Solar power satellite factory in South-Africa

SunCentral Solar Farm. Northern Cape, South Africa. Independent power producer SolarAfrica Energy. The project entails the construction of SolarAfrica's first utility-scale solar farm. The project will be developed in three phases.

SolarAfrica Energy has commenced construction on its first utility-scale solar farm, known as SunCentral, located in the Northern Cape of South Africa.

During the worst periods of these power cuts in 2022 and 2023, South Africans who did not own solar photovoltaic systems or generators would go without electricity for up to 12 hours a day. Due to the extent of the damaging power outages, solar power was adopted quickly in South Africa.

Our study shows that while solar energy adoption is booming in South Africa, it is mostly benefiting wealthier, white communities. We believe we are seeing evidence of energy apartheid – access to energy that still follows the racial divisions created by apartheid.

The project entails the construction of SolarAfrica's first utility-scale solar farm. The project will be developed in three phases. The 342 MW first phase will be delivered through a staged roll-out of three 114 MW facilities and will deliver renewable energy to various offtakers by wheeling it through South Africa 's power grid.

The country has experienced years of rolling blackouts, known locally as load shedding. During the worst periods of these power cuts in 2022 and 2023, South Africans who did not own solar photovoltaic systems or generators would go without electricity for up to 12 hours a day.