Will South Africa Lead The Solar Energy Surge?
Solar energy in South Africa has to compete against the massive coal reserves that the country has stockpiled up. South Africa will be amongst many emerging economies that are likely to face emissions caps in the near future. Therefore, South Africa needs to turn to other renewable forms of energy. And one they have in abundant supply is solar power. Every year South Africa has some of the highest numbers of sunny days worldwide. Rainy days are few and far between. Ideal for solar panels! Eskom, one of the biggest power companies in the world, are building a multi-million dollar solar plant near Upington in the Northern Cape. The potential of solar energy in South Africa is enormous and Eskom have realised this. Experts estimate that every year a square kilometre of desert receives solar energy equivalent to 1.5 million barrels of oil. The Upington project is the first major solar energy initiative on the continent. Solar power has been mostly neglected in an economy where 90% of power is generated by coal. However, with rising prices for traditional energy, the need for renewable power such as solar panels is long overdue. Germany is leading the way when it comes to installing solar panels, followed by Japan and the United States. But South Africa has the potential to muscle in on the big boys. The main drawback to solar energy has been its cost – estimated at about R22 (US$2.80) per watt. In contrast, with such an abundance of coal, South Africa currently produces the world's cheapest electricity at about R10 (US$1.30) per watt. However, with fast-improving technology, experts are predicting solar panels will hit 99c per watt in the near future which will make solar energy a more attractive proposition than coal. The price of coal has risen steeply in the last few years and the environmental cost of fossil fuels also needs to be factored in. In addition, it is hopeful that as solar panels see an increased uptake, it will become cheaper through economies of scale. South Africa Professor Vivian Alberts, a physicist at the University of Johannesburg, has developed a design believed to be the most advanced in the world. His solar panels are now ready for commercial use, and are expected to cost about R14 (US$1.80) per watt. "It will be possible for households in South Africa to afford their own solar generation," he says. So with the ever-improving technology and need for solar energy, South Africa would be foolish not to invest in such an abundant natural resource.
Are you tired of soaring fuel bills? Would you like your very own solar power system for under $200/£100 that will save you 80% on your electricity bill and help the environment? If the answer is 'YES' then click here for more information. To return to the main South Africa solar energy page. To return to our solar energy main page.
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