Bid Window 7 proves that solar can – and does – deliver

The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) celebrates a significant milestone following the Department of Electricity and Energy’s allocation of six new solar PV projects under Bid Window 7 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).

These six projects, totalling 1,290 megawatts (MW), solidify solar PV’s leading role in South Africa’s clean energy transition. All awarded projects were secured by SAPVIA member companies, highlighting the industry’s proven competitiveness and reliability.

Scatec secured three projects, contributing 700MW, while Red Rocket South Africa secured three projects totalling 590MW. All are in the Free State province, a high solar resource region ideal for large-scale energy generation and local socio-economic development.

This allocation boosts the total solar PV capacity awarded under Bid Window 7 to over 3,200MW, making it the most solar-heavy round in the programme’s history. This underscores solar PV’s vital contribution to national energy security and sustainability.

“This moment is a powerful signal of confidence in the solar PV industry and our members’ capabilities,” said Dr. Rethabile Melamu, CEO of SAPVIA.

“Bid Window 7 proves solar PV can deliver clean, utility-scale energy projects and leads South Africa towards an energy-secure, low-carbon future. Our industry’s resilience and innovation, particularly through policy and infrastructure challenges, have brought us to this point, delivering value to South African households, businesses, and the national grid.”

South Africa’s total operational solar PV capacity now stands at 8,969MW. This includes 2,287MW from earlier REIPPPP rounds, 540MW from the Risk Mitigation IPP Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP), and 6,142MW from private sector installations, which have seen significant growth due to policy shifts enabling distributed generation and private power purchase agreements.

While residential solar installations have moderated since load-shedding eased in March 2024, commercial and industrial installations remain robust. SAPVIA anticipates further acceleration as battery energy storage systems become more integrated and cost competitive.

SAPVIA cautions that the industry’s full potential depends on urgent action to address existing bottlenecks, particularly concerning transmission capacity.

Grid access constraints remain a critical issue for Independent Power Producers (IPPs), especially in high-yield provinces like the Northern Cape, Free State, and North-West, where transmission infrastructure is limited and grid capacity is rapidly depleting.

“For that reason, we welcome the recently published NERSA consultation paper on grid capacity allocation rules to which SAPVIA has submitted inputs. Implementing transparent queuing and connection processes rules will be immensely useful for the country,” says Melamu.

In addition, the association advocates for expanded investment in grid infrastructure and strengthening Eskom’s Grid Access Unit relevant capacity within municipalities. SAPVIA also supports introducing grid-enhancing technologies, finalising the Integrated Resource Plan, and rolling out the South African Wholesale Electricity Market for a more competitive and future-fit energy system.

“The future of South Africa’s energy system relies not just on how much we build, but on how efficiently we connect it to the grid,” added Melamu.

“SAPVIA urges all stakeholders to prioritise enabling conditions that will unlock even greater renewable energy investment and delivery.”

Financial close for these projects is anticipated in early 2026. Bid Window 7 marks a critical step forward in the country’s energy transformation, expected to create thousands of local jobs, drive skills development, and stimulate regional economies, particularly in under-resourced provinces.

“This is more than a win for solar PV; it is a win for South Africa,” Melamu concluded.

Image credit: Freepik