Welcome to Solar Capital Energy Green Power

Powered By The Sun

Built For The Future

We’re shaping the future of renewable power. With a focus on clean, affordable solar energy, we’re driving innovation and sustainability to create a brighter, greener tomorrow.

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Accolades Earned
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Satisfied Clients
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Projects Completed
1 K+
Solar Panels Installed

What is Solar Capital

Energy Bubble

Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy resources exist over wide geographical areas, in contrast to other energy sources, which are concentrated in a limited number of countries. Rapid deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency is resulting in significant energy security, climate change mitigation, and economic benefits.

Energy Bubble

Our Technologies

Our Technologies

Solar Capital believes in powering a new generation of affordable solar electricity. Having innovation at the basis of our philosophy, we at Solar Capital and Phelan Energy are developing our own proprietary technologies through our dedicated Research and Development Department

Energy Bubble

Management Services

Management Services

Solar Capital Management Services (MSC) specializes in the management of renewable energy projects and operational facilities on behalf of the developer. We provide a wide spectrum of management services to ensure the successful delivery of projects through the effective and efficient management of the facilities during their life cycle.

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Our Projects

De Aar - Eskom Holdings Limited

Total Farm Extent: 2674 Hectares
Total Project Site Extent: 282 Hectares
Global Horizontal Irradiation: 2168
Eslom Assets Traversing Site: 132kV Eskom line traverses our site
Completed: April 2016
Installed Capacity: 90MW

De Aar 3 - Eskom Holdings Limited

Total Farm Extent: 2674 Hectares
Total Project Site Extent: 191 Hectares
Global Horizontal Irradiation: 2168
Eslom Assets Traversing Site: 132kV Eskom line traverses our site

Loeriesfontein - Eskom Holdings Limited

Total Farm Extent: 6816 Hectares
Total Project Site Extent: 186 Hectares
Global Horizontal Irradiation: 2267 kWh/m2
Eslom Assets Traversing Site: 8KM Adjacent to the farm

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About us

As we continue to grow, Solar Capital remains focused on delivering sustainable, low-cost energy, ensuring a cleaner and more resilient energy landscape for South Africa.

The Future of Energy

Solar Capital, a leading subsidiary of Phelan Green Energy, is at the forefront of South Africa’s transition to a sustainable energy future. With a focus on large-scale solar PV development, Solar Capital is dedicated to harnessing the power of the sun to drive clean, renewable energy solutions across the country.

Making Positive Change

Our mission is not only to generate energy but to provide long-lasting, positive change. Solar Capital’s approach is cantered around innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. By prioritizing cutting-edge technology and environmentally conscious practices, we ensure that our projects benefit both the planet and the communities we serve.

Opportunities and Growth

At the heart of our values is a commitment to making a tangible impact. Solar Capital not only delivers energy but also creates meaningful employment opportunities, fosters local economic growth, and supports the development of a more resilient infrastructure. Our team of experts, driven by a shared passion for renewable energy, continually strives to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the solar industry.

The Latest News Stories Awards

Posted: May 24, 2022

Top SA Government Official Joins Phelan Energy Group

Mr Garrith Bezuidenhoudt has joined Phelan Energy Group (Phelan) as Global Head of Hydrogen.  Phelan was established in Cape Town...
Read More
Posted: July 7, 2017

Phelan Energy Group New Low Record Price

A world leader in the development of affordable Solar PV solutions, Phelan Energy Group Limited (PEG), has made global headlines this week by winning a contract to develop a 50MWac...
Read More
Posted: June 8, 2016

Reducing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder In De Aar

More common in South Africa than Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida and Autism combined,Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) directly affects at least 3 million people...
Read More
Posted: June 7, 2016

Inspiring Youngster Shares His Recipe For Success

I am 21-years-old and I am originally from Bloemfontein in the Free State. In Grade 11 I had to quit school because both my parents had passed away and I needed to support...
Read More
Posted: June 7, 2016

Skills Development and Youth Employment De Aar

I am 23-years-old and am originally from Mossel Bay. I have been living with my paternal grandparents in De Aar for the last 15 years...
Read More
Posted: June 7, 2016

How I Am Paying It Back: Simon Dithebe

I grew up in a suburb called WY8, which is part of the small town of Kuruman in the Northern Cape. My father passed away while I was still a small child...
Read More
Posted: June 2, 2016
Aljone-Meyer

Young Business Woman Inspired by Entrepreneurial Development Programme

I grew up in Graff-Reinet where I lived with my parents and two brothers. It was not a happy household and I was glad to leave as soon as I…
Read More
Posted: June 1, 2016
Solar-Capital panels

The green and clean energy we need in SA according to Paschal Phelan

The environmental change sweeping our world is happening at a rate far faster than previously imagined, concluded the Global Environmental Outlook (GEO-6) study carried out by United Nations Environment Programme…
Read More
Posted: May 17, 2016
Chardin_Booysen

Youngsters In Service of Their Communities

The aphorism ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’ is associated with the idea that improvements in the general economy will benefit all participants in that economy. It is especially relevant…
Read More
Posted: May 17, 2016
Franquois_Jonkers

Changing Lives In De Aar: The Story of Francquois Jonkers

I was raised by a single mother in De Aar during the 80s and 90s and was devastated when she passed away when I was 9. Luckily for me, I…
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Posted: May 12, 2016
Janet-Matthee

Are SA businesses doing enough to give back

Are businesses doing enough to give back to the communities in which they work? This has been a question that many South African companies have faced since Corporate Social Investment…
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Posted: May 11, 2016
Pascal-Phelan

Paschal Phelan: Solar Energy Entrepreneur

Last week another 90MW of solar-generated electricity officially started feeding into the national grid. It marked a triumph for Paschal Phelan, an Irishman who has played a pivotal role in…
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Posted: April 28, 2016

Adwea pre-qualifies 48 firms to set up 350 megawatt solar photovoltaic plant

Article by: Haseeb Haider Read the full article here Over 90 companies originally showed interest to Adwea’s request for an Expression of Interest or EOI Abu Dhabi Water…
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Posted: April 14, 2016

The Value Of Investing In Renewable Energy According To Paschal Phelan

The success of the Department of Energy’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme is a shining example of South Africa’s ability to undertake large infrastructure programmes…
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Posted: April 11, 2016

Wind and Solar Are Crushing Fossil Fuels

Article by: Tom Randall Read the full article here Record clean energy investment outpaces gas and coal 2 to 1. Wind and solar have grown seemingly unstoppable…
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Posted: March 17, 2016

Largest Solar Farm In Southern Hemisphere Launches In De Aar

March 2016: Today, The Honourable Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson, Minister of Energy, inaugurated the 175MW Solar Capital facility based in De Aar, Northern Cape – making it the largest solar farm…
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Posted: March 16, 2016

Solar Power – Most Affordable Source Of Energy In SA Says Paschal Phelan

March 2016: In the Budget Speech on 24 February 2016, the Honourable Mr Pravin Gordhan, Finance Minister of South Africa, announced that the Department of Energy’s (DoE) Independent Power Producers…
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Posted: February 16, 2016

Power Solutions And Jobs Need To Be Top Of Budget Speech Agenda Says Paschal Phelan

On Wednesday, 24 February 2016, the Minister of Finance will present Parliament with the top level plan for South Africa’s finances. As part of this year’s Budget Speech…
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Posted: September 29, 2015

Department of Energy Sheds Light on REIPPs

The Minister of Energy, Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson and the Department of Energy are proud to announce the additional preferred bidders from the renewable energy independent power producer procurement programme (REIPPPP)…
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Posted: May 9, 2014

Solar Energy Key To Combating Massive Energy Shortage In SA

10 February 2014: In a bid to avoid a massive energy shortage in South Africa, which has been brought on by significant expansion of the local economy and the rising…
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Posted: May 9, 2014

SA Solar Energy Player Wins International Renewable Energy Award

19 February 2014: Solar Capital, a prominent solar energy producer in South Africa, has walked away with the prestigious Best Renewable Energy Company in Africa at the recently held ‘The…
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Posted: May 9, 2014

Solar Capital Nominated For Prestigious International Business Award

March 2014: Solar Capital, a prominent solar energy producer in South Africa, has been nominated in the prestigious ‘The European Magazine’s 2014 Excellence Awards’ as Solar Company of the Year…
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Top SA Government Official Joins Phelan Energy Group

Mr Garrith Bezuidenhoudt has joined Phelan Energy Group (Phelan) as Global Head of Hydrogen.

Phelan was established in Cape Town 15 years ago and is now a leading International Solar Energy Developer with presence in, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia.

In his new role at Phelan Energy Group, based in Dubai and Cape Town, he will be responsible to guide and drive the major move by Phelan to become a key international supplier of Green Ammonia to service the vast demand for Green Hydrogen products. The Phelan plan will leverage its pre-eminence and international footprint in low cost solar, that represents up to 75% of the production cost of Green Hydrogen. It has acquired a substantial landbank in several key international locations to meet it first phase target of 2,500,000 tons of Green Ammonia per year.

In a career spanning over 14 years at the DMRE, Mr Bezuidenhoudt was Chief of Staff to successive Ministers of Energy, as well as overseeing the International Relations portfolio in the former Department of Energy. His illustrious career commenced in the Office of the Premier in the Northern Cape Provincial Government, and has spanned, representation as a director on the Board of the Central Energy Fund (CEF SOC Ltd), the Executive Boards of the International Energy Forum (IEF), the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO), and as the primary focal point for the DMRE to the International Energy Agency (IEA). He was extensively involved at a bilateral and multilateral level in South Africa’s international exposure including with BRICS and G20 liaison.

