“We see great potential for renewable energy in South Africa. High sun exposure levels and good wind conditions in sparsely populated areas favor the use of natural resources. In addition, the insufficient power supply provides a steadily increasing demand from companies for our photovoltaic solutions”, says CFO Claas Fierling.
Photovoltaics offers companies security of supply
An important selling factor for photovoltaic systems in South Africa is the high uncertainty companies felt with regard to a constant power supply. In both production and distribution fields, the country struggles with considerable difficulties. To counter this, the expansion of the grid and the generation of electricity has been prioritized, but so far with limited success. “The progress in the development of power supply security falls short of expectations. Companies are increasingly forced to look for private solutions due to the ongoing weakness of the electricity grid. So far, many companies use their own diesel generators to ensure their power supply. With our expertise and references we are a much sought after partner for these companies“, explains Claas Fierlings.
Prestigious companies as customers
SOVENTIX has already implemented solar systems for various customers in South Africa, including Peninsula Beverages (as largest bottler for Coca-Cola in Western Cape) and Mr Price (as the leading retail group) and is currently in talks with other prestigious companies, concluding new contracts. The Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) assumes that the use of diesel generators will increasingly give way to renewable energy and photovoltaic technology will continue to gain importance in South Africa.
Financing of solar systems remains a disincentive to growth
Ironically, the barrier faced is the challenge of financing solar plants in South Africa. Local banks in many cases still have reservations about solar system financing, since these are not recognised as a security for financing. „For this reason, many companies are looking for alternative funding opportunities in South Africa. Various funds have been started in recent years and new alternatives are now added through crowdfunding providers or private investors. Additionally, energy companies are increasingly acting as investors", Claas Fierlings states.
High interest for self-sufficiency
“The South African solar market offers attractive prospects”, Fierlings says. The company also records a strong growing interest in solutions for self-sufficiency throughout southern Africa. Claas Fierlings, CFO at SOVENTIX: „We are expanding our activities accordingly to be able to also offer our photovoltaic solutions in neighboring countries. Interest is being shown by both international groups as well as local companies.”
64 PV projects being implemented internationally
The successful engagement in Africa echoes the overall international growth of SOVENTIX. There are projects in the pipeline in a range of approximately 1.3 gigawatts, among others in the Dominican Republic, Chile and the USA. Of these, solar power plants in a range of 64 MW are currently being implemented. (HCN)
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