New local hub to produce advanced solar panels for African market

Manufacturing energy company Ener-G-Africa (EGA) has significantly expanded its operations by relocating to a new, larger manufacturing hub in Paarl, in the Western Cape, as it launches larger solar panels and implements upgrades to its manufacturing lines.

The realisation of this new hub stems from EGA’s committing to a R135-million investment at last year’s South African Investment conference. The new facility is the largest solar panel assembly plant in Africa, and has created South African job opportunities and value addition through advanced manufacturing. It also helps to reduce the impact of loadshedding through domestic sales.

The “state-of-the-art” facility now includes a “cutting-edge” solar assembly line that is capable of producing TÜV Certified 550 W and 275 W solar panels, alongside the existing 20 W, 50 W and 360 W panels.

These products have been designed to serve both the South African market and export needs across Africa.

EGA states that it continues to lead in the development of innovative solar energy solutions, offering a comprehensive range of off-grid residential products in the region, tailored for both local and export markets, including to countries such as Malawi and Namibia, among others.

“Our investment in state-of-the-art German technology allows us to produce highly advanced and reliable solar panels specifically designed for the African environment,” reports EGA CEO Andre Moolman.

He notes that EGA is equally dedicated to training, upskilling and employing women and young people from local communities in the company’s solar assembly and manufacturing processes.

Additionally, by integrating automation in key areas, EGA ensures “superior” quality control and cost efficiency. This approach not only empowers individuals but also ensures that high-grade solar products are more affordable and accessible across Africa, explains Moolman.

EGA chief business development officer Dave Lello emphasises the strategic importance of the company’s new panel offering, stating that with the new modules being locally manufactured, the company is able to adapt designs.

Lello notes that this adaptability is specifically intended to help meet the requirements of the African market, particularly with the 275 W panels.

“No other manufacturer currently makes 275 W panels configured quite like this. They have been designed with flexibility in mind, while maintaining the voltage output of larger panels to integrate with most standard industry inverters,” he explains.

As such, these panels are specifically tailored to offer a higher capacity in a smaller area. Lello cites that, for example, on an “unusually shaped roof”, more panels can be fitted, which means there will be more power generation.

Therefore, EGA is able to more easily match the needs of an inverter while also increasing the benefit.

Further, Lello notes the practicality of the 275 W panels for residential use, where “one new 275 W panel can replace a configuration that previously used two 150 W panels, at a lower cost, while requiring less space”.

Likewise, he explains that two 275 W panels will generate better performance than three 150 W panels that are currently on the market, while reducing the number of panels needed.

It should be noted that EGA’s innovation extends to integrating different panel types within the same system.

“The flexibility of our 550 W and 275 W panels allows for combined use within the same string, optimising performance for various configurations, including east-west orientations, which are beneficial for maximising energy use throughout the day,” elaborates Lello.

Other applications can be powered by solar, including water pumps, lighting and remote security solutions, such as community cameras, electric fences and access control automation.

All of EGA’s panels will be manufactured in South Africa in terms of internationally recognised standards organisation TUV NORD certification and in accordance with International Organisation for Standardisation and the International Electrotechnical Commission standards.

EGA solar panels are sold with a 12-year limited product warranty and a 25-year limited performance warranty. The company’s local production not only reduces lead times but also ensures that customers and installation partners across Africa receive reliable support services.

“Our mission is to deliver the latest in renewable-energy technology at an affordable price, ensuring that even households with limited access to grid services can benefit from clean, sustainable energy,” Moolman concludes.