Garrith holds a BAdmin (Honours) from the University of the Western Cape where he is also a Masters candidate at present.

Paschal Phelan, Chairman of Phelan, commented “now that cost of Green Hydrogen is significantly lower than fossil fuel based Grey Hydrogen, the race is on to generate volume production, for what is forecast to be a new US$90 billion market by 2030. The European Union is on record that it will have to import over 50% of its requirements if it is to reach it’s agreed decarbonization targets. Our aim is to utilize our significant solar and wind experience to be a high-volume, low-cost producer for markets in Europe and Far East”

Phelan Energy Group New Low Record Price

A world leader in the development of affordable Solar PV solutions, Phelan Energy Group Limited (PEG), has made global headlines this week by winning a contract to develop a 50MWac solar power plant in Rajasthan, India.

This sets a new benchmark in the development of clean, renewable power and falls in line with the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s vision of “clean power for all”.

PEG’s bid of Rs2.62 per kWh (ca 4 USD cents per kWh) sets a new low record solar tariff in India, more than 15% lower than previous Indian record achieved in April 2017. According to energy experts and current market conditions, the price achieved by PEG is lower than the average rate of power generated by the coal-fuelled projects of India’s largest power generation utility, NTPC Ltd, at Rs3.20 per unit.

The Indian government has one of the largest solar programmes in the world, with a plan for over 100 GW in the next 5 years.

PEG, the developer of the largest solar farm in Southern Africa, with 175MWp, won the online reverse auction in India where 14 pre-selected international solar companies duelled for over 10 hours.

“The result from this bid has proved that solar power is no longer simply an alternative, but is the de facto cheapest form of power available in a coal power-dominated market such as India,” says Paschal Phelan, Chairman of PEG. “This further undermines the viability of other traditional sources of energy such as nuclear.”

“The coal and nuclear industries will fight to hold the old order with non-moving solar cells able to convert sunshine directly into electricity at half the price with minimal environmental impact,” Phelan adds.

Phelan Energy Group Limited, ‘PEG’ is a world leader in the development of Solar PV solutions, powering a new generation of affordable solar electricity. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, PEG has built up a highly competitive local and international proficiency in renewable energy. Its subsidiary Solar Capital is the leading solar PV developer in South Africa with the largest solar installation in Southern Africa at 175 MW, that is grid connected, and in excess of 2000 MW of farm ready pipeline.

Reducing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder In De Aar

More common in South Africa than Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida and Autism combined,Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) directly affects at least 3 million people in the country1. Drinking alcohol while you are pregnant can result in permanent harm to your unborn baby. With a disproportionate prevalence of FASD in De Aar in the Northern Cape, the South African based Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR) began its work in the area.

Through the funding received from Solar Capital, who this year launched the largest solar farm in the Southern Hemisphere, FARR introduced the Healthy Mother Healthy Baby© (HMHB) Programme in De Aar. With the goal of supporting pregnant women to have healthier pregnancies and healthier FASD-free babies, the FAAR programme strives to reduce FASD by empowering women with knowledge and providing access to health and supportive services.

Solar Capital has been involved in the funding of FARR’s flagship project in De Aar since 2013. When beginning construction outside of De Aar in 2012, Head of Economic Development at Solar Capital, Janice Finlay, saw the widespread effects of FASD first-hand.

“I knew that De Aar had been declared as the town with the highest reported rate of FASD in the world in the early 2000’s with 12.2% of babies being affected. It was only after visiting this area that I understood why. This rate is certainly linked to historical and socio-economic factors which have manifested in an area with a high unemployment rate, poverty, a culture of violence, dysfunctional families and a sense of hopelessness”, says Finlay.

To date FARR has experienced a definite decrease in the number on children born with FASD in De Aar. Paediatrician, geneticist and found of FARR, Professor Viljoen, remembers how common FASD was in this first clinics. Now he rarely diagnoses a child with FASD and refers far fewer children with other health problems for further assessment.

The HMHB© Programme also helps in raising awareness of the problems of alcohol abuse and FASD by means of a ‘Sensible Drinking’ programme which boyfriends and husbands are also encouraged to attend. Much time is also spent with local teachers to ensure that referrals are made where appropriate and that skills on how to deal with FASD and other learning problems are gained.

“Mothers who participate in the programme are better equipped to make informed decisions about their pregnancies and ultimately the health of their unborn babies. They also gain information and skills to ensure that they can spread FASD prevention messages to their family, friends and other community members,” says Finlay.

The University of Stellenbosch’s Nutrition Information Centre also states that children with FASD are often born prematurely or with a low birth weight. This puts the child at risk for infectious diseases and ill health. “Individuals with FASD tend to be approximately 10% smaller than their normal peers,” says Finlay.

South Africa has the highest reported FASD rates in the world with prevalence rates ranging between 27/1000 or 2,7% (in Gauteng); 122/1000 or 12,2% in the Northern Cape Province; 130/1000 or 13% in the Eastern Cape Province and 290/1000 and 29% in the Western Cape Province2.

Finlay explains that FASD can include structural anomalies as well as behavioural and neuro-cognitive disabilities. “FASD is often characterised by facial and neural abnormalities, growth retardation, as well as malformations of other organ systems. What is regrettable is that this is the most preventable cause of mental retardation worldwide, and that the damage is permanent and irreversible.”

Solar Capital sees enormous value in funding the FARR Project in the area. “Our involvement provides FARR with essential financial support which they use to develop local capacity within the community to facilitate the birth of healthier children and to provide improved care to family members. Alcohol abuse and FASD had a crippling effect on this community,” says Finlay.

With projects like these we are contributing to the psycho-social and economic well-being of society and a healthy new generation. “We encourage more corporates to start funding similar projects in the rest of South Africa in order to develop healthier and stronger communities and to support the government departments in their challenging tasks,” concludes Finlay.

1 Due to financial and other resource constraints, the majority of the FASD research conducted in South Africa is at present done by FARR and is limited to 4 of the 9 provinces. In the Western Cape Province, an American group (FASER) is doing research in two districts.

2 In accordance with international criteria for FASD prevalence studies, all these investigations were done with Grade One Learners.

Inspiring Youngster Shares His Recipe For Success

I am 21-years-old and I am originally from Bloemfontein in the Free State. In Grade 11 I had to quit school because both my parents had passed away and I needed to support myself. For a year or so I worked at a DSTV company installing satellite dishes, after which I started my own business selling fruit and vegetables from a small stall in one of the surrounding informal settlements.Although I managed to get by, I still had dreams of studying and creating a career for myself.

The year before last, my cousin who lives in De Aar told me about the Northern Cape Rural FET College in De Aar where I could study Hospitality for two years on a government bursary. I am now in my second year of study and even though I see many other students drop out, I am determined to finish. I am very lucky because I really enjoy this field of study and when I am done the qualifications will be equal to that of a matric.

When I heard about the Solar Capital Entrepreneurial Development Youth Programme at the beginning of this year I decided to join. I think it is important to keep your options open and learn as much as you can. Also,I am able to do this course alongside my studies.

The programme has been very helpful to me as it has allowed me to see that there are opportunities if you look for them. I learnt a lot, like business skills and marketing, but most importantly how to look for the right opportunity.

I discussed a number of business ideas with my mentors, and we eventually decided on something we all thought would work. Once the business is up and running I will be able to carry on with it alongside my studies, or something else I do.

My idea is to recycle plastic bottles. There is so much rubbish around De Aar that we would not run short, and it would clean up the area for us locals. Also, my mentors tell me that the return on plastic is much higher than that on cardboard boxes for example. During the week people could collect plastic and bring it to me. I will pay them for this. Then on the weekends I could go and collect plastic myself. There is a local waste broker here in De Aar that I would sell all of this to.

I haven’t yet set up my business, but when I do, the extra income will be a big help in my personal life. I will also use any extra income to put towards growing my business further.

The average man on the street in South Africa doesn’t have knowledge about what is going on inside and outside a business. This programme assisted us in learning so much about the admin side of business. I think it is valuable because South Africa has such a high unemployment rate, and if we entrepreneurs create successful businesses we can create further jobs for other people who are unemployed. We would give other people a chance.

Skills Development and Youth Employment in De Aar

I am 23-years-old and am originally from Mossel Bay. I have been living with my paternal grandparents in De Aar for the last 15 years.

When I finished school there was no funding for me to continue with tertiary studies, but I took up a civil learnership in aerobics through Raubex Training Centre in Bloemfontein for 10 months. The same organisation then sent me for IT training at CTU Training Solutions while I worked for them in order to obtain practical experience. After finishing this internship I had no plans and hadn’t found a job, so I took the opportunity when approached to join the Solar Capital Community Development Workers(CDW) programme at the beginning of 2015.

I am still part of the CDW programme. We have workshops and classes once a month and further assignments to do this year. This course has totally changed the way I see the world, and so has changed me as a person, but it has also opened up the amazing opportunity for me of becoming an IT Facilitator at the Solar Capital Community Centre.

 Solar Capital was looking for two IT Facilitators at their centre to assist any members of the public who use the IT resources. They chose me as they knew me from the CDW course to attend further eSkills training through the Vaal University of Technology. The other IT Facilitator and I graduated from this course in May 2016.

