In 2024, South Africa achieved a total solar capacity of 8.97 GW, with a significant portion—4.35 GW—coming from distributed solar PV systems. This milestone signifies a rapid increase from the 5 GW installed by 2023, underscoring the country’s growing commitment to renewable energy. As discussed in articles like this one about optimizing Africa’s solar potential (PVKnowhow), the continent’s solar resources are vast and increasingly being harnessed.
South Africa Solar Capacity Growth by Year
South Africa’s solar power capacity has grown rapidly, reaching 8.97 gigawatts by 2024. This remarkable achievement stems from the installation of approximately 5 GW of new solar capacity in 2023 alone, according to the Global Solar Council. This rapid expansion has positioned South Africa among the top 10 countries globally for solar capacity growth. The surge in installations, often led by private firms as highlighted by PVKnowhow, is a key part of an ambitious plan to transition the nation’s energy mix towards renewables and reduce its reliance on coal. A significant portion of the new solar installations in 2023 came from distributed solar PV systems, contributing 4.35 GW of the total capacity. These systems were implemented across various sectors, including commercial, industrial, mining, and residential areas. The drive towards distributed solar power was fueled by the urgent need to address the country’s ongoing energy crisis and lessen the strain on the national grid. South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) established a clear renewable energy target, aiming to add 20 GW of solar and wind capacity by 2030.
Impact of South Africa Solar Capacity
Solar power has become a vital component of South Africa’s energy strategy, offering a clean and sustainable alternative to coal, which has historically been the dominant energy source. The shift towards solar is also part of a broader effort to fulfill international climate commitments and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As of 2024, solar power plays a crucial role in mitigating the country’s energy crisis. The national grid, operated by Eskom, has faced challenges in recent years due to aging infrastructure and insufficient generation capacity. The integration of solar power has helped stabilize the grid and reduce the frequency of load shedding, a persistent issue that has affected the country for over a decade. The government has actively promoted solar power adoption through various policies and incentives. The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) has been instrumental in attracting private investment in the sector, leading to the development of numerous solar farms across the country. Further projects, such as the 100MW solar tower highlighted by PVKnowhow, showcase the diverse range of solar technologies being deployed.
South Africa Solar Capacity: Future Prospects
Despite the significant strides made, South Africa still has considerable ground to cover in its transition to renewable energy. Coal still accounts for over 70% of the total electricity generation. However, the government remains committed to increasing the share of renewables, with ambitious targets set for the coming years. Looking ahead, the prospects for solar energy in South Africa are promising. The country possesses abundant solar resources, with high levels of solar irradiation across much of its territory. This natural advantage, coupled with declining solar technology costs, makes solar power an increasingly viable option for both utility-scale and distributed generation. The rapid growth of solar energy in South Africa demonstrates the country’s dedication to tackling its energy challenges and minimizing its carbon footprint. Initiatives like the discussed community solar projects (PVKnowhow) demonstrate innovative approaches to expanding access to clean energy. The 8.97 GW of solar capacity achieved by 2024 represents a significant step forward in the nation’s energy transition. Further developments and projects, such as those detailed in articles about South African solar projects (PVKnowhow), continue to shape the country’s energy future.
