The solar industry in South Africa is facing a new wave of pressure, as import duties are now officially applied to various renewable energy components, including photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. Although the 10% import duty officially came into effect in June 2024, many installers and developers are only now beginning to feel its impact. Stock that was cleared through customs before the tariff has largely been used up, meaning most new imports are now subject to the duty. As a result, the effects on pricing, procurement, and project timelines are becoming more pronounced in mid-2025.

U.S. tariffs on Chinese solar goods are pushing manufacturers toward new markets — and South Africa could be next. Could this shift supercharge the country's renewable energy future?

Effective 1 May 2025, the South African VAT rate will increase from 15% to 15.5%. While this may seem like a minor adjustment, it brings important implications for businesses and individuals investing in solar solutions.

• Africa represents a key strategic market with significant growth potential for decentralised energy solutions.

• Initial majority acquisition, with full ownership planned after a two-year transition period.

• Objective: Expand operations in both the Commercial & Industrial (C&I) and Residential market segments.

With Eskom’s 12.7% tariff increase coming in April and further hikes set for 2026 and 2027, South Africans are facing a compounded 26% increase in electricity costs over the next three years. For homeowners and businesses, grid reliance is becoming a financial burden—but for solar installers, this presents a key opportunity to help clients secure their energy future.

Battery storage is no longer just a backup solution for loadshedding—it’s an economic necessity. The cost of waiting to invest in energy storage is growing every single month. Let’s break down what this means for installers, distributors, and end users.

Commercial clients need more than just solar panels—they demand reliable, scalable, and cost-effective solutions. IBC SOLAR’s integrated storage and inverter system delivers unmatched energy security, optimized self-consumption, and long-term value, backed by a 10-year warranty.

Ethanne Soar recently attended the Open Certified Installer Product Training for the ET50, hosted by GoodWe, one of their trusted partners. This training provided an opportunity to deepen knowledge of GoodWe’s product offerings while strengthening the collaboration with a key player in the solar industry.

Cape Town, February 17, 2025 – IBC SOLAR, a leader in solar energy solutions, is excited to announce a change in leadership at its South African subsidiary, IBC SOLAR South Africa (Pty) Ltd, effective from January 15, 2025.

As South Africa continues to embrace solar energy, the recent warning from Eskom regarding homeowners with rooftop solar installations highlights the importance of regulatory compliance. The power utility has made it clear that all grid-tied solar PV systems must be registered, and those who fail to comply could face fines. This development underscores a critical reality: compliance is not just a bureaucratic hurdle but a fundamental step toward a sustainable and secure energy future.

As a global leader in inverter technology, GoodWe continues to push the boundaries of efficiency and innovation. The latest releases—the GoodWe GW125K-GT, GW10K-ES-C10, STS200-80-10, and GW50K-ET-10—are designed to maximise solar energy harvesting, enhance system stability, and support future-proof installations.