The maturing solar market requires expert installers backed by robust and supportive OEMs.
When the going gets tough, the pros find new business. The global solar market has experienced several major growth years, adding 618 Gigawatt peak (GWp) in 2025. However, this is a slower pace than in previous years. Even in South Africa, where the solar market added 1.6 GW in 2025 over 2024’s 1.1 GW, that is still a slowdown compared to 2023’s 2.4 GW (Global Solar Council) as systems integrators and installers run into various barriers.
"The demand is still there, but it's not as simple as before," an installer remarked at a recent local solar event, speaking off the record. "Loadshedding is not as big a concern as it was, so there is less urgency to install solar systems. Prices are also higher than before. People want solar systems, but they ask a lot more questions and look for more value."
A maturing market
These comments resonate with Oscar Roberto Harbs Júnior, WEG Africa's Solar Sales Supervisor. South Africa is bountiful in sunshine, and electricity price increases encourage consistent interest in solar and other renewable energies.
