It’s time for solar energy

Solar energy is potentially a much cheaper and abundant source of energy for South Africa’s commercial and residential markets, but it is not yet being used effectively.

“With the cost of electricity on the rise, it is time to invest more in infrastructure, plants, skills development and maintenance in the renewable energy sector,” Carlman Moyo, DuPont’s regional director for sub-Saharan Africa, says.

He adds that collaboration between the private sector and government around adopting renewable energy was a fundamental enabler to progress on the continent. “Investment in the sector will also put South Africa at the heart of the global drive to source energy requirements from renewable sources, thereby reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels.”

Solar power currently relies on government subsidies to make it competitive with fossil fuels and cuts in renewable energy subsidies in key European markets have put pressure on the global industry to improve the technology and reduce costs.

Government’s recently unveiled integrated resource plan (IRP) to obtain 9% of energy from renewable sources by 2030 is a step in the right direction, Moyo says.