Unlocking the potential of solar power and ensuring South Africa reaps the economic and societal benefits of renewable energy took a positive step forward this week (on 13 October 2020) as the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association [6], (SAPVIA) and SolarPower Europe , the European association for solar power, joined forces.

Both SolarPower Europe and SAPVIA have been at the forefront of shaping the regulatory environment in their respective territories. By joining forces, they will drive forward innovation through knowledge sharing, adopting best practice and the exchange of information. The partnership will serve to elevate the sector and deliver on its potential to reach nearly 1 TW of global generation capacity in 2021.

SAPVIA COO Niveshen Govender says, "this partnership will allow SAPVIA to help our members capitalise on the significant opportunities solar PV
offers. We need to create the right framework for growth, establish the right governance and renewable energy regulations as well as ensure industry is ready to make the step change and accelerate the growth of solar PV."

"Working with SolarPower Europe we will share global best practices with our members through dynamic knowledge sharing to develop and grow the solar PV value chain in South Africa. We will help create new business opportunities in the European and South African solar PV markets by cooperating across a number of key areas that we believe will deliver immediate and sustainable results."

Over the next 12 months, SAPVIA and SolarPower Europe members will gain access to exclusive webinars and events. This will start with international knowledge sharing and the development of best practices guidelines for solar PV Operation and Maintenance.

The partnership will allow South African and European players to access knowledge on digitalisation and storage; policy advocacy, regulatory framework and sustainability and recycling to fully untap solar's global potential.

Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe said: "South Africa is the largest solar market in Africa and the potential for growth is extraordinary. We look forward to exchanging knowledge and best practices to benefit both the European and South African solar sectors. Together, we can accelerate the growth of solar power, bring vast economic and social opportunities to both continents, and pave the way to a climate-neutral future."

SolarPower Europe is the voice of the solar industry in Europe, with more than 200 members active along the whole solar PV value chain.
SolarPower Europe's mission is to shape the regulatory environment and enhance business opportunities for solar in the European market.
SolarPower Europe develops award winning business intelligence and best practices reports on markets, industry and technologies, informing its members and external stakeholders on the latest trends of the PV industry.

The association is acknowledged as an essential content provider for European political stakeholders - including EU institutions and opinion leaders. SolarPower Europe is registered as an international non-profit making organisation under Belgian law.

The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association is a non-profit industry association that aims to promote, develop and grow the Photovoltaic sector as part of the wider renewable energy industry in South Africa. The association serves the collective interests of its members with regards to, amongst others, developmental, regulatory and socio-economic matters. The association, which had 8 members at its inception, was officially launched in 2011. As at 31 March 2020, SAPVIA had 130 members and 244 registered rooftop installation companies.

Issued by HWB Communications Pty Ltd on behalf of SAPVIA