NERSA registered 142 solar facilities in Q3 2024-25, adding over 1.1 GW capacity. The Western Cape and Gauteng led registrations, while Limpopo saw the highest investment of ZAR 13.5 billion. Since 2018, NERSA has approved 1,811 facilities totaling 10.5 GW, indicating effective regulatory frameworks and significant growth in South Africa’s solar energy sector.
South Africa’s energy regulator, NERSA, updated its solar registration figures, revealing that 142 solar facilities were registered in the third quarter of the 2024-25 financial year. This recent addition contributes over 1.1 gigawatts (GW) of capacity, with an average investment cost of ZAR 22,371 (approximately $1.22) per kilowatt, signifying the nation’s pursuit to enhance its energy generation capabilities.
The provinces of Western Cape and Gauteng emerged as the leaders in facility registrations for the period, recording 54 and 35 new facilities, respectively. Meanwhile, Limpopo province attracted the highest investment value, amassing ZAR 13.5 billion for 627 megawatts (MW) of capacity. This substantial investment underscores Limpopo’s increasing importance in South Africa’s national energy landscape.
Moreover, NERSA disclosed that among the newly registered facilities, one is designated for commercial uses. Out of the total capacity, 82 facilities, accounting for over 1 GW, are integrated with Eskom’s distribution network, while the rest are connected to municipal networks. Since the implementation of its current registration framework in 2018, the regulator has endorsed a total of 1,811 generation facilities that sum up to 10.5 GW of capacity.
NERSA stated that this growth reflects the effectiveness of the regulatory framework in promoting energy generation. The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) reported that the country installed an additional 1.1 GW of solar energy in 2024, further emphasizing its commitment to renewable energy development.
In summary, NERSA’s latest update indicates significant growth in South Africa’s solar energy sector, with 142 new registrations in a single quarter, accounting for 1.1 GW of capacity. The investments not only highlight the regional strengths, particularly in Limpopo, but also demonstrate the effectiveness of the regulatory framework in facilitating renewable energy expansion. Overall, this advancement aligns with South Africa’s broader goals of increasing energy generation capacity and transitioning to sustainable energy sources.
Original Source: www.pv-magazine.com
