Working Groups

Our working groups bring together the best specialists in their respective areas. Each working group examines key issues, shares best practice and suggests improved approaches to build and enhance their specialist area for the benefit of the whole solar PV industry.

The working groups are made up of a number of individuals who have volunteered to share specialist knowledge and expertise. Meeting regularly, members are able to make valuable connections as well as provide SAPVIA with an invaluable resource from which we can pull expertise when we consider specific issues and themes.

If you would like to join any of our Working Groups please contact Lineo Masopha on: lineo@sapvia.org.za

Mouse-over each block below for more information.

Assets

The Asset Working Group focuses on the ownership and/or operation of utility scale power plants that in construction or operational. 

The Asset Working Group focuses on the ownership and/or operation of utility scale power plants that in construction or operational. The working group strives to represent the majority of assets in order to speak convincingly on behalf of the sector.

Grid Access

The Grid Access has been established for the purpose of addressing matters related to grid connections. 

The working group is tasked to work with government, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), Eskom and local municipalities to promote viable and sustainable grid access for Wind and PV plants – specifically focusing on the large-scale (REIPPPP) market segment, as well as other RE market segments as required.

Skills for PV

This working group will focus on skills development for capacity development. Looking at scarce skills and opportunities to create a suitably qualified workforce in solar PV.

This working group will focus on skills development for capacity development. Looking at scarce skills and opportunities to create a suitably qualified workforce in solar PV.

Policy

SAPVIA has partnered with the South African Wind Energy Association to form the Policy Working Group. 

The Group exists to support the development and sustainability of the solar and wind energy industries in South Africa through proactive engagement with key Government, NGO, civil society and business stakeholders on matters of policy development, legislation and regulation. 

Gender Diversity

Formed in collaboration with SAWEA, this Group will mainstream gender issues within the renewable energy industry by creating a platform and framework that will actively address gender diversity matters within the energy sector. 

The collaboration includes WE Connect, an NPO focusing on the empowerment of women within the renewable energy sector, with the intention of maximizing capacity and increasing the programme’s impact by incorporating gender coaching and mentorship.

Manufacturing

The Manufacturing Working Group should be made up of local manufacturers, OEMs, and component distributers.

The MWG should focus on specific issues that relate to the development of local PV value-chains, and to contribute to a meaningful definition and position of local content as it relates to the REIPPPP and other government-led procurement programmes.

SED-ED

Made up of members from the solar and wind industry, the joint SED-ED working group was launched to coordinate aspects of SED-ED initiatives at sector level. 

The group has a focus to support the sectors PR efforts and ensure the success stories of the REIPPPP SED projects are communicated to relevant audiences. The group aims to develop and disseminate advice on good practice for community development and engagement and promote collaboration and knowledge sharing amongst IPPs in maximizing the social returns of the renewable energy program at local and district level.

Environment

This Group is to proactively engage with national / provincial authorities and stakeholders on environmental aspects of solar and wind energy development.

The Group exists to support the development and sustainability of the solar and wind energy industries in South Africa through proactive engagement with key Government, NGO, civil society and business stakeholders on matters of policy development, legislation and regulation. 

Distributed Generation

The Distributed Generation Working Group is focused on driving industry quality and market access for all stakeholders, particularly the end user. 

In so doing, the group is tasked to work with government, local municipalities and other relevant stakeholders such as Eskom and NERSA, in the creation of a viable and sustainable embedded PV market in South Africa. In addition, the group driving industry quality and that international best practices are implemented in the market.

Technical

This group has been formed with the express purpose of identifying, debating and ultimately addressing all technical related matters that affect the development, construction and operation of solar PV and wind energy facilities in South Africa. 

The Group focusses on matters relating to grid integration and grid code compliance, network planning and regulation, government support mechanisms and engagement, generation licensing, routes & barriers to market and compliance with national technical standards.

Market Segment
System Size
Total Capacity
Residential
0 - 30 kWp
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Commercial and Industrial (C&I) - SSEG
30kWp - 1MWp
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C&I Large Scale and utility scale
1MWP - 50MWp
--
Utility Scale
> 50MWp
--
TOTAL
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