Alternative energy solutions were out in full force this week as exhibitors and delegates from around the world gathered for this year’s edition of Power and Electricity World Africa, where solar energy stood out as a real solution to Africa’s energy problems.

A large component of the exhibitions focused on solar solutions and Win Kurzica, Africa Solar Manager for Eaton Africa shared some valuable tips for unlocking large-scale solar rooftop solutions.

“In Africa we actually NEED power generation, in Europe and other places it’s driven by feeding tariffs that their governments offer, it’s an investment opportunity, but for Africa something like solar power is a real solution,” he noted.

With solar now competing with baseline energy there is an endless number of solutions providers entering the market and Kurzica say the most important thing those looking to install solar solutions should look out for is a cost effective solution that works for clients in the real world in African conditions.

“You are looking for a reliable highly experienced company with a proven track record to install your rooftop system. Not some guy who was a plumber once, who happens to see an opportunity in alternative energy and he is now going to jump around your roof.  That’s not the guy you’re looking for,” he explained.

“You need a company that can give you long term service. You need to remember one thing you’re going to be starting this journey of alternative energy with someone, you are not going to be building a system that is completely and utterly finalised, you’re going to design it from the beginning up and you’re going to add on bits and pieces as you go along and you need someone to partner with you on that.”

“You’re going to need someone who understands the rules and regulations from municipalities and utilities, and these are the questions you need to be asking solutions providers.”