South Africa is in an energy crisis characterized by insufficient energy supply and aging transmission and distribution infrastructure, leading to systematic, nationwide load shedding.
This crisis underscores the critical importance of diversifying the country’s energy sources to mitigate the risk of power shortages. Rooftop solar (RTS) photovoltaic (PV) systems are one potential solution, and this report draws on publicly available information, case studies from other countries, and existing efforts already in process in South Africa to construct a preliminary analysis of barriers and enablers to widespread adoption of RTS PV in South Africa.
The USAID Southern Africa Energy Program (SAEP), a Power Africa initiative, defines RTS as solar power-producing assets that are mounted on fixed structures and which allow the owners of those structures – domestic, commercial, industrial, or a mix of these – to consume the electricity those assets generate, often instead of or in combination with electricity from a grid. RTS programs sponsored at local or national levels sometimes offer structure owners the opportunity to sell excess electricity back to the grid. In these cases, RTS assets can be an additional source of income for owners and an additional source of generation (and stability) for a grid.
SAEP believes that well-designed and thoughtfully implemented RTS programs could create significant opportunities for individuals, businesses, and public institutions in South Africa. However, introducing such programs will require government and industry bodies, private companies, and individual homeowners to work together to address commercial, regulatory, and technical barriers.
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