“Solar energy is a good solution for South Africa’s private sector. It is cheaper than the diesel plants and generators that are often used as a substitute to conventional coal-generated power. However, it is still more expensive than Eskom’s electricity,” says Graeme Chown, executive director at energy management consultancy firm PPA Energy South Africa.
This scenario is set to change, he adds: “Solar panel prices in South Africa are dropping at around 10% per annum, which is pretty much on par with the rest of the world. We predict it will take three to five years for solar electricity to be cheaper than normal power, especially when Eskom is granted its 16%-increase per year.”
Chown is a speaker at the Solar Future South Africa conference, which will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on 12 February 2013.
