"South Africa is currently one of the world’s leading examples in terms of sustainable government policy on solar," says Edwin Koot, CEO of Solarplaza, a global solar energy conference organizer.
The global PV industry has been turned upside down in the last 24 months, with former industry leaders losing massive market share, China soaring to new heights, and South Africa revealing itself as an example of sustainable government policy. Koot added, "Europe has suffered especially as some governments have unpredictably withdrawn or taxed their incentive schemes. While Spain, Germany, Belgium, and Italy have all encountered turbulence and turnarounds in the last 12 months, SA has shown commitment in setting up its solar industry currently moving into round four, maintaining its incentives, and successfully getting projects off the ground. In our recent trip to Dubai, South Africa came up as the case study to follow."
He continued to say that with the current economy, size is not as big of a factor as recently. “Suntech, the former world leader, and LDK are now battling – while previously smaller players like Jinko Solar are soaring. It has shown that timing is critical and right now South Africa’s timing is excellent." He concluded, "Solarplaza has been witness to the immense positivity and growth in South Africa. There is high energy here and you can enter the market even if there aren’t incentives. From what we’ve seen, it really can be one of the world’s huge markets, as long as the government stays the course after the next election."
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