INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY І Smart solarAn artist’s impressionof the proposedsmart solar panelmanufacturing plant.Smart Solar Panel Manufacturing PlantA future-facing local manufacturing plant will be a catalyst for energy sovereigntyand an industrial revival.PROJECT BACKGROUND The vision for theSmart Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant (SSPMP)was born from a deep-rooted belief in Africa’spotential to lead its own energy transition.Against the backdrop of South Africa’s growingenergy crisis, reliance on imports and the urgentneed for localised solutions, the idea crystallised:build a future-facing, locally empowered solarpanel manufacturing facility.The journey began with the strategic groundworkof engaging government stakeholders, aligningwith energy policies like the South African RenewableEnergy Masterplan (SAREM) and the Just EnergyTransition (JET) and securing a footprint withinthe Northern Cape Special Economic Zone (SEZ)to maximise incentives and export potential.Parallel to this, a comprehensive pre-feasibilitystudy was conducted, which confirmed the project’sfinancial viability and market appetite, setting thestage for the next phase.The vision evolved beyond conventionalmanufacturing. SSPMP integrates smart technologies:AI-enabled panels, digital-twin testing, smartmonitoring systems and the ability to generateInternational Renewable Energy Certificates (IRECs)for energy traceability. It is a plant designed forcircularity, powered by renewables and recyclingwater, setting new ESG benchmarks for the sector.Crucially, this journey has been underpinnedby building strong coalitions – from local fundersand international partners, policy makers to privatesector collaborators – each recognising the project’srole in localisation, job creation and energy security.Today, the SSPMP is poised for implementation,with feasibility funding in motion, multiple investorsengaged and a clear roadmap to supply bothdomestic and regional markets. It is not just a factory– it’s a catalyst for South Africa’s energy sovereigntyand industrial revival.LOCATIONWithin the Northern Cape SEZTARGETED SECTORS• IPPs• Eskom 2.0 (target 20GW)• NC Green Hydrogen Scheme• Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC)INVESTMENT VALUEPre-feasibility rough order of magnitude (RoM):0-million or R3.8-billionJOB CREATIONThe Smart Solar Panel Manufacturing Project will createan estimated 5 000 jobs during the construction phase.About 300 direct jobs (including managerial jobs) willbe created during the functional phase, with a further1 000 indirect jobs likely to be created.
| +27 53 833 1503.za | info@investsanc.co.zatsanc.co.zaorthern Cape: A Modern, Growing and Successful Province”2022/23PROJECT DESCRIPTION300MW Smart Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant2022/06/01 13:03Project prioritiesThe 300MW Smrt Solar Panel Manufacturing Plantis a strategic initiative designed to localisesolar panel production in South Africa, reducedependency on imports and drive economicgrowth through renewable energy development.The project prioritises:Local manufacturing and economic development:Establishing a fully operational solar panelproduction facility to boost local industry andjob creation.Energy Security and sustainability: Enhancing SouthAfrica’s renewable energy capacity by ensuring asteady supply of high-quality, locally manufacturedsolar panels.Job creation and skills development: Providing directemployment opportunities for over 300 workers andsupporting thousands more through supply chainactivities, logistics and maintenance.Competitive and technologically advanced production:Incorporating the latest mono PERC and bifacial solarpanel technologies to ensure efficiency, affordabilityand global competitiveness.Export market expansion: Positioning South Africaas a key supplier of solar panels across Africa andinternational markets.Alignment with government policies and climate goals:Supporting the South African Just Energy Transitionplan and national renewable energy targets to reducecarbon emissions.The extensive array at the Droogfontein facilitygives an idea of the potential for solar power inthe Northern Cape.network to source raw materials locally wherepossible. Fortunately, all these materials areavailable in South Africa.Phase 2: Workforce development and launch (Year 2-3)• Recruit and train a skilled workforce, includingengineers, technicians and assembly-line workers.• Implement cutting-edge automation and qualitycontrol systems for efficiency and reliability.• Establish partnerships with local universities andtechnical institutions to foster skills transfer andinnovation in solar manufacturing.Phase 3: Full-scale production (Year 3-4)• Begin commercial-scale production, targeting bothlocal and export markets.• Drive cost efficiencies to make locally producedsolar panels competitive against imports.• Expand product offerings, including customisedsolar modules for different applications (residential,commercial, industrial and utility-scale projects).• Work with the South African government andenergy stakeholders to integrate panels intonational energy programmes.PHOTO: GlobeleqPROJECT DELIVERABLES ANDEXPECTED OUTCOMESThe project will deliver tangible economic,environmental and social benefits, ensuring long-termsustainability and profitability.Phase 1: Plant design and construction (Year 1-3.5)• Secure strategic land for the factory in a highpotentialindustrial zone in the Northern Cape withsun irradiation of circa 6.6kW/m 2 .• Construct a 50 000m 2 manufacturing facility withintegrated R&D, quality control and testing units.• Procure and install state-of-the-art smart solar panelproduction lines with an initial capacity of 300MWannually; Korean technology partners are alreadyin negotiations.• Develop an efficient logistics and supply chainLONG-TERM OUTCOMES AND IMPACT• Increased local manufacturing: Reduce reliance onimported panels, ensure stable supply and pricing.• Economic growth and employment: Creatingthousands of direct and indirect jobs, boostingindustrial and economic development.• Energy transition: Support South Africa’s renewableenergy targets and reduce carbon emissions.• Regional export opportunities: Strengthening SouthAfrica’s role as a renewable energy hub.DIRECT BENEFICIARIESThe establishment of a 300MW solar panelmanufacturing plant in South Africa will have farreachingsocio-economic benefits, directly impactingmultiple groups within the country. This initiative is
