Tackling the energy crisis and delivering sustainable energy for all will only be achieved if we harness the power of hybrid solar plus storage solutions. That’s the message from organisers of the second annual Solar Power Africa conference.

With reducing the intermittency and cost of energy, as well as tackling the country’s CO2 emissions top of the government’s agenda, Storage Day at Solar Power Africa 2023 could not come soon enough.

Designed to evaluate the various storage methods and solutions available, the second day of the conference will explore how solar plus storage can accelerate the transition to clean energy.

Attendees at the conference will hear from international energy storage experts as well as local operators who are already harnessing battery storage solutions to move towards energy independence.

“Confidence in and uptake of solar PV, and renewables in general, has been held back by the ability to store the energy and dispatch it as needed. Viable energy storage is the critical other half in the perfect match that will help ensure that solar PV overcomes the intermittent nature of the supply to the electricity grid and can compete with traditional energy sources,” said Dr Rethabile Melamu, CEO of SAPVIA

Solar Power Africa 2023 will take place from 8th February to 10th February 2023. The annual conference and exhibition aims to create an environment that fosters the exchange of ideas, knowledge and expertise for furthering solar power and renewable energy development in Africa.

Day 2 of the conference will clearly demonstrate that innovations in battery technology are allowing renewable energy plants to output completely stable, consistent, dispatchable power. Plenaries and breakaway sessions will explore the technologies that are enabling large-scale long-duration storage solutions as well as dispelling the misconception that solar power is only available when the sun shines.

“The RMIPPPP was a landmark for renewables and storage hybrid projects, which showcased that solar plus storage could compete in a  technology agnostic procurement process,” added Michael Dehn, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt South Africa

“Battery technology is rapidly evolving and the need for viable and stable energy storage has never been more pressing. In light of ongoing load-shedding and the increasing cost of energy, day two of Solar Power Africa will focus on how we generate maximum value to local grid operators and consumers of electric energy through energy plus battery storage solutions.”

Organised by Messe Frankfurt South Africa, in partnership with the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), Solar Power Africa 2023 is the first event of its kind, in South Africa, dedicated solely to Solar Power and Energy storage and is expected to attract over 100 exhibitors operating in this dynamic market.

Attendees, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, will benefit from insights from a roster of leading international and local specialists as well as the opportunity to network and collaborate.

Messe Frankfurt is one of the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organizers and employs more than 2,500 employees across 30 different locations globally. The South African office has an experienced staff complement of over 28 team members with established marketing, sales and operational capabilities.

The event is presented in partnership with RE+ Events (formerly Solar Power Events), the organisers of Solar Power International (SPI), North America’s largest and most prestigious event for the solar and energy storage sectors.

The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) is a not-for-profit industry association serving the collective interests of its 540+ members across the PV value-chain spanning technical service providers, installer, EPC companies, financiers, developers, utilities and IPP’s, for over a decade.