
It's My House: Solar energy and property value
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Energy supply is a critical factor when it comes to social and economic activities. Without a stable supply of energy, economic activities are hampered and often damaged irreparably. Economic industries need consistent energy supply to achieve their business objectives just like households depend on a reliable supply of energy for lighting, food storage, cooling, cooking and entertainment. South Africa’s energy supply mix is derived from various sources such as fossil fuels like coal and oil, natural gas, hydroelectricity, wind, geothermal energy, solar, etc.
STATE OF SOLAR ENERGY SUPPLY IN SOUTH AFRICA
Through the department of energy, the government has capitalised on the abundant sunshine the country enjoys to initiate solar energy projects and increase the country’s generational capacity. It is estimated that South Africa gets exposed to about 2,500 hours of sunshine per year, with average direct solar radiation levels ranging between 4.5 and 6.5 kWh/m2 (kilowatt-hours per square meter per day).
This has led to major development of solar plants across the country through government as well as public and private sector partnerships. Some of these include Kathu, the largest solar park in South Africa which produces about 100MW, the Jasper Solar Power Project which produces 96MW, the Solar Capital De Aar Project with a combined capacity of 175 MW, and Kalkbult solar power which produces 75MW. It is expected that the country will produce about 8,400 MW of solar energy by 2030.
STATE OF SOLAR ENERGY SUPPLY IN SOUTH AFRICA
Through the department of energy, the government has capitalised on the abundant sunshine the country enjoys to initiate solar energy projects and increase the country’s generational capacity. It is estimated that South Africa gets exposed to about 2,500 hours of sunshine per year, with average direct solar radiation levels ranging between 4.5 and 6.5 kWh/m2 (kilowatt-hours per square meter per day).
This has led to major development of solar plants across the country through government as well as public and private sector partnerships. Some of these include Kathu, the largest solar park in South Africa which produces about 100MW, the Jasper Solar Power Project which produces 96MW, the Solar Capital De Aar Project with a combined capacity of 175 MW, and Kalkbult solar power which produces 75MW. It is expected that the country will produce about 8,400 MW of solar energy by 2030.

