SOUTH Africa’s solar energy sector has reached a pivotal moment with the allocation of six major solar PV projects under Bid Window 7 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), affirming the central role of solar in the country’s energy future.
The Department of Electricity and Energy’s latest announcement awards a total of 1,290 megawatts (MW) of capacity to solar projects, all secured by members of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA). It’s a resounding endorsement of the industry’s maturity, competitiveness, and ability to deliver at scale.
Two companies led the charge: Scatec was awarded three projects totalling 700MW, and Red Rocket South Africa secured three projects contributing 590MW. All projects are located in the Free State, a province with abundant solar resources and significant potential for regional economic upliftment.
This brings the total capacity allocated under Bid Window 7 to more than 3,200MW, making it the most solar-intensive round since the REIPPPP launched. The outcome highlights the technology’s growing contribution to South Africa’s energy security and decarbonisation efforts.
Dr. Rethabile Melamu, CEO of SAPVIA, called the announcement a “powerful signal of confidence in the solar PV industry and our members’ capabilities,” adding that the results reflect the sector’s resilience and innovation in the face of ongoing policy and infrastructure challenges.
“Bid Window 7 proves that solar PV can deliver clean, utility-scale energy reliably and cost-effectively,” said Melamu. “The solar industry is not just keeping the lights on—it is helping South Africa pivot toward a low-carbon, inclusive and economically sustainable energy future.”
According to SAPVIA, the country’s total operational solar PV capacity now stands at 8,969MW. This includes 2,287MW from previous REIPPPP rounds, 540MW from the Risk Mitigation IPP Procurement Programme, and a notable 6,142MW from private sector installations, which have surged due to reforms enabling distributed generation and private power purchase agreements.
While residential solar uptake has eased somewhat since the reprieve from load-shedding in March 2024, the commercial and industrial market remains robust. SAPVIA anticipates further growth as battery energy storage systems become more cost-effective and widely integrated.
However, the association warns that grid access constraints are emerging as a critical bottleneck to further expansion. Provinces with high solar potential – including the Northern Cape, Free State, and North-West – are facing capacity limits due to outdated or under-resourced transmission infrastructure.
SAPVIA has welcomed the recent NERSA consultation on grid capacity allocation rules and has submitted formal input. “Implementing transparent queuing and connection procedures will be vital in unlocking the next wave of renewable energy projects,” said Melamu.
The association also called for accelerated investment in national grid infrastructure, strengthened municipal capacity within Eskom’s Grid Access Unit, and the deployment of grid-enhancing technologies. Finalising the Integrated Resource Plan and establishing a functional wholesale electricity market were also highlighted as priority enablers.
“The future of South Africa’s energy system depends not just on how much renewable energy we generate, but how effectively we connect it to the grid,” said Melamu. “We urge all stakeholders to create the right enabling environment to unlock greater investment, accelerate project delivery, and ensure that renewable energy reaches every corner of the country.”
Financial close for the newly awarded Bid Window 7 projects is expected in early 2026.
