Published: May, 21, 2025
South Africa’s energy future depends in part on solar power, even as Eskom reports fewer power cuts this year and plans to avoid load shedding this winter. Research and experts reveal why solar remains vital and how to embrace it.
Solar PV can transform homes, reducing reliance on coal and easing environmental strain. Yet, barriers like high costs, lack of awareness, weak policies, and theft risks slow adoption. After a recent dip in solar projects, falling prices and rising electricity tariffs are sparking renewed interest.
Why Solar Is Essential: Correctly configured solar PV systems provide backup power during grid outages, keeping homes running smoothly (Dickson, 2025). They harness sunlight instead of coal, reducing environmental harm (Mutumbi et al., p. 3). To maintain reliability, systems need surge protectors and DC circuit breakers to protect against voltage spikes and arcing (Dickson, 2025). With these safeguards, solar offers a dependable, clean energy solution.
Our Next Steps: Communities, businesses, and policymakers must unite. Education can bridge knowledge gaps, subsidies can make solar affordable, and secure technology can boost trust. Together, we can build a clean, reliable energy future.
Solar is South Africa’s future—let’s make it happen!
Read More:
- Mutumbi, U., Thondhlana, G., & Ruwanza, S. (2024). Adoption of residential rooftop solar PV systems in South Africa: A scoping review of barriers. Heliyon, 10(e30937). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30937
- Senatla, M., Bansal, R. C., Naidoo, R., Chiloane, L., & Mudau, U. (2020). Estimating the economic potential of PV rooftop systems in South Africa’s residential sector: A tale of eight metropolitan cities. IET Renewable Power Generation. https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-rpg.2019.0946
- Dickson, A. (2025). Solar demand set to surge in 2025: How to protect your business’ investment. CBi-electric: low voltage. https://www.cbi-lowvoltage.co.za/content/solar-demand-set-surge-2025-how-protect-your-business%E2%80%99-investment
- SAnews.gov.za. (2025). Eskom plans to avoid load shedding this winter. https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/eskom-plans-avoid-load-shedding-winter
