Ener-G-Africa (EGA) has opened its Western Cape solar panel manufacturing facility in Paarl to installers and industry players, marking the next phase in the company’s solar journey and its long-term commitment to resilient, locally based production.
Bringing together government, the private sector and media partners, the event was designed to share EGA’s vision for Africa’s maturing solar market and to demonstrate how local solar manufacturing works in practice, at scale.
The global solar industry is entering a new phase. As supply chains realign and manufacturing policies evolve from April 2026, countries around the world are accelerating investment in domestic production capacity to strengthen energy security and industrial resilience. South Africa is part of this broader shift, with new local manufacturing capacity contributing to a more diversified and reliable solar supply ecosystem.
“The recently released AFSIA Africa Solar Outlook report found that Africa is the fastest-growing solar market globally,” says EGA CEO Andre Moolman. “As the market matures, there is a growing need for consistency, quality, accountability and service. We believe local manufacturing has a critical role to play in meeting these expectations.”
One of only two solar panel manufacturers operating in South Africa
Recent analysis in the Africa Solar Outlook suggests that solar adoption across Africa has been consistently under-reported, particularly in distributed and commercial systems, with installer-led deployment driving much of the real growth. While competitive pricing remains important, Moolman notes that installer priorities now extend beyond cost alone, to include supply certainty, quality assurance and reliable after-sales support.
“Against this backdrop, EGA positions itself as a local manufacturer built for long-term participation in the solar ecosystem,” he says. “Our Paarl facility is designed to offer manufacturing flexibility across multiple panel sizes and applications, backed by internationally accredited production standards and local technical support.”
The report also highlights a clear shift towards integrated solar and battery solutions, as customers increasingly prioritise reliability and energy security, particularly in markets with constrained grid performance. Moolman emphasised EGA’s commitment to being a solutions-oriented manufacturer, not simply a panel assembler.
Solar supply chains changing
Energy analyst and MD at EE Business Intelligence, Chris Yelland, addressed the global market dynamics shaping solar supply chains, and the outlook for solar installers in the next three years. Recent international shifts, including changes in export incentives, are expected to affect global pricing structures, reinforcing the growing relevance of resilient, locally based manufacturing partners who can offer stability over time.
Guests were then given a tour of EGA’s solar panel assembly line, which has an annual manufacturing capacity of approximately 150 MW.
Local solutions for the local context
“EGA manufactures panels for residential, commercial and agricultural use and does not operate in the utility-scale segment. This allows us to remain focused on the installer market, where responsiveness, proximity and service are critical,” says Moolman. “We have invested in real infrastructure, real people and real processes. With that comes accountability. If something goes wrong, we are here to engage, inspect, test and resolve it.”
Moolman says the Paarl facility reflects a broader shift underway in the solar market. “As global supply chains evolve and pricing structures change, the role of stable, local manufacturing becomes increasingly important,” he says. “Our focus is on building long-term capacity and accountability in the markets we serve, rather than chasing short-term volume.”
