Solar trade bolsters supply, promotes cost-efficiency

The growing trade of solar power by independent power producers (IPPs) is playing a pivotal role in South Africa’s rapidly deregulating electricity market. By diversifying the energy mix and increasing competition for the State-owned power utility, solar trading is setting the stage for a cleaner, more cost-efficient grid. “Trade in solar energy has laid the groundwork for a more open and competitive electricity market, shifting away from a single-buyer model towards a dynamic, multi-actor environment that supports competitive pricing,” says Enerweb CEO Santego Govender, whose company specialises in digital solutions for energy markets.