasingly powering the world’s large economies in a bid to limit climate change and drive sustainable growth.  In Africa, it is estimated that by 2035 solar photovoltaic (PV) projects will contribute 9.8% of overall electricity generation.

The relentless hammering that South Africans endured during the recent phase of stage 4 load shedding has local businesses eyeing solar photovoltaic (PV) installations as a potential way to safeguard business continuity in the face of Eskom’s power supply issues.  Unfortunately, solar on its own doesn’t protect against load-shedding without the inclusion of substantial battery storage and few business owners are in a position to fund the capital expenditure required just yet. But what if there were no other options and going off the grid with solar was already an absolute necessity?  An innovative new urban complex on the outskirts of Johannesburg’s CBD will soon have solar energy as its primary source of power - and the lessons learned there may prove invaluable.

As Eskom resorts to turning off the lights yet again, businesses are looking for ways to lessen their dependence on the beleaguered national power provider. “The long-term risk to business continuity and sustainability is very concerning. Business owners cannot afford to sit on their hands and trust that government will resolve the situation, especially when alternative options are becoming more readily available,” says Tim Frankish, Managing Director of international solar energy company SolarSaver. 

Solar photovoltaic (PV) installations are achieving significant electricity cost savings for fuel service stations across Namibia and South Africa, also helping those businesses to reduce their carbon footprints, according to Tim Frankish, Managing Director of SolarSaver, a solar energy group backed by Stimulus Investments and the Pembani-Remgro Infrastructure Fund.