There is a top notch computer lab with free Wi-Fi at the centre that is open to anyone to use. Some of the public don’t know how to use a computer at all, others need help with how to do searches etc. I don’t know everything, but I will try my best to assist them and learn together with them.

I am now not only employed, but the CDW course has assisted me on a much deeper level. It has restructured me personally and so I am able to start in assisting with the restructuring of our community.

When starting the course I found it difficult to talk about my life experiences. I am not a talker and I used to mask my feelings. We spoke about some negative things over and over again. It was difficult to relive a memory I didn’t want to relive at all. But, in the end it really helped me so much that I am more of an open person than before. I can now easily talk about what happened and talk to other people and give them advice. I now understand that I have to let go; I have to accept things and move forward. It is the only way I am going to be happy.

This CDW course was a great opportunity and allowed me to learn something new. I am now able to better relate to people and offer assistance emotionally and practically. This will definitely help me in my IT Facilitator position and in any other position I hold in the future.

There are opportunities out there if you grab them with both hands. It doesn’t matter where you start, from the bottom or not. Don’t let any opportunity pass you by.

How I Am Paying It Back: Simon Dithebe

I grew up in a suburb called WY8, which is part of the small town of Kuruman in the Northern Cape. My father passed away while I was still a small child. I was told I was still crawling. So myself and my five brothers and sisters were brought up by my mother. Very sadly she also passed away when I was 12, at which point my grandparents took over looking after us.

While I was in school I got a part-time job as a fruit picker on a grape farm called De Wet Nel Boerderye. I used to work there during the holidays and on weekends and while there was promoted through a number of positions. Mr Rafe Shabaily, the manager of the farm, really invested in me. He saw that I was a people’s person and was determined to make a success of my life and so he decided to fund my studies in Human Resources at the University of the North West in Mafikeng.

Mr Shabaily funded all three years of my university studies, from books to the tuition fees and the residence. I remember the day after graduation we sat in his office and he said “Simon you must never think that you owe me a single cent”. I couldn’t believe my ears and he could see that I was shocked. He repeated it again and said “Yes you heard me; not a single cent”.

I chose to go back to the farm and spend five years working there as a way to say thank you to Mr Shabailyand the management of the farm.

The passing of my father while I was so young propelled me into becoming a photographer. I don’t have any trace of what he looked like, and as a tribute to him, I began taking quality photos of the community so that one day,when their loved ones pass on, they can show the new generations what their late family looked like.

Using an analogue Minolta camera this calling became a small business for me while working at the farm. Fourteen years later my side-line business is now my main source of income and has grown to include videography and music.

Attending Solar Capital’s Entrepreneurial Development Programme gave me the added push I needed to expand my vision.The funding from Solar Capital allowed me to buy hi-tech equipment which increased my earnings substantially. I then used this extra revenue to buy a people carrier which I now use to transport KFC employees to and from work. All in all this process allowed my income to double!

My next dream is to run a successful brick selling business. I have already started on this, but I need to start marketing this for it to become successful.

The assistance given to me by Mr Shabaily when I was younger taught me to assist wherever I can and to bless the people around me with whatever I might have in my hands. It might look small but to someone near me it can be the biggest thing he / she ever wanted.

I have encouraged three of my helpers who work with me at the bricks manufacturing business to go back to school. Two are now doing hospitality and one is doing public administration at the De Aar FET College. I am so proud of them for having seen the importance of going back to school.

The opportunity afforded to me by Solar Capital’s Entrepreneurial Development Programme helped me in fulfilling my dream to become the businessman I am today. I want to pay forward some of this good fortune, and so I am now mentoring a young man by the name of Lee Evans in photography. He is a participant in the Entrepreneurial Development Youth Programme run by Solar Capital and I hope I can help to inspire him and assist in growing his passion for this art form.

Young Business Woman Inspired by Solar Capital Entrepreneurial Development Programme

Aljone-Meyer

I grew up in Graff-Reinet where I lived with my parents and two brothers. It was not a happy household and I was glad to leave as soon as I could. As my parents could not afford to send me to university, I left home, got a bursary to attend the University of the North West and supported myself by working part-time. I put in a lot of hard work and gruelling hours, but in 2010I graduated with the Bachelor of Commerce in Law.
 
I was very pleased with my achievements and went to Cape Town to try and find work, but without any experience I was unsuccessful in my search. I came back to the Northern Cape and stayed with my mother who had moved to De Aar in 2008. I took up teaching Grade 12 Accounting and Business Studies in Richmond and in De Aar. This was not something I enjoyed and I didn’t feel like it was a calling for me. So, when I saw an advert in the local paper about the Solar Capital Entrepreneurial Development Programme I decided to stop teaching and join.

At the same time as starting the Solar Capital programme I also opened up my own business – an entrepreneurial development consultancy. Although the programme covered a lot of business basics which I already knew because of my degree, I can now use the practical knowledge gained from the course to mentor my clients going forward.
 
My consultancy is a one stop shop. You can come to me about legal representation, wealth management, marketing etc. I have had a number of clients this year. What I do is set up a business strategy for them, help them with their marketing, and assist them with the smooth running of their business and in finding opportunities, resources and funding. At the moment I am working on a strategy for a fuel station in Phillipstown which I am finding very exciting. It is going to be the only petrol station within a 40km radius and will offer a number of services.
 
Later this year I will assist an OK supermarket that is opening up in De Aar. I am looking forward to that as it will be a large and challenging project. I am also looking to target businesses in small towns in the surrounding areas like Graff-Reinet as this type of business is just not found around here, and I think small business owners will see the value in what I do.
 
Solar Capital assisted me by funding the purchase of my office equipment. Also, being a strong student in the programme, many other participants came to me for help with their assignments or when they didn’t understand something. Through this I have managed to attract potential customers which will assist in the long-term success of my business.
 
At the age of 27 I am able to support both my brothers who are studying at university, one Industrial Psychology and one Sociology. I believe they will succeed in what they are doing, and I hope that one day we can all work together in the business I am building.I have a vision where they will work with me to create a family business that will last generations.
 
Solar Capital helped me and my family build a future which will be a legacy we can hand on to our children. Solar Capital gave me confidence to believe that I can achieve anything. Thanks to Solar Capital I am stronger and highly motivated.

Solar power – the green and clean energy we need in SA according to Paschal Phelan

Solar-Capital panels

The environmental change sweeping our world is happening at a rate far faster than previously imagined, concluded the Global Environmental Outlook (GEO-6) study carried out by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) this year.
 
With a focus on protecting the environment during World Environment Day, 01 June 2016, the move towards the provision of renewable energy through the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement (REIPPP) Programme has been lauded for assisting in the reversion of the worst impacts of climate change, as recognised by the UNEP.

According to Paschal Phelan, Chairman of Solar Capital, renewable energy in general, and solar power specifically, allows for a reduction in the reliance on fossil fuels – while also providing a far superior option in terms of protecting the environment. “The production of solar energy has minimal CO² emissions, little water usage, is inexhaustible, and it is safe,” says Paschal Phelan.
 
Paschal Phelan explains that global electricity produced by solar power has doubled seven times over since 2000. “Part of the reason for this is that solar is not a fuel, but a technology. Owing to economies of scale and increasing efficiency, prices of solar technology and supply continue to fall, as does the price of batteries for energy storage. As a result, the need for fossil fuels is falling internationally. It is only developing countries like South Africa that are still adding coal to the energy mix, more as a result of a rapid demand for further energy supply.”
 
Paschal Phelan adds that not only is solar energy readily and freely available, but the cost of solar technology (internationally and locally) has come down substantially in the last few years. “Internationally, the price has reduced as a result of technological innovation, the manufacturing learning rate, economies of scale and further competition.”
 
Paschal Phelan also points out that solar farms are commercially viable facilities funded by local banks and foreign direct investment and, unlike Eskom, do not need government funding and guarantees. “It needs to be a priority in South Africa that we continue the investment in this source of abundantly free, green, sustainable energy.”
 
“Investing in solar power makes sense. It is the way the world is moving and South Africa is fast becoming a leading force in renewable energy programmes,” says Paschal Phelan.
As the lead member of one of the preferred bidders in the REIPPP Programme, Solar Capital was given the opportunity to develop the largest solar farm in the Africa, the Middle East and the Southern Hemisphere which was launched in De Aar, Northern Cape in March 2016.
 
“Solar power not only needs to be a priority locally in South Africa, but also the world. With increased pressures to reverse the effects of climate change, it is imperative the we focus our efforts on developing and improving renewable energy sources,” concludes Paschal Phelan.

Solar power – the green and clean energy we need in SA according to Paschal Phelan

Chardin_Booysen

The aphorism ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’ is associated with the idea that improvements in the general economy will benefit all participants in that economy. It is especially relevant in terms of Renewable Energy (RE) and the youth it empowers through socio-economic upliftment intiatives. Take 21-year-old Chardin Booysen, for example.
 
Born and raised in the northern Karoo town of De Aar, Chardin experienced what many matriculants are subject to: Little prospect of further education, and no jobs to secure their economic livelihood. Where many young people would flounder – substance abuse, child neglect, crime and a host of other social ills plaguing previously disadvantaged communities throughout the country – Chardin was fortuitously drawn into the Community Development Workers (CDW) Programme funded by Solar Capital.

