South Africa is one of the sunniest regions in the world. It is also one of the leading emerging countries with strong, uninterrupted economic growth over the past 15 years, generating a sharp rise in energy demand.
Solairedirect South Africa: a solar photovoltaic leader
In 2009, motivated by the changing legislative environment and the announcement of a feed-in tariff for renewable energy by the South African government, Solairedirect took the strategic decision to apply the same independent solar power producer business model, proven in France, to South Africa and so founded SolaireDirect Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd in November 2009.
Solairedirect South Africa is dedicated to the development, construction and operation of solar PV farms ranging from 5 MW to 40 MW and rooftop installations ranging from a few kWh to 1 MW. SDSA has established partnerships with investors and local businesses in a number of African countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique (over 100 MW in projects underway).
Solairedirect South Africa currently enjoys a unique positioning as one of the integrated solar energy producers in South Africa, a market where the origin of products and the local “colour” of the project are essential selection criteria for the South African government.
This singular combination of proven technology and energy produced almost 100% locally has won SDSA a number of bids for prestigious projects. Solairedirect Southern Africa intends to capitalise on this success, with a number of projects underway for next years.
Solairedirect technologies: a manufacturing plant featuring state-of-the-art technologies
As far back as 2008, Solairedirect was already operating outside France, more specifically, in South Africa, with the construction of an initial panel production plant.
Solairedirect’s photovoltaic panel production plant located in Cape Town, South Africa, currently has an annual power generating capacity of 36 MWp. The plant’s maximum production capacity is 105 MWp/year.
Production is entirely dedicated to meeting the needs of Solairedirect, the parent company of Solairedirect Technologies (fully-owned subsidiary).
Thanks to its expertise across the entire solar panel production process, Solairedirect ensures:
- Production of high-quality photovoltaic panels
- Cost control for its panels (one of the main factors affecting the cost of the kWh).
- Design of photovoltaic panels and therefore their suitability for rooftops (integration into the structure).
The manufacturing plant in Cape Town is certified ISO 9001:2008
