As climate extremes escalate, South Africa’s dependence on fossil fuels is becoming increasingly untenable. Solar power is emerging as a vital solution, not only for energy security but also as a key player in the fight against climate change.
This theme was central to GoSolr’s third quarterly solar update, titled Light Paper 3.0, launched this week. The report examines the current state of solar energy in South Africa and includes global case studies, focusing on the growing concern among consumers and businesses regarding renewable energy options.
GoSolr CEO Andrew Middleton emphasized, “Investing in solar energy will lead to long-term savings and represent one of the most significant contributions South Africa can make in combating climate change.”
This year has seen extreme weather patterns, with Cape Town experiencing record rainfall in July and multiple cold fronts impacting the southwestern regions. KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape faced severe flooding, highlighting the reality of ongoing extreme weather events. With COP29 approaching this November, the urgency for businesses to adopt sustainable practices is more pressing than ever.
“Solar power is leading the way, with 30% of global electricity now generated from renewable sources,” says Middleton. “This transition is not only essential for the planet but also presents a growing business opportunity, particularly for countries like South Africa.”
While the path toward sustainability may present challenges, it is increasingly clear that this transition is not merely an environmental necessity; it is also sound business strategy. South Africa’s renewable energy market is expected to reach R468 billion by 2030, emphasizing the importance of investing in solar and other green technologies.
As Africa’s largest carbon emitter, South Africa plays a crucial role in the global battle against climate change. At the Climate Resilience Symposium in August, President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated the nation’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
However, the transition to a solar-powered future is not without hurdles. The country’s grid capacity poses a significant challenge, making it difficult to integrate the growing number of renewable energy sources.
Key findings from GoSolr’s Light Paper 3.0 include:
- Solar power leadership: Solar energy is the fastest-growing source of electricity generation globally, contributing more than double the new electricity added by coal in 2023.
- Growth of South Africa’s renewable market: The renewable energy market in South Africa, including energy storage and component manufacturing, is projected to be worth R468 billion by 2030.
- Major renewable energy projects: South Africa aims to more than double its current grid-scale renewable energy capacity within the next decade.
- Commitment to net-zero: The nation is dedicated to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, supported by initiatives such as the carbon tax framework.
- Legislative backing: The Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, signed into law in August 2024, facilitates the unbundling of Eskom.
- Coal decommissioning: Plans are in place to decommission coal plants by 2030, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
- Municipal support for solar: An increasing number of South African municipalities are allowing small-scale embedded generation to facilitate the transition to solar.
“While challenges exist, so do opportunities,” Middleton remarks. “Innovations in solar and energy storage technologies are helping to overcome these obstacles. From decommissioning coal-fired power plants to empowering local communities with solar energy, South Africa is making significant strides toward a more sustainable and resilient future.”
“The future is bright, and it’s powered by solar. In an age of climate change, shifting from fossil fuels to solar energy is not just about lowering emissions; it’s about creating a future where sustainability fuels both business success and global well-being,” he concludes.