CDWs are public servants whose purpose is to strengthen the coordination between services provided by Government and access to these services by previously disadvantaged communities. “There are many CDWs serving the Emthanjeni Municipality where I live. We have meetings once a week and, on average, 24 people from the community, young and old, are in attendance. The meetings are co-faciliated by myself and my colleague Janet Matthee; to a degree, you can call it group therapy. As you can imagine, many issues arise, and where necessary we refer cases to social workers or psycohologists – people who are more skilled or qualified than us to be of assistance.On a personal level the programme also aims to boost the self-confidence of the participants involved, as well as assist them in developing sought after workplace skills.”
 
Having been a CDW since the start of 2015 – “it feels wonderful to be able to serve my community in this manner” – Chardin’s own growth in confidence and progress serve as a shining example.
 
“I got to know the staff at Solar Capital quite well, including Abner Wagenaar, the Local Economic Development Manager at Solar Capital. Abner called me to see if I was interested in becoming an IT facilitator at the Solar Capital Community Centre in De Aar. Because I had taken IT at school through to matric, this was a great opportunity for me.”
 
Him and Janet, 23, originally chosen to become facilitators because of their leadership skills, were offered a month-long online computer and IT literacy training course through Vaal University of Technology.
 
“We completed this course and are now assisting anyone who comes to the Community Centre with any challenges they may have with using the computers or free Wifi at the centre.I can help people learn, improve their grades at school, and use the Internet to be creative, start their own initiatives or find jobs for themselves. It’s very satisfying.
 
“Doing the CDW training as well as the course made me look at the world differently. It taught me that you can’t just wait for your circumstances to change, you have to get out there and make opportunities work for you.
 
“I also learnt a lot about myself and developed a greater sense of self-worth. I was shy before this and didn’t enjoy discussing issues with strangers, but through this programme I learnt how to express myself and open up to people.I now know I’m capable of not only changing my own circumstances, but also helping other people. All circumstances are changeable. Don’t let yourselves drown in them. There is always hope.”
 
How does he view the future of South African youth?
 
“I think there is hope through education. Many young people I know just sit at home and don’t even go to school, they use drugs and they rob people. Young people must first finish school to enable themselves to get into the working world, but they must also open up their minds to further information available to them on the Internet. You can learn just about anything online, including doing online tertiary courses, if you are given this opportunity. By being exposed to different viewpoints you are able to learn and improve your own life and be happier than you were before. Our youth need to learn that success is not easy, you need to work for it. If they are guided in the right direction, this generation will be able to achieve a lot more than they believe they are capable of.”

Solar power – the green and clean energy we need in SA according to Paschal Phelan

Franquois_Jonkers

I was raised by a single mother in De Aar during the 80s and 90s and was devastated when she passed away when I was 9. Luckily for me, I was taken in by a local family who assisted me in finishing my matric. After school, without any funds for further studies, I remained unemployed for a year and so decided to move to Ocean View, Cape Town in order to find work.
 
My life in the densely populated, crime and drug riddled community of Ocean View was not easy for me. I dreamed of becoming a successful artist, but without any formal training, and not much access to materials needed for my art, I lived an unsettled life for the next 10 years.

In the past when I couldn’t afford certain things, I drew pencil sketches for people in return for items I needed. I would draw a picture for a friend and ask for their pencil or pen in return. Then in 2002 my art became more ‘serious’ as I met an artist in Cape Town by the name of Charisse Gardiner who became my teacher.After this I started producing not only sketches, but also paintings and other art works.
 
Fate brought me back to De Aar for a few days in 2015 where I learned about the Community Development Workers Programme. Instead of then moving to Bloemfontein as I had planned, I decided to stay in De Aar to join and learn from this valuable programme.
 
The CDW Programme has helped me to understand my emotions. It has made me realise that it is not only me who had a difficult life, but that others went through similar things. I had certain questions about why I suffered like I did and unresolved issues about my experiences which I have now managed to work through. I now see life with a totally different view.
 
Everyone in the CDW class was asked to share their own experiences and I learned about how this influenced their life decisions. I now know how to approach our community and to deal with certain situations involving relationships with partners and family for example.
 
As I grew up without a father, I want to invest in young people from unstable homes. I have experienced what can happen in life if you make the wrong choices, andI want to share what I have learnt with the kids. I want to be a mentor to youth that need it.
 
A group of the CDW’s are planning a young leadership campaign with local schools. I want to take a similar programme to the community through my church, but integrate art into the programme. I want to assist the youth with growing emotionally through art. A picture plays an important part in a child’s mind. They learn very fast when they see things. They capture images and store these away. Through expressing their ideas and memories in art, they can release the negative things they experienced in life and so allow a new space for positive development.
 
I have named this course the Mustard Seed because everything starts with a seed, but by the end of it you can benefit from the fruits of your labour.

Are SA businesses doing enough to give back asks Paschal Phelan?

Janet-Matthee

Are businesses doing enough to give back to the communities in which they work? This has been a question that many South African companies have faced since Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programmes became more widespread and formalised in the country.The answers haven’t always been favourable. The findings of Anglo American’s R100m investment into education between 2010 and 2014 are a great example of how CSI programmes can be ineffective in reaching set objectives .
 
This is according to Paschal Phelan, Chairman of Solar Capital – developers of the largest solar farm in the Southern Hemisphere – who says that the success of a company is not simply down to intelligent business models, but that it also relates to meaningful interaction within the community affected by the business, as well as investment into sustainable, developmental projects with positive long-term effects. “Too many companies’ CSI programmes remain on the periphery of their business objectives, often with a token expenditure of 1% of net profit after tax being spent in order to obtain points on their BBBEE scorecard,” says Paschal Phelan.

Paschal Phelan adds that effective CSI is not only a philanthropical external act with no positive repercussions for the company involved. “CSI starts with the internal culture of employee advancement where employees are given the potential to excel in their positions, and add greater value in the workplace.”
 
Similarly, if a company invests in providing training and health care, and improving family stability, and various other socio-economic issues in the community from which their employees come, this will give access to a more productive workforce.Paschal Phelan points out that it also assists in preventing labour issues as a result of not only providing local jobs, but further developmental support for the community at large.
 
Using Solar Capital’s community driven programmes as an example, Paschal Phelan says that the company has managed to ensure that solid relationships are continually being developed and fostered with the De Aar community in which its solar farms operate. “Employees involved in economic development on the ground in De Aar are part of, and work within, the local community. They are fully aware of local concerns and work with the larger Solar Capital team on finding long-term solutions to various socio-economic issues.”
 
Paschal Phelan says that discussions with affected communities, employees and local authorities are imperative in order to jointly decide on what the needs of the community truly are, and how these concerns will be met.
 
“One of the main reasons that well-meaning developmental projects fail is as a result of their ad-hoc responses to community problems,” Paschal Phelan says.“A visible example of such a project in De Aar is that of a soccer field created for the impoverish De Aar East neighbourhood. A private company built a fenced in soccer field with stands and goal posts in order to encourage physical recreation. Unfortunately, it is apparent that little thought was given to who would maintain these grounds – which have now been left abandoned and are falling into a state of disrepair” explains Paschal Phelan.
 
Paschal Phelan says that the solar company’s mission in De Aar is to create jobs, educate, generate and nurture enterprise generation and growth, as well as further advance social stability through community development. “This audacious aim is achievable as a result of Solar Capital’s long-term commitment to the community of De Aar.”
 
Current projects run by Solar Capital include: a two-year Community Development Worker Programme developed and certified by the University of Stellenbosch; an Enterprise Development Programme developed and administered by the University of the Free State; computer skills training at the high tech computer centre; funding of an arts centre; provision of free Wi-Fi access at 14 hotspots in and around town; funding of the Healthy Mother Healthy Baby Programme run by the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research; among others. More than R24 million will have been spent on economic development programmes in the area between 2014 and the end of 2016.
 
Paschal Phelan says that part of the mandate underpinning each of these programmes is that local community members are, or will be trained, to run and take responsibility for them.“A good example of this would be the handing over of IT training at the Solar Capital Community Centre to two participants in the Community Development Workers (CDW) Programme. Janet Matthee (22) and Chardin Booysen (21) were sent on an eSkills course at the Vaal University of Technology. Both graduated on 21 May 2016 and have been employed as IT Facilitators.”
 
Paschal Phelan says that companies thinking of implementing sustainable CSI programmes need to ensure that they build a strong economic base completely independent from the company itself in order to economically sustain further community members.
 
Research conducted by Solar Capital in late 2015 showed that the Emthanjeni Municipality was experiencing a decline in economic and entrepreneurial activities. The Enterprise Development Programme was created in order to rectify this need. 16 entrepreneurs graduated from this nine-month programme and the top eight received funding to purchase income generating assets to start their business. Continuous mentorship ensures that someone is always on hand to assist these industrious individuals.
 
Paschal Phelan points out that as a solar energy company, their mandate to give back is supported by the government as well. “When bidding for preferred status in the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement (REIPPP) Programme, the developer must commit to investing a certain percentage of the revenue to Economic Development in the local area.”
 
“To create successful and sustainable CSI programmes you have to know your community, consult closely with them, plan ahead and think long-term. Similar to solar which creates energy from a natural resource – the sun, economically and socially empowered individuals and communities are created through well thought out CSI”, concludes Paschal Phelan.

