The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) celebrates a significant milestone following the Department of Electricity and Energy’s (DEE’s) allocation of six new solar PV projects under Bid Window 7 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).

SAPVIA says the six projects, totalling 1 290 MW, solidify solar PV’s leading role in South Africa’s clean energy transition. All awarded projects were secured by SAPVIA member companies, which the association says highlights the industry’s proven competitiveness and reliability.

Renewable-energy firm Scatec secured three projects, contributing 700 MW, while independent power producer (IPP) Red Rocket South Africa secured three projects totalling 590 MW.

All are in the Free State province, a high solar resource region ideal for large-scale energy generation and local socioeconomic development.

SAPVIA says this allocation boosts the total solar PV capacity awarded under Bid Window 7 to over 3 200 MW, making it the most solar-heavy round in the programme’s history.

This underscores solar PV’s vital contribution to national energy security and sustainability, it expresses.

"This moment is a powerful signal of confidence in the solar PV industry and our members’ capabilities," says SAPVIA CEO Dr Rethabile Melamu.

"Bid Window 7 proves solar PV can deliver clean, utility-scale energy projects and leads South Africa towards an energy-secure, low-carbon future.

“Our industry's resilience and innovation, particularly through policy and infrastructure challenges, have brought us to this point, delivering value to South African households, businesses, and the national grid”.

South Africa’s total operational solar PV capacity now stands at 8 969 MW.

This includes 2 287 MW from earlier REIPPPP rounds, 540 MW from the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, and 6 142 MW from private-sector installations, which have seen significant growth owing to policy shifts enabling distributed generation and private power purchase agreements.

While residential solar installations have moderated since loadshedding eased in March 2024, commercial and industrial installations remain robust.

SAPVIA says it anticipates further acceleration as battery energy storage systems become more integrated and cost competitive.

The association cautions that the industry’s full potential depends on urgent action to address existing bottlenecks, particularly concerning transmission capacity.

It notes that grid access constraints remain a critical issue for IPPs, especially in high-yield provinces such as the Northern Cape, Free State and North West, where transmission infrastructure is limited and grid capacity is rapidly depleting.

“For that reason, we welcome the recently published National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) consultation paper on grid capacity allocation rules to which SAPVIA has submitted inputs. Implementing transparent queuing and connection processes rules will be immensely useful for the country,” says Melamu.

In addition, the association says it advocates for expanded investment in grid infrastructure and strengthening State-owned Eskom’s Grid Access Unit's capacity within municipalities.

SAPVIA adds that it also supports introducing grid-enhancing technologies, finalising the Integrated Resource Plan, and rolling out the South African Wholesale Electricity Market for a more competitive and future-fit energy system.

"The future of South Africa’s energy system relies not just on how much we build, but on how efficiently we connect it to the grid," adds Melamu.

"SAPVIA urges all stakeholders to prioritise enabling conditions that will unlock even greater renewable energy investment and delivery.”

Financial close for the six projects is anticipated in early 2026.

SAPVIA says Bid Window 7 marks a critical step forward in the country’s energy transformation, expected to create thousands of local jobs, drive skills development, and stimulate regional economies, particularly in under-resourced provinces.

"This is more than a win for solar PV; it is a win for South Africa," Melamu concludes.