With a constrained national power grid and a global move towards greener energy, many South Africans are considering installing solar electricity solutions – for their businesses and at home. However, they are often faced with the tough choice of paying a premium for high-quality products, or opting for more affordable products, and compromising on quality.
EGA aims to strengthen the renewable energy sector, training South African workers to manufacture solar panels locally.
In both cases, when something goes wrong, recourse to the supplier is often unavailable, as the customer usually deals with a local agent – not the manufacturer that issues the warranty.
Local manufacturer Ener-G-Africa (EGA) has found a way to bridge the gap, providing high-quality, certified renewable energy products at a lower price point, and offering product warranties.
EGA’s innovative solutions, supporting energy access, are designed and built in Africa for African needs. They include solar panels (TÜV certified), biomass stoves and 100% locally made stainless steel clean-cooking stove components.
Combining local expertise and manufacturing and a focus on sustainability, the company provides high-quality cost-effective products that are making an impact in African markets. EGA Chief Production Officer, Charlie Leaper shares a couple of lessons for other local manufacturers.
Invest in first rate equipment, minimise supply chain costs
“High-quality production often requires advanced technology and equipment, which can be expensive and difficult to acquire for local manufacturers. Without modern machinery and tools, it’s hard to meet international quality standards and keep costs low,” Leaper says.
He says the EGA business started in Malawi and is now headquartered in South Africa. “We are an African company that understands the local markets, so we know what people are looking for and we focus on delivering that, rather than trying to retrofit products from overseas markets. We also understand how to do business here. We manufacture our products in Africa for Africans, which reduces shipping costs and avoids import tariffs.”
By equipping its facilities with custom-made metal forming machines and cutting-edge precision tools, EGA achieves high production efficiency. These tools enable the company to produce its required metal parts, controlling quality and costs through in-house capabilities.
The company has also engaged with several education institutions and training providers to upskill employees, develop leadership capabilities, and meet technical requirements for its product lines.
Find a balance
Leaper says creating a sustainable business in Africa requires balancing production efficiency – including automating aspects of the manufacturing process – and socio-economic considerations – such as job creation and skills development.
“EGA is a Proudly South African member. We are committed to local socio-economic progress, and to making a meaningful contribution to building South Africa's economy and alleviating unemployment,” he says.
The company recruits its workforce primarily from the communities in which it operates. For example, in 2024, when EGA launched its new solar panel manufacturing facility in Paarl, it invested in upskilling a previously unemployed member of the community, Shane Swaartbooi, training him to operate its state-of-the-art laser cutting machine.
Swaartbooi, who had no prior experience, says he had always wanted to work for an organisation like Ener-G-Africa, “because they do not just manufacture their products in quantities; it is about manufacturing quality products that make a positive impact in people’s lives.”
He now manages the EGA laser cutting machine, worth $1 million, and is proud to work for the business. “Our products are good for the environment, but more than that, they help address South Africa’s energy shortfall, and the high unemployment rate. Local manufacturing also means customers do not have to pay more for quality products because they are made here, at home.”
For more information visit: www.ener-g-africa.com