South Africa’s solar PV industry is ready to play its part in driving a competitive, low-carbon economy. This was the response from SAPVIA (the organisation representing the solar PV industry in South Africa) on the State of the Nation Address.
“We welcome the strategic focus on local government reform and economic growth outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his 2026 State of the Nation Address. With a robust pipeline of over 16 GW and a broader renewables goal of 220 GW, the solar PV industry can play a central role in South Africa’s transformative change,” said Sim Khuluse, Technical and Policy Manager of SAPVIA.
"President Ramaphosa’s call for 2026 to be a year of transformative change resonates with the solar PV industry. Momentum is building, but a clean energy future remains stalled behind the grid. Grid access is a continuing bottleneck. Without it, renewables remain constrained. Unlocking existing infrastructure and enabling new-build projects is the only way to ensure the energy transition uplifts every South African,” said Khuluse.
He raises a concern that national commitment can be undermined by local government inconsistency. While the president aims to fix local government, in its purview, SAPVIA remains concerned that inconsistent municipal implementation of wheeling frameworks and small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) rules continues to frustrate private investment. For the solar transition to succeed, the relationship between distributors and citizens needs to be based on clearly articulated guidelines and efficient systems.
Nonetheless, he added: “We welcome the president’s commitment to establishing a fully independent transmission entity with ownership and control of assets free from the structural constraints of Eskom Holdings. This will mark a transformative milestone for the country’s energy sector.”
In 2026, SAPVIA will continue to advocate for a fully liberated energy ecosystem and modernised distribution networks that unlock the power of decentralised solar to transform rural economies, turning sunlight into powering irrigation, refrigeration, and industrial growth.
“We are committed to ensuring that the R72 billion in private investment expected by 2030 translates into local value, creating jobs, manufacturing capacity, and energy security for all,” Khuluse said.
For more information visit: www.sapvia.co.za
