The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) hosted its AGM this week and also released its annual report. The recognised voice of South Africa’s PV industry, representing almost 500 members across the value chain, Creamer Media’s Terence Creamer used the opportunity to pose some questions to CEO Dr Rethabile Melamu on the state of the industry and its outlook. The questions and Melamu’s responses follow:
Creamer Media: What was the performance of the solar market in South Africa during 2025, and what were the key drivers?
Rethabile Melamu: South Africa solidified its position as a mature, gigawatt-scale solar market during the 2025/26 financial year. Cumulative installed solar PV capacity officially crossed the 10 GW threshold, driven by 1.6 GW of new installations in 2025, making South Africa Africa's leading solar market and one of the top 20 globally.
Growth was anchored by public and private investment in the utility-scale and commercial and industrial (C&I) segments, with the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) contributing 0.3 GW and non-REIPPPP projects contributing 1.3 GW. Public procurement achieved major milestones through REIPPPP Bid Window 5, with projects reaching commercial operation, including the 225 MW Grootfontein Solar Cluster and the twin 75 MW Grootspruit and Graspan plants (150 MW combined).
