solar power steals the show - energy storage companies
The growth of small solar installations on the roof, the positive outlook of falling prices on solar energy and the Tesla Powerwall energy storage system are the highlights of this week's trade show in Sandton.
At least 60 solar panel suppliers attended the Africa solar show this week, all offering cutting
Throat trading for bulk buyers.
A total of 400 products were sold by other exhibitors that could turn commercial parks, homes or farms into green generators.
Approximately 6 000 participants are expectedday show.
The South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program is the star of the program, with exhibitors showcasing the program's large solar project.
However, the smaller roof-top facility eventually stole the show.
Interesting projects include how to use solar panels as shadows or allow bike lanes to generate solar energy and turn your parking lot into a solar park.
Solar energy suppliers know that the secret to the future success of solar energy is to store electricity, so Tesla's Powerwall is the most talked about product at the show.
Tesla Powerwall, launched last year, was touted as a revolutionary storage system, when green energy is generated without sunlight or wind power, it will enable businesses and households to store renewable energy at affordable prices.
Tesla's leading South African partner, Dako Power, attracted a large audience as it presented its storage system.
Other suppliers, including SegenSolar, are also selling Powerwall, and the cost of the cheapest device is about R116 000.
Due to the massive manufacturing of solar panels in China, solar prices have fallen sharply recently, with Chinese suppliers accounting for the majority of exhibitors at this week's fair.
Since the start of the government's renewable energy program, the tariff on solar photovoltaic bidding has dropped by 70%.
The cost of the first round of solar tariffs is r2. 75 per kilowatthour.
However, by the latest round, the price of solar energy has fallen to 82c per kilowatt --hour.
These prices are compared to those between Eskom 90c and R2 per kilowatt
Hours, it depends on where the electricity is used, and also on whether the user is using the energy at home or in large quantities.
Warren Pollard, Trina Solar sales manager who produces solar panels, said he believes South Africa is on the verge of a massive solar revolution.
Pollard told the Sun that plenty of sunshine and falling solar costs have attracted new market players.
Trina Solar forecast
In the next 10 years, the growth of solar energy in Africa will reach double digits.
A Bloomberg forecast for New Energy Finance says solar prices will continue to fall until it becomes the cheapest form of electricity in the rapidly expanding international market.
2026, utilities-
Scale Solar will be competitive for most parts of the world, Bloomberg added.
It is expected that the share of solar energy in global power will be from 1.
If demand for solar energy continues to grow, 5% of this year will reach 20% by 2027.
South Africa has one of the best solar
The combination of radiation sites in the world and local renewable programmes makes it very attractive to invest in solar projects.
The number of solar companies installed in South Africa has surged.
Nedbank has transformed some of its branches to use solar energy.
Last year, solarff installed the largest roof solar panel on behalf of Hyprop Investments in Johannesburg, producing one solar panel.
There are 5 MW at Clearwater Mall.
Last month, George airport launched a 680 KW solar program, becoming the first solar-powered airport on the continent.
Chinese suppliers are aware of the value of conquering the South African market.
Li Xiuying, sales manager at Jiangsu energy, said South Africa is definitely the focus of his company's attention.
Zaheer Khan, senior sales manager for solar Canada, said his company attracted a lot of business, including installing 5 MW of photovoltaic modules on a roof project in Sandton, the project will provide electricity to the shopping center.