Solar in the Eastern Cape – the cake is big enough for all of us!
The Eastern Cape, along with the entire country of South Africa, is amid an energy crisis and looking for a solution. This urgency has been exacerbated by increased load shedding, the breakdown of municipal power grids and increases in electricity prices. For each province in South Africa this conundrum has posed its own issues and potential solutions, non-more than in the Eastern Cape. Solar power and the solar industry can be one of the solutions to the Eastern Capes energy crisis, a crisis full of opportunities.
The Eastern Cape is not like its sister provinces Gauteng and the Western Cape, its citizens are not generally well informed about the advantages of solar and do not have the capital to install a R150 000 solar system. This may seem like an issue; however, it is actually a great opportunity. This provides a platform for companies to assist in making competitive decisions to advance the technology and lower prices as well as educating the public about solar systems. An opportunity both GREEN Solar Academy and its partner Genergy hope to take advantage of.
These opportunities have driven companies like GENERGY to see an opening in the market to supply residential homes as well as commercial companies with solar PV as an alternative energy solution. GREEN Solar Academy and GENERGY have partnered together because we believe in the localisation of solar PV in the province, which will not only help solve the energy crisis, but also provide employment and support economic growth.
When asked about their experience of the solar market in the Eastern Cape, Dion Lückhoff a business developer at Genergy, had this to say,
“Service, service, and service. The Solar PV market is so competitive, but the cake is just so big – everyone is competing for a bigger slice. Therefore, service means everything. Word of mouth helps to improve image and perceptions about a business. One cannot afford to make any mistakes, or not follow up on customer requests – constant client feedback is critical. We sell a service NOT a product.”
This means that any company interested in getting involved in the solar PV industry in the Eastern Cape needs to focus more than just an installation. They need to be dedicated to excellent service, building exemplary solar installations, and always listening to the customer to make sure the installer gives the customer the right solution. Good service means more than just doing an installation; training and education is pivotal for all solar installers, current or potential.

GREEN Solar Academy and GENERGY have partnered together to improve the education and qualification of solar installers in the Eastern Cape to assist in filling the gap created by the energy crisis and the need for solar PV energy solutions. There are multiple ways in which solar PV can be integrated into the municipalities of the Eastern Cape, such as solar projects for landlords to apply to renters’ homes, microgrids for apartments, or even charging stations for electric cars at petrol stations and shopping centres.
One of the courses GREEN and Genergy recommend to all solar enthusiasts is the SuperSolarSchool. In the SuperSolarSchool, a 5-day comprehensive course for beginner and intermediate level, we lay the foundation to deeper understanding of solar technology. The course is an opportunity for newcomers to gain a lot of knowledge in a short period of time. Participants will be taught by experienced trainers who are ready to share their knowledge and enable the participants to take over their first projects quickly and efficiently.
The next course in Port Elizabeth takes place on:
Date: 10 -14 May
Duration: 5 days, Mon 9:00 AM – Fri 5:00 PM
Location: Genergy building, 3 Alabaster Street, South End, Port Elizabeth, 6001
Price: R12,500.00 excl. VAT
Click here to register!
GREEN and Genergy are excited about solar renewable energy in the Eastern Cape and its potential for growth. There is great opportunity for the province and its people to adopt a sustainable mindset that will reduce the impact of fossil fuels, reduce energy costs, protect its beautiful environment, and improve everyone’s well-being through the application of solar energy. It is empowering being part of a new and growing industry that is making a difference.
GREEN and Genergy are going to be working to educate and empower the people of the Eastern Cape about solar energy and all its opportunities. Installers will have access to our various courses and support as well as the SAPVIA assessment for accreditation. This will begin to help create a high standard for all installers in the Eastern Cape and provide the customer with the confidence and satisfaction of a quality installation.

If you are interested in becoming part of a fast growing and effective industry, please contact usn or book directly:
10 -14 May @ the Genergy building, 3 Alabaster Street, South End, Port Elizabeth, 6001
Price: R12,500.00 excl. VAT
Click here to register!
GREEN Solar Academy
Call: +27 (0) 10 312 6724
Whatsapp: +27 73 223 0521
Email: info@solar-training.org
Or visit out website at www.solar-training.org