Paschal Phelan: Solar Energy Entrepreneur

Pascal-Phelan

Last week another 90MW of solar-generated electricity officially started feeding into the national grid. It marked a triumph for Paschal Phelan, an Irishman who has played a pivotal role in putting solar power on the SA energy map.

Paschal Phelan’s mission began in 2010, when the department of energy called for tenders in round one of its independent power producer (IPP) programme. “Solar power was not included,” says Phelan.

Intense lobbying, including an appeal by Paschal Phelan to the finance minister, won the day. His reward was that Phelan Energy Group’s SA unit, Solar Capital, won a contract to supply 86MW of solar photovoltaic-generated electricity to Eskom. Paschal Phelan’s vision became a reality in 2014, when Solar Capital’s photovoltaic (PV) solar project on a 2,674ha farm near the Karoo town of De Aar began feeding 85MW into the grid.

The same farm is the site of the latest completed PV project, secured in round two of the IPP programme.

Producing a total of 175MW, the R4.8bn De Aar solar PV complex is impressive, covering about 540ha and harnessing 600,000 PV reflectors. “It the largest solar PV plant in the southern hemisphere and the fifth-largest in the world,” says Paschal Phelan. Phelan is just getting into his stride. “We have 2,000MW of power projects in our SA pipeline,” Phelan says. “We are alsolooking at projects in Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Oman.”

Paschal Phelan has no doubt that PV solar power has earned a prominent place in the renewable energy space. “Costs are falling fast,” Phelan says. “Solar power cost R3.94/kWh in 2010. It now costs under 70c/kWh.” Though wind-generated energy has a 10% cost edge over solar PV, Paschal Phelan feels this benefit is countered by other factors. “Wind is not predictable,” he argues. “There are also objectionable visual and noise aspects to wind farms.”

For 66-year-old Paschal Phelan the path to solar power has been a long and unlikely one. “I left school with a basic education and went to work for the Bank of New South Wales in Australia,” Phelan says.
Paschal Phelan loved the climate but not the distance from home, and four years later returned to Ireland to work on a government project to promote beef exports. “It was a mess,” says Paschal Phelan. “Meat was being exported as carcasses in a container.”

He put forward the idea of exporting packaged, deboned beef. It won Phelan the backing of the Irish Industrial Development Authority to go it alone. Paschal Phelan went on to build a giant beef export business and make his fortune.

Paschal Phelan had put the beef industry behind him when he moved to SA in 2002. But on an equally grand scale he bought and demolished the Claridges Hotel in Cape Town’s Green Point and built the luxury Cape Royale Hotel in its place.

Phelan soon also acquired a game farm near Ceres on the Karoo border. It was there that alternative energy grabbed his entrepreneurial attention. Having dismissed wind power as “too complex”, he threw his weight behind solar PV.

As before, Paschal Phelan thought big, assembling a team of 75 people to manage projects and hone PV technology. Phelan’s big thinking did not stop there. He believes alternative energy plants must create permanent jobs for young people. “It is my core passion, as it was in the Irish meat industry,” says Paschal Phelan.

Adwea pre-qualifies 48 firms to set up 350 megawatt solar photovoltaic plant

Article by: Haseeb Haider
Read the full article: here

Over 90 companies originally showed interest to Adwea’s request for an Expression of Interest or EOI

Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, or Adwea, have pre-qualified 48 companies for the setting up of 350 megawatt Solar Photovoltaic (PV) electricity plant in Sweihan, 125 km east of Abu Dhabi in the Eastern Region.

These companies would be taking part in a process in which a developer or a consortium will be selected to own up to 40 per cent of a project company which will set up the plant. The remaining 60 per cent equity will be held, directly or indirectly, by Adwea.

The project will comprise the development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance and ownership of a green field renewable power generation plant of 350 MW of power generation capacity, together with associated infrastructure.

Over 90 companies originally showed interest to Adwea’s request for an Expression of Interest or EOI, of which 48 companies subsequently submitted their Statement of Qualifications, in accordance with a Request for Qualification sent on 10 March 2016.

Following a comprehensive review process carried out by the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Company 34 companies including local companies have now been selected as Pre-qualified Parties who have received a detailed Request for Proposal or RFP.
 
Of these eight have been Pre-qualified on a sole stand-alone basis, or as part of an already formed consortium, and are free to submit a Proposal on such basis without the need to form or join a consortium.
 
The remaining 26 companies have been Pre-qualified on a conditional basis and have been advised to join, or form a consortium within 28 days.
 
The deadline for bid submission has been set in the RFP for 19 September 2016.
 
The Pre-qualified Bidders selected are as follows: Acciona / Swicorp (as consortium), Acme, ACWA Power, Adani, Alfanar / Building Energy (as consortium), Canadian Solar, China State Construction Engineering Corporation, EDF Energies Nouvelles, Elecnor, Enel, Engie, Equis, First Solar, Fotowatio FRV, Golden Concord Holdings / PAL Technology (as consortium).
 
Other selected firms and consortiums include Hindustan Clean Energy, Intecsa / Cobra (as consortium), JGC, Jinko Solar, Kepco / GS Engineering & Construction / Hanwha Q Cells (as consortium), Mainstream, Marubeni, Masdar, Mitsui, Phelan Energy Group, ReNew Solar Power / Japan Renewable Energy (as consortium), RWE / Belectric (as consortium), Sojitz, Solar Reserve , Spectrum / Maessa / Leighton Contracting (as consortium), Stumpf / MENA Infrastructure Fund (as consortium), Tenaga, Total / Sunpower (as consortium),TSK.
 
Adwea’s chairman, Shaikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed said that “this Project will support the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s achievements in sustainability and energy diversification through the use of renewable and clean energy”.
 
Adwea’s director general, Faris Obaid Al Dhaheri indicated that Adwea will continue its leadership role in relation to sustainability and in supporting renewable energy.
 
In addition to the generation of 350 MW of renewable energy, the quantity of gas to generate power using conventional means will be reduced, which will improve upon the economic performance of the water and electricity sector, said ADWEC’s managing director, Mohammed Bin Jarsh.
 
– haseeb@khaleejtimes.com

The Value Of Investing In Renewable Energy According To Paschal Phelan

April 2016: Thesuccess of the Department of Energy’s (DoE) Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement (REIPPP) Programme is a shining example of South Africa’s ability to undertake large infrastructure programmes to boost the local economy despite the current period of slow growth internationally. This public-private partnership programme has allowed for energy growth and successful private investment, which contrastswith a number of other international renewable energy programmes that have faced difficulties and setbacks.
 
According to Paschal Phelan, Chairman of Solar Capital, the renewable energy developers involved in the REIPPP Programme have funded their facilities largely through independently sourced international investors and local banks making these projects viable in the SA market. “About R47bn of the programmes awarded bidder status reached financial close in the first roundand R28bn in the second round of the REIPPP Programme.”

A recent Investec report on renewable energy pointed out that, in terms of contribution to South Africa’s gross fixed capital formation, the first and second round of successful REIPPP bidders accounted for 12.7% and 7.1% of private sector fixed investment respectively. “This investment allows for further energy creation and thus enables an environment which will positively contribute to improving growth of the currently constrained GDP (at approximately 3.5%) in South Africa,” explains Paschal Phelan.
 
In comparison, the building of coal stations such as Eskom’s Medupi and Kusile required government funding and guarantees. In early 2015, Energy Analyst Chris Yelland said the interest bill for Medupi and Kusile amounted to R29.2bn and R48.7bn respectively. “The fact that the projects are running years behind schedule also means that this contributes to the countries confined GDP growth, as described above,” adds Paschal Phelan.
 
The amount invested in the Solar Capital De Aar project totaled R2.2 billion for the first phase and R2.6 billion for the second phase – making an overall investment of R4.8 billion in the development of the facility. Although this involved considerable startup costs, Solar Capital is budgeting for a five-year payback term.
 
Paschal Phelan says that it is important to note that the Department of Energy (DoE) is currently taking firm steps to improve financial energy investment models in South Africa. “In the Budget Speech on 24 February 2016, the HonourableMr Pravin Gordhan, Finance Minister of South Africa, announced that the REIPPP Programme will be extended to include coal and gas power projects. This is a logical way forward in terms of investment, but is likely not the fastest way to provide further energy to South Africa.”
 
When building its 175MW solar facility in De Aar, Solar Capital mounted 9000 panels in one day. The farm itself was efficiently constructed in 28 months (inclusive of both phase 1 and 2 of the project). Not only will this allow power to be supplied to 75 000 homes per year, but with the upcoming investment in back-up power storage Solar Capital will be able to feed stored electricity into the grid between the 07h30 and 09h00 morning peak demand.
 
Paschal Phelan says that coal powered stations have traditionally been built to deliver more electricity than solar power. “Eskom reports that Medupi and Kusile will have a capacity of 4 800MW each. However, the DoE is invested in providing a well-thought-out electricity mix to the country and, as such, announced in October last year its intention to create a 1 500MW solar facility in the Northern Cape.”
 
According to Frost & Sullivan, the running costs of Medupi and Kusile, when taking into account externalities such as the cost of water usage and CO2 emissions, are approximately R2.35 and R1.94 per kWh. In comparison solar power in South Africa can now be produced at a cost of under R0.70.
 
