From its base in Johannesburg, SOCO Energy has grown to be a key player in commercial solar installations. Starting in 2016 with an initial focus on residential projects, the company has since expanded into the commercial solar and battery market.
CEO Amit Abraham, with a solid background in electrical engineering, sheds light on SOCO‘s journey. “When we began, our focus was on homeowners who were often trying to find a balance between quality and affordability with their solar systems. They sometimes faced challenges with inexperienced installers delivering sub-standard and non-compliant installations. We aimed to change that, and as we moved into larger commercial projects, our commitment to quality remained just as strong.”
One significant concern Abraham points out is the rising appearance of counterfeit products in the market. “It is a real challenge out there with counterfeit products. Thankfully, we have been fortunate to avoid them so far. We have built strong relationships with a select few trusted manufacturers and suppliers, ensuring that what we install for our clients is genuine.” Abraham emphasises the meticulous approach SOCO Energy adopts before deploying any product, saying that “before using any component, our dedicated in-house team thoroughly tests it. While we are not keen on jumping on every new brand that comes out, we do value our partnerships with known and trusted suppliers. But trust does not mean we skip the quality check. Every product must pass our tests.”
The key to any successful company is teamwork, which the SOCO Energy CEO says is something he values above all else. “Our strength lies in our cohesive team. We manage everything in-house and refrain from outsourcing. From the initial site check, to final repairs, we oversee every step of our projects. Outsourcing can often lead to a drop in quality control, leaving clients dissatisfied. We treat every project with equal importance, ensuring quality delivery from the start,” he says.
It is no secret that South Africa’s solar industry is going through a major boom thanks to loadshedding, grid instability and the overall cost of electricity – 2023’s import of solar products was a 350% increase on 2022. Abraham notes, “We are currently witnessing a tremendous boom in the renewable energy sector. The past year alone has seen remarkable growth, driven in part by load-shedding but also by the global shift towards carbon neutrality. Large businesses are actively seeking sustainable energy solutions to stabilise their costs and supply. Our team is immersed in several high-impact projects that promise to yield significant impact to our customers, not least of which includes partnerships with major brands like Anglo American.” He adds that BESS is a big plus for solar photovoltaics installations. “A Battery Energy Storage System doesn’t just act as a backup. It boosts the efficiency of solar systems. So, those solar Photovoltaics installations that were previously losing up to 25% of their daily output capability due to power cuts now show improved photovoltaics production.”
With a brand-new year on our doorsteps, Abraham and his team are looking forward to a busy 2024. “With big collaborations and an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, SOCO ENERGY is positioned at the heart of South Africa’s renewable energy movement.”
Enquiries: www.soco.energy