Ener-G-Africa (EGA) has expanded its operations, relocating to a new, larger manufacturing hub in Paarl in the Western Cape. Its new facility includes a cutting-edge solar assembly line, newly commissioned and capable of producing TÜV certified 550 W and 275 W solar panels, alongside the 20 W, 50 W, and 360 W panels already produced. The panels are designed to serve the South African market and demand for exports across Africa.
Ener-G-Africa is now producing larger 550 W and 275 W solar panels and its Paarl factory.
The 550 W and 275 W panels, as showcased at the Solar & Storage Live event in Cape Town at the end of August, will be available from October 2024.
EGA continues to lead in the development of innovative solar energy solutions, offering a comprehensive range of products for off-grid smaller-scale installations in the region. These solutions are tailored for local and export markets, including countries such as Angola, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Andre Moolman, CEO of EGA, highlights the company’s commitment to advancing solar technology in Africa. "Our investment in state-of-the-art German technology allows us to produce advanced and reliable solar panels specifically designed for the African environment.
“We are equally dedicated to training, upskilling, and employing women and young people from local communities in our solar assembly and manufacturing processes” he says. “Additionally, by integrating automation in key areas, we ensure top quality control and cost efficiency. This approach empowers individuals and makes high-grade solar products more affordable and accessible across Africa."
Dave Lello, Chief Business Development Officer at EGA, emphasised the importance of the company’s new panels. “With our modules being manufactured locally, we have been able to adapt our design specifically for the requirements of the African market, particularly the 275 W panels.
“No other manufacturer currently makes 275 W panels configured like this. They have been designed for flexibility, while maintaining the voltage output of larger panels in order to integrate with most standard industry inverters,” says Lello. “They are specifically tailored to offer higher capacity in a smaller area,” he adds. “For example, on an unusually shaped roof, you can fit more panels, which means more power.” The flexibility allows customers to match the needs of the inverter more easily and delivers maximum benefit.
Lello also notes the practicality of the 275 W panels for residential use. “One panel can replace a 2x150 W configuration at a lower cost, also requiring less space. Likewise, 2x275 W panels will generate better performance than three of the 150 W panels currently on the market, reducing the number of panels needed,” Lello explains.
These innovations from EGA extend 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 to maximising energy use throughout the day," Lello explains.
Other applications that can be powered by solar energy include water pumps, lighting and remote security solutions, such as community cameras, electric fences, and access control automation.
All EGA panels are manufactured in South Africa under internationally recognised certification by TÜV NORD and according to ISO and IEC standards.
The solar panels are sold with a 12-year limited product warranty and a 25-year limited performance warranty. Local production reduces lead times and ensures that customers and installation partners across Africa benefit from 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 says.
For more information visit: www.ener-g-africa.com