Paschal Phelan explains that the global electricity produced by solar power has doubled seven times over since 2000. “Part of the reason for this is that solar is not a fuel, but a technology. Owing to economies of scale and increasing efficiency, prices of solar technology and supply continue to fall, as does the price of batteries for energy storage. As a result, the need for fossil fuels is falling internationally. It is only developing countries like South Africa that are still adding coal to the energy mix, more as a result of a rapid demand for further energy supply.”
 
“Investing in solar power makes sense. It has minimal operation costs, it is environmentally friendly and the source of energy is abundantly free, green and sustainable. It is the way the world is moving and South Africa is fast becoming a leading force in renewable energy programmes,” concludes Phelan.

-Ends-
 
Additional information:
 
About Paschal Phelan
 
Paschal Phelan is the founder and the Executive Chairman of the Phelan Energy Group Ltd. Its South Africa subsidiary, Solar Capital, is the largest privately owned photovoltaic developer in South Africa with a core vision for stewardship and responsibility for our environment.
 
Paschal Phelan a native of Ireland, initially worked in the banking sector in Sydney, Australia, before being appointed as the European Foreign Trade Director, for the Irish Government Food Export agency, based in Brussels. In the early 1980’s he established, in Ireland, his own food manufacturing export company which went on to become one of the most innovative and successful Irish companies of that decade. After this Paschal Phelan went on to investing in various successful food related businesses in USA, UK and Russia.
 
Paschal Phelan intended to retire with his relocation to Cape Town in 2002, but shortly after his arrival he formed Phelan Holdings SA, where he realised that there was an opportunity within the energy sector to provide solutions to SA’s energy and employment challenges. Paschal Phelan subsequently created Solar Capital, which is currently launching the largest solar farm in the Southern Hemisphere, Africa and the Middle East region.
 
About Solar Capital
 
Solar Capital (Pty) Ltd is a subsidiary of Phelan Energy Group Ltda prominent South African based International Investment and Development Company, with the vision to become a market leader in the production of solar energy in Southern Africa. Based in Cape Town, Solar Capital has built up a local and international proficiency in renewable energy, in order to realize its mission. With Southern Africa having some of the highest annual solar radiation levels in the world, Solar Capital has invested in real estate and technology with the potential to develop the continent’s most valuable energy source – the sun.
 
Visit www.solarcapital.co.za for more information.

Wind and Solar Are Crushing Fossil Fuels

Article by: Tom Randall
Read the full article here
 
Record clean energy investment outpaces gas and coal 2 to 1.
 
Wind and solar have grown seemingly unstoppable.
 
While two years of crashing prices for oil, natural gas, and coal triggered dramatic downsizing in those industries, renewables have been thriving. Clean energy investment broke new records in 2015 and is now seeing twice as much global funding as fossil fuels.
 
One reason is that renewable energy is becoming ever cheaper to produce. Recent solar and wind auctions in Mexico and Morocco ended with winning bids from companies that promised to produce electricity at the cheapest rate, from any source, anywhere in the world, said Michael Liebreich, chairman of the advisory board for Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF).
 
“We’re in a low-cost-of-oil environment for the foreseeable future,” Liebreich said during his keynote address at the BNEF Summit in New York on Tuesday. “Did that stop renewable energy investment? Not at all.”
 
Government subsidies have helped wind and solar get a foothold in global power markets, but economies of scale are the true driver of falling prices: The cost of solar power has fallen to 1/150th of its level in the 1970s, while the total amount of installed solar has soared 115,000-fold.
 
The reason solar-power generation will increasingly dominate: It’s a technology, not a fuel. As such, efficiency increases and prices fall as time goes on. What’s more, the price of batteries to store solar power when the sun isn’t shining is falling in a similarly stunning arc.
 
Just since 2000, the amount of global electricity produced by solar power has doubled seven times over. Even wind power, which was already established, doubled four times over the same period. For the first time, the two forms of renewable energy are beginning to compete head-to-head on price and annual investment.
 
Meanwhile, fossil fuels have been getting killed by falling prices and, more recently, declining investment. It started with coal—it used to be that lower prices increased demand for fossil fuels, but coal prices apparently can’t fall fast enough. Richer OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries have been reducing demand for almost a decade. In China, coal power has also flattened. Only developing countries with rapidly expanding energy demands are still adding coal, though at a slowing rate.
 
What does that look like on a country-level basis? The world’s first coal superpower, the U.K., now produces less power from coal than it has since at least 1850.
 
More recently it’s the oil and gas industry that’s been under attack. Prices have tumbled and investments have started drying up. The number of oil rigs active in the U.S. fell last month to the lowest since records began in the 1940s. Producers—from tiny frontier drillers to massive petrol-producing nation-states—are creeping ever closer to insolvency.
 
“What we’re talking about is miscalculation of risk,” said BNEF’s Liebreich. “We’re talking about a business model that is predicated on never-ending growth, a business model that is predicated on being able to find unlimited supplies of capital.”
 
The chart below shows independent oil producers and their ability to pay their debt.1 The pink quadrant at the bottom right represents the greatest threat to a company’s solvency. By 2015, that quadrant starts to fill up, and Liebreich warned, “It’s going to get uglier.”
 
Oil and gas woes are driven less by renewables than by a mismatch of too much supply and too little demand. But with renewable energy expanding at record rates and with more efficient cars—including all-electric vehicles—siphoning off oil profits at the margins, the fossil-fuel insolvency zone is only going to get more crowded, according to BNEF. Natural gas will still be needed for when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing, but even that will change as utility-scale batteries grow cheaper.
 
The best minds in energy keep underestimating what solar and wind can do. Since 2000, the International Energy Agency has raised its long-term solar forecast 14 times and its wind forecast five times. Every time global wind power doubles, there’s a 19 percent drop in cost, according to BNEF, and every time solar power doubles, costs fall 24 percent.
 
And while BNEF says the shift to renewable energy isn’t happening fast enough to avoid the catastrophic legacy of fossil-fuel dependence—climate change—it’s definitely happening.

Largest Solar Farm In Southern Hemisphere Launches In De Aar

March 2016: Today, The Honourable Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson, Minister of Energy, inaugurated the 175MW Solar Capital facility based in De Aar, Northern Cape – making it the largest solar farm ever completed in the Southern Hemisphere, Africa and the Middle East region.
 
This launch of the facility is the culmination of a two-phase project. The first phase has a capacity of 85MW and the second phase an even larger capacity of 90MW. In total the facility is 473ha, consists of 503 942 modules and took a mere 28 months to construct. The amount invested in the project totaled R2.2 billion and R2.6 billion for the first and second phase respectively – making an overall investment of R4.8 billion in the development of the facility.

According to Joematt-Pettersson, sub-Saharan Africa has seen tremendous economic growth and its energy consumption has risen by 45% since 2000. “Many governments are now intensifying their efforts to tackle the numerous regulatory and political barriers that are holding back investment in domestic energy supply, and inadequate energy infrastructure puts a brake on urgently needed improvements in living standards.”
 
The Department of Energy (DoE) has worked hard to solve the energy shortage in South Africa through its Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement (REIPPP) Programme. This programme allows for foreign investment in renewable energy farms, and has enabled the establishment of various renewable energy facilities which assist in providing the grid with electricity, such as Solar Capital De Aar’s 175MW farm.
 
Paschal Phelan, Chairman of Solar Capital, says that the launch of the facility is an important example of how solar power can assist in solving the current energy crisis in South Africa. “The Northern Cape of South Africa has some of the highest irradiation levels in the world, with the location of this facility boasting 2168kWh/m². This allows the abundant sunlight in the region to be converted into green energy to be transferred to the national energy grid,” says Paschal Phelan.
 
Paschal Phelan explains that South Africa as a whole will benefit from the facility, as all power generated from the project will be exported into the national electricity grid. “The electricity produced will be able to power approximately 75 000 South African homes every year,” says Paschal Phelan.
 
Paschal Phelan adds that, with the introduction of lithium batteries in the near future, power will not only be transferred during the day, but can also be provided at night when it is most needed.
 
Solar Capital has also invested in long-term economic development in and around De Aar. Phelan points out that the De Aar project has had positive economic effects in the local area. The facility employed over 2,000 local people at peak and currently employs approximately 100 people for operations and maintenance.
 
Paschal Phelan says that by the end of 2016 more than R24 million will be spent on economic development in projects, such asa community leaders development programme, free Wi-Fi for the town of De Aar, a large community training centre that houses a computer training laboratory, as well as an arts training and exhibition centre.
 
“The launch of the solar farm is not only a success in its own right, but also allows for the opportunity to spread the message of solar success. It has no mechanical parts, it has minimal operation costs, no emissions, no water usage and it is safe. It needs to be a priority in South Africa that we continue the investment in this source of abundantly free, green, sustainable energy,” concludes Paschal Phelan.
 
-Ends-
 
Additional information:
 
About Paschal Phelan
 
Paschal Phelan is the founder and the Executive Chairman of the Phelan Energy Group Ltd. Its South Africa subsidiary, Solar Capital, is the largest privately owned photovoltaic developer in South Africa with a core vision for stewardship and responsibility for our environment.
 
Paschal Phelan a native of Ireland, initially worked in the banking sector in Sydney, Australia, before being appointed as the European Foreign Trade Director, for the Irish Government Food Export agency, based in Brussels. In the early 1980’s he established, in Ireland, his own food manufacturing export company which went on to become one of the most innovative and successful Irish companies of that decade. After this Paschal Phelan went on to investing in various successful food related businesses in USA, UK and Russia.
 
