The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) highlights that the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE) has allocated six further projects to solar PV providers in Bid Window 7 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). The announcement was made by the DEE towards the end of July 2025.
Six further solar PV projects awarded under Bid Window 7 of the REIPPPP will add another 1 290 MW to the national power supply.
These six projects, set to deliver 1 290 megawatts (MW) of new generation capacity, consolidate solar PV’s leading role in South Africa’s clean energy transition and reflect the industry’s competitiveness and reliability.
The projects were awarded to two solar energy providers, both SAPVIA member companies. Scatec secured three projects, which will deliver 700 MW, and Red Rocket South Africa secured three projects to deliver 590 MW. All the projects are located in the Free State, a high solar resource region ideal for large-scale energy generation and the province will benefit from local socio-economic development.
The projects awarded to Scatec include Oslaagte Solar 2 (240 MW), Oslaagte Solar 3 (240 MW), and Leeuwspruit Solar (220 MW). The Red Rocket SA consortium was awarded the Dwaalboom 3 (180 MW), Florida Park (200 MW) and Virginia 4 (210 MW) projects.
This announcement follows that of the eight preferred bidders announced in December 2024, to deliver 1760 MW in eight solar projects across the provinces of Limpopo, Free State, North West and Mpumalanga.
Additionally, the DEE notes that eight further compliant bidders, four for onshore wind energy and four under the earlier reallocation of megawatts from onshore wind to solar for further solar PV projects, are eligible for appointment as preferred bidders, subject to value for money negotiations. Further announcements will be made once these processes have been concluded.
The latest allocation boosts the total solar PV capacity awarded under Bid Window 7 to over 3 200 MW, making it the most solar-focused round in the programme’s history. It reinforces the contribution of solar PV’ power to the country’s energy security and sustainability.
"This is a clear signal of confidence in the solar PV industry and our members’ capabilities," said Dr Rethabile Melamu, CEO of SAPVIA.
"Delivering clean, utility-scale energy projects, solar PV is leading South Africa towards an energy-secure, low-carbon future. Our industry is providing value to South African households, businesses, and the national grid,” Melamu said.
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 IPP Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP), and 6 142 MW from private sector installations, which have seen significant growth due to policy shifts enabling distributed generation and private power purchase agreements.
Although residential solar installations have moderated since load shedding eased from March 2024, demand for commercial and industrial installations remains strong. SAPVIA anticipates further acceleration as battery energy storage systems become more integrated and cost-competitive.
However, the association cautions that the industry’s reaching its full potential depends on urgent action being taken to address existing bottlenecks, particularly concerning transmission capacity. Grid access constraints remain a critical issue for independent power producers, especially in high-yield provinces like the Northern Cape, Free State, and North-West, where transmission infrastructure is limited and grid capacity is depleted.
“For that reason, we welcome the recently published 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,” said Melamu.
In addition, the association advocates for expanded investment in grid infrastructure and strengthening capacity relevant to Eskom’s Grid Access Unit within municipalities. SAPVIA 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," added Melamu.
SAPVIA urges all stakeholders to prioritise enabling conditions that will unlock greater renewable energy investment and delivery.
Financial close for the latest awarded projects is anticipated in early 2026. Bid Window 7 marks another significant 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.
“As much as it is a win for solar PV, this is a win for South Africa," Melamu said.
For more information visit: www.sapvia.co.za