In Q3 of 2024-25, NERSA registered 142 solar facilities with a total capacity of over 1.1 GW, emphasizing significant investments, particularly in Limpopo. This surge in registrations illustrates ongoing efforts to expand South Africa’s energy generation and demonstrates the success of the current regulatory framework.
In the third quarter of the 2024-25 financial year, South Africa’s energy regulator, NERSA, reported the registration of 142 solar facilities, contributing over 1.1 GW of capacity. The average investment cost for these facilities was ZAR 22,371 ($1.22) per kilowatt, underscoring the country’s commitment to increasing its energy generation capabilities.
The Western Cape and Gauteng provinces led in the number of registered facilities, with 54 and 35 registrations, respectively. Notably, Limpopo province topped in investment value with ZAR 13.5 billion allocated for 627 MW of capacity, signaling its significant contribution to the national energy landscape.
Among the new registrations, one facility was designated for commercial purposes. Of the overall capacity, 82 facilities, representing more than 1 GW, are integrated into Eskom’s distribution network, while the others connect to municipal networks. Since the introduction of its registration framework in 2018, NERSA has certified 1,811 generation facilities, totaling 10.5 GW.
NERSA stated, “This growth is a testament to the effectiveness of the regulatory framework in facilitating energy generation capacity.” Additionally, the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) indicated that 1.1 GW of solar capacity was added in 2024.
The report from NERSA highlights significant progress in South Africa’s solar energy sector during the third quarter of the 2024-25 financial year, marked by the registration of over 1.1 GW of solar capacity. The growth in facility registrations reflects robust investment and the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks aimed at enhancing energy generation. With continued support, provinces like Limpopo are becoming pivotal in the national energy strategy.
Original Source: www.pv-magazine.com