Paschal Phelan intended to retire with his relocation to Cape Town in 2002, but shortly after his arrival he formed Phelan Holdings SA, where he realised that there was an opportunity within the energy sector to provide solutions to SA’s energy and employment challenges. Paschal Phelan subsequently created Solar Capital, which is currently launching the largest solar farm in the Southern Hemisphere, Africa and the Middle East region.
 
About Solar Capital
 
Solar Capital (Pty) Ltd is a subsidiary of Phelan Holdings (Pty) Ltd a prominent South African based International Investment and Development Company, with the vision to become a market leader in the production of solar energy in Southern Africa. Based in Cape Town, Solar Capital has built up a local and international proficiency in renewable energy, in order to realize its mission. With Southern Africa having some of the highest annual solar radiation levels in the world, Solar Capital has invested in real estate and technology with the potential to develop the continent’s most valuable energy source – the sun.
 
Visit www.solarcapital.co.za for more information.

Solar Power – Most Affordable Source Of Energy In SA Says Paschal Phelan

March 2016: In the Budget Speech on 24 February 2016, the Honourable Mr Pravin Gordhan, Finance Minister of South Africa, announced that the Department of Energy’s (DoE) Independent Power Producers Procurement (IPPP) Programme will be extended to include coal and gas power projects.
 
According to Paschal Phelan, Chairman of Solar Capital, the IPPP Programme will be rolled out in order to replicate the successes achieved in the South African renewable energy sector. “Although the replication in other sectors will allow for further energy to be produced, a focus on solar power would allow for the supply of energy at a massively reduced rate.”

Paschal Phelan explains that not only is solar energy readily and freely available, but the cost of solar technology (internationally and locally) has come down substantially in the last few years. “Internationally, the price has reduced as a result of technological innovation, the manufacturing learning rate, economies of scale and further competition.”
 
Paschal Phelan points out that, locally, the solar industry is relatively new. “The growth of a number of technology suppliers in the last few years has fostered a competitive environment in manufacturing and production of local solar technologies, as well as competitive installation rates.”
 
The Renewable Energy IPPP Programme (REIPP Programme) was designed to contribute towards the2010 Integrated Resource Plan(IRP) target of providing 17 800 MW of renewable power generation capacity to the electricity grid by 2030. More than 2 292MW of solar powered energy projects have been awarded preferred bidder status to date.
 
According to Frost & Sullivan, the running costs of Medupi and Kusile, when taking into account externalities such as the cost of water usage and CO2 emissions, are approximately R2.35 and R1.94 per kWh. In comparison solar power in South Africa can now be produced at a cost of under R0.70.
 
Additionally, the latest construction cost estimates for the Medupi and Kusile coal stations went from R149 billion to R326 billion ($12.1bn to $26.3bn). Paschal Phelan says that not only do these costs have a negative effect on our struggling economy, but the stations will need to be powered by coal – thus bringing into question their impact on the environment over the long-term.
 
On 01 March 2016, a9.4% tariff increase was granted to Eskom. Paschal Phelan explains that this rising cost of electricity is needed in order to meet the interest of capital costs of building new facilities and the cost of coal, among other things. “Instead, South Africa should rather invest in the expansion of renewable energy, in particular solar, which provides energy at a substantially lower cost to coal. This solar price is also fixed for a period of 20 years making the cost saving consistent and predictable. This cost saving would in turn assist in preventing the increase of Eskom tariffs in the future.”
 
Paschal Phelan also points out that solar farms are commercially viable facilities funded by local banks and foreign direct investment and, unlike Eskom, do not need government funding and guarantees. “It needs to be a priority in South Africa that we continue the investment in this source of abundantly free, green, sustainable energy.”
 
The Minister of Energy, The Honourable Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson, is set to inaugurate the Solar Capital De Aar solar farm in the first quarter of 2016, which is the largest solar farm ever completed in the Southern Hemisphere, Africa and the Middle East Region. The power generated from this 175 MW facility, will produce enough electricity to power approximately 75 000 South African homes every year.
 
-Ends-
 
Additional information:
 
About Paschal Phelan
 
Paschal Phelan is the founder and the Executive Chairman of the Phelan Energy Group Ltd. Its South Africa subsidiary, Solar Capital, is the largest privately owned photovoltaic developer in South Africa with a core vision for stewardship and responsibility for our environment.
 
Paschal Phelan a native of Ireland, initially worked in the banking sector in Sydney, Australia, before being appointed as the European Foreign Trade Director, for the Irish Government Food Export agency, based in Brussels. In the early 1980’s he established, in Ireland, his own food manufacturing export company which went on to become one of the most innovative and successful Irish companies of that decade. After this Paschal Phealn went on to investing in various successful food related businesses in USA, UK and Russia.
 
Paschal Phelan intended to retire with his relocation to Cape Town in 2002, but shortly after his arrival he formed Phelan Holdings SA, where he realised that there was an opportunity within the energy sector to provide solutions to SA’s energy and employment challenges. Paschal Phelan subsequently created Solar Capital, which is currently launching the largest solar farm in the Southern Hemisphere, Africa and the Middle East region.
 
About Solar Capital
 
Solar Capital (Pty) Ltd is a subsidiary of Phelan Holdings (Pty) Ltd a prominent South African based International Investment and Development Company, with the vision to become a market leader in the production of solar energy in Southern Africa. Based in Cape Town, Solar Capital has built up a local and international proficiency in renewable energy, in order to realize its mission. With Southern Africa having some of the highest annual solar radiation levels in the world, Solar Capital has invested in real estate and technology with the potential to develop the continent’s most valuable energy source – the sun.
 
Visit www.solarcapital.co.za for more information.

Power Solutions And Jobs Need To Be Top Of Budget Speech Agenda Says Paschal Phelan

February 2016: On Wednesday, 24 February 2016, the Minister of Finance will present Parliament with the top level plan for South Africa’s finances. As part of this year’s Budget Speech, both the private and public sectors will look to the Minister on his plans to deal with the country’s growing energy and employment challenges.

President Zuma in his State of the Nation address on 12 February 2016 elaborated on how progress has been made to stabilize the electricity supply in the last year, which included the investment of R194 billion in the Department of Energy’s (DoE) Renewable Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPP Programme).

According to Paschal Phelan, Chairman of Solar Capital, the DoE has shown its support to developing this sector through its REIPP Programme, which has been very successful in electricity generation and preventing further load shedding in South Africa. “However, the programme has not hit the achievable target of sustainable rural employment where most of the solar and wind projects are located.”
 
Paschal Phelan points out that growing the renewable energy sector in South Africa is a sensible solution to not only alleviating the energy problem, but also creating employment. “South Africa receives a constant source of sunlight, which provides high solar radiation levels. Let’s use this unending resource to not only harness power, but assist with unemployment in rural areas of South Africa.”
 
The REIPP Programme has provided South Africa with renewable electricity that is now at least half the cost of the coal power coming from Medupi and Kusile. Paschal Phelan believes it is now time to “have the horse pulling the cart, not pushing it.”
 
Paschal Phelan explains that the job of low cost solar electricity has been a remarkable success by the REIPP Programme. “However, sustainable success will only come from sustainable jobs. Solar Capital has done an extensive study to show that 1000MW can guarantee 3000 direct sustainable long term skilled solar green jobs and 2000 indirect jobs in supporting enterprises.”
 
Paschal Phelan says that these jobs can be centered in the disadvantaged local rural areas, where the developments are taking place. “In order to achieve this we will have to focus on the creation of these jobs rather than the dumbing down further of the energy price, where we have ‘hit and run’ foreign installers that can install at the cheapest price with no vision or understanding of the requirements of these rural communities.”
 
Paschal Phelan further explains that low economic growth at a national level in South Africa does not negate job creation opportunities in certain focused sectors, such as renewable energy. “Even without the support of economic growth, job creation should become a national treaty where every key stakeholder from our President down must publicly make a job commitment – where it is possible to measure the winners and losers at Budget time every year.”
 
Paschal Phelan points out that the world thought South Africa was an unlikely place for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. “However, the national spirit was focused and we delivered the greatest sporting and economic achievement of our generation. We now need our leaders to make the creation of jobs for our youth the top national priority and deliver this achievement, like the World Cup, with national pride.”
 
Another success of the REIPP Programmehas been the social and economic achievements as mandated by the DoE. Solar Capital has been at the forefront of these achievements with its programmes in the Northern Cape. An example is the Solar Capital 2015 Entrepreneurial Programme where, after an extensive nine-month course and competition, eight viable enterprises led by rural entrepreneurs were selected and are now being supported with business skills and financial aid to grow and develop these businesses further.The types of the successful enterprises range from local waste recycling to ostrich farming.
 
Under the larger Solar Capital Social and Enterprise Development Programme there are many ongoing projects. These extensive programmes have been led by Janice Finlay, Head of Economic Development at Solar Capital. She says that the company aims to create jobs, promote skills development, generate and nurture enterprise development, and create social stability through community development in De Aar.
 
She added that the Solar Capital funds a variety of much needed programmes including; a community leaders development programme, free wifi for the town of De Aar, as well as a large community training centre where there is a computer training laboratory, an arts training and exhibition centre. “90% of our employees are sourced from the local Emthanjeni Municipal District. We also plan to spend a further R24 million on economic development in this district by the end of 2016.”
 
