An R80 million, 120 MW solar PV module production facility has officially been launched in Epping, Cape Town.

Jinko Solar, a Chinese company, opened this facility in response to the roll out of the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Programme (REIPPP) where 1484MW of solar PV projects have been procured.

Since the inception of this programme, Jinko Solar has deployed over 300MW of solar PV panels, reaching approximately 30% market share.

The facility is expected to produce 1 300 solar panels per day, with an expected R600 million turnover per year. The plant is expected to produce 120 Megawatts by the end of the year.

 

SA a leader in renewable energy

Minister of Trade and Industry (DTI) Dr Rob Davies, speaking on the margins of the USA–Africa Summit and in meetings with USA companies, said South Africa is becoming a leader in renewable energy. Within a space of three years the REIPPP model is fast developing into a new industry sector.

US investors such as GE and Solar Reserve, as part of President Obama’s Power Africa programme, have expressed an interest to further invest and expand the energy sector in South Africa and on the African Continent.

 

Expanding capabilities

Davies has welcomed the opening of the facility as part of the DTI’s drive to expand the capabilities of the South African manufacturing industry, to increase the country’s industrial base and create the much needed jobs in Epping.

The Green Economy has been identified as a key focus area in the department’s Industrial Policy Action Plan, and provides significant opportunities for job creation, localisation and economic growth.

 

Creating jobs

Western Cape Premier Helen Zille says the opening of a solar panel manufacturing plant in Cape Town is good for job creation and has the potential to create secondary industries.

“The reason I am excited is this plant will create 250 direct jobs. Other indirect jobs will be created, as we are not expecting jobs to be created within the plant only, but there will be more work created post production through installations,” she said.