The Minister of Energy, The Honourable Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson, is set to inaugurate the Solar Capital De Aar solar farm in the first quarter of 2016, which is the largest solar farm ever completed in the Southern Hemisphere, Africa and the Middle East Region. All power generated from this 175MW project will be exported into the national electricity grid. This farm employed over 2,000 local people at peak, and will now produce enough electricity to power approximately 75 000 South African homes every year.
 
-Ends-
 
Additional information:
 
About Paschal Phelan
 
Paschal Phelan is the founder and the Executive Chairman of the Phelan Energy Group Ltd. Its South Africa subsidiary, Solar Capital, is the largest privately owned photovoltaic developer in South Africa with a core vision for stewardship and responsibility for our environment.
 
Paschal Phelan a native of Ireland, initially worked in the banking sector in Sydney, Australia, before being appointed as the European Foreign Trade Director, for the Irish Government Food Export agency, based in Brussels. In the early 1980’s Paschal Phelan established, in Ireland, his own food manufacturing export company which went on to become one of the most innovative and successful Irish companies of that decade. After this Paschal Phelan went on to investing in various successful food related businesses in USA, UK and Russia.
 
Paschal Phelan intended to retire with his relocation to Cape Town in 2002, but shortly after his arrival he formed Phelan Holdings SA, where he realised that there was an opportunity within the energy sector to provide solutions to SA’s energy and employment challenges. Paschal Phelan subsequently created Solar Capital, which is currently launching the largest solar farm in the Southern Hemisphere, Africa and the Middle East region.
 
About Solar Capital
 
Solar Capital (Pty) Ltd is a subsidiary of Phelan Holdings (Pty) Ltd a prominent South African based International Investment and Development Company, with the vision to become a market leader in the production of solar energy in Southern Africa. Based in Cape Town, Solar Capital has built up a local and international proficiency in renewable energy, in order to realize its mission. With Southern Africa having some of the highest annual solar radiation levels in the world, Solar Capital has invested in real estate and technology with the potential to develop the continent’s most valuable energy source – the sun.
 
Visit www.solarcapital.co.za for more information.

Department of Energy Sheds Light on REIPPs

The Minister of Energy, Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson and the Department of Energy are proud to announce the additional preferred bidders from the renewable energy independent power producer procurement programme (REIPPPP) Bid Window 4.
 
Preferred Bidder, Solar Capital Orange (Pty) Ltd, is proposing the establishment of a commercial photovoltaic solar energy facility and associated infrastructure for the purpose of electricity generation on a site northeast of Loeriesfontein in the Northern Cape Province. The facility will be referred to as the Solar Capital Loeriesfontein Energy Facility has a planned generating capacity of 300 MW, which is being developed in phases. This project is for the installation of the third Phase of 75 MW.
 
Read More

Solar Energy Key To Combating Massive Energy Shortage In SA

10 February 2014: In a bid to avoid a massive energy shortage in South Africa, which has been brought on by significant expansion of the local economy and the rising cost of commodities, such as oil and coal; the South African Department of Energy (DoE) has turned to renewable energy sources as a solution. According to the UN Environment Programme, South Africa recorded $5.7bn in renewable energy investments in 2012 alone, particularly for solar power projects.

In 2009 and as part of its contribution to supporting a growing economy, the DoE announced plans to award the first licenses to independent power producers (IPP) by early 2011 to create clean energy projects, with additional licenses being awarded in 2012 and again through its third IPP Bid Round in 2013. Solar Capital, a local solar energy company, was the only company in South Africa to win tenders in both Bid Round 1 and Bid Round 2 to develop one of the largest solar farms in the world, which will be situated in De Aar.

 

Paschal Phelan, President of Solar Capital stated, “The investments in large-scale solar power projects will transform the African continent, where rising populations and six of the world’s 10 fastest-growing economies have resulted in ever growing energy deficits. The DoE has realised that in order to keep up with an ever growing demand for electricity, more needs to be done to develop alternative energy sources. Their plan, with the backing of the South African National Treasury, to develop an 18GW renewable energy programme over the next 20 years is well on its way to meeting this need.”

 

The majority of electricity in South Africa is currently generated from burning fossil fuel (with only one nuclear power plant in the Eskom fleet), with approximately 75% of all electricity in Southern Africa being generated from coal-burning power plants. The plan by the DoE, known as the South African Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), aims to find alternative forms of energy, particularly within the solar energy sector.

 

The potential for renewable energy generation is high and the successful execution of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPP) has powered the growth of the country’s renewable energy industry. The REIPPP aims to generate 3,725MW of the country’s electricity from renewable sources. Renewable energy accounted for less than 1% of the energy mix in South Africa in 2012: it is expected to reach 12% in 2020.

 

The first phase of the Solar Capital De Aar Northern Cape project will generate enough electricity to power approximately 35 000 South African homes every year, with the intention of delivering the first 75MW of solar energy generated electricity into Eskom’s power grid. The company’s 94.5MW first phase project is the largest solar farm in South Africa and with the completion of the second phase in 2016, totaling a combined 200MW, will make this the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

 

The DoE’s commitment to grow the renewable energy market in South Africa extends beyond just increasing the supply of electricity to the country’s energy grid. A study by the Development Bank of Southern Africa and Economic Research Institute Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies supports the government’s ambitions, estimating the potential in the formal sector of the green economy at roughly 462,000 possible jobs by 2025.

 

The Solar Capital De Aar Northern Cape project is an example of the DoE’s commitment to revitalising and uplifting the communities in which their renewable energy initiatives are being implemented. A Community Trust has been formed, which will own 8% of the project and as significant shareholders in the project, will ensure dividends in excess of R350 million over the 20 year period. Through Solar Capital, a guaranteed 10% of the project’s income will go to the community’s social and economic initiatives, which will amount to over R46 million in the first five years alone. The company has also committed to spending R191 million of its total income on social-economic development and R76 million on enterprise development over the 20 year lifespan of the first phase of the project.

 

Janice Finlay, Head of Social Economic Development for Solar Capital says that the development of renewable energy sources creates new economic opportunities through job creation, improved education and various other social development programmes in the rural towns of South Africa. “We have exceeded the goal of meeting the DoE’s target of a minimum local employment on the initiative, with approximately 90% of the workforce coming from the local community. Of the 2000 employed by the Solar Capital project, over 90% are locals from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.”

 

Outside any commitment from the DoE, the company has also donated over R2 million to the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR), which is heavily involved in the De Aar community.

 

“The South African Government is now more than ever committed to embracing and developing the benefits that clean energy offers. As one of the biggest players within the solar energy sector, we are excited about the growth and positive impact that solar power is having on the country and communities we work in,” he concludes.

SA Solar Energy Player Wins International Renewable Energy Award

19 February 2014: Solar Capital, a prominent solar energy producer in South Africa, has walked away with the prestigious Best Renewable Energy Company in Africa at the recently held ‘The New Economy Sustainable Energy Awards 2013. Other winners at the awards include Eskom as the Best Energy Group in Africa.

As the sustainable energy sector progresses into a period of encouraging growth, The New Economy Sustainable Energy Awards recognises the innovators and industry leaders who have bettered standards, performance and expectations around the world.

Albert Lennon, Chief Executive Officer of Solar Capital, says that the company is honoured that their hard work on the De Aar solar farm project has won this esteemed accolade. “In an effort to meet the major energy deficit the country currently faces, we have worked closely with the Department of Energy (DoE) on the first phase of the installation of a 200MW photovoltaic solar farm over two initial phases, with the capacity at the same location to increase to 400MW.”

This first phase of the Solar Capital De Aar project will generate enough electricity to power approximately 35 000 South African homes every year, with the intention of delivering the first 75MW of solar energy generated electricity into Eskom’s power grid. Our aim is to put South Africa on its way to achieving the production of 3,725MW of renewable energy envisaged for 2030 by the Independent Resources Procurement Programme.

As part of the company’s work within the De Aar community, they have made a commitment to create sustainable jobs, educate and equip the local community with skills. Approximately 10% of the income from the project will be invested in De Aar on local Social and Economic initiatives, which will amount to over R174 m in the first five years alone. Before the completion of the first phase, the company has already donated over R1 million to local initiatives to support the community.

“As the price of solar energy continues to drop, governments are fast realising that its benefits far outweigh traditional fossil fuel and nuclear energy sources. We are excited to be part of the shift towards renewable energies, and this award nomination is testament to our dedication and determination to provide a solar power solution to ensure the sustainability of the energy sector in South Africa,” says Lennon.

Solar Capital has also been nominated for the prestigious Solar Company of the Year in Africa at ‘The European Magazine’s 2014 Excellence Awards’, which will be held in May 2014.

Solar Capital Nominated For Prestigious International Business Award

March 2014: Solar Capital, a prominent solar energy producer in South Africa, has been nominated in the prestigious ‘The European Magazine’s 2014 Excellence Awards’ as Solar Company of the Year in Africa. The second annual Excellence Awards, which is set to take place in May this year, honours companies around the world that have been successful in facing global business challenges in their respective fields.

Paschal Phelan, President of Solar Capital, says that the company is honoured that their hard work in developing the solar energy market in South Africa has been recognised on an international level. “Now more than ever, South Africa needs to look at alternative solutions to our country’s major energy deficit. Investments in large-scale solar power projects will transform the African continent, where rising populations and six of the world’s 10 fastest-growing economies have resulted in ever growing energy deficits.”

Phelan says that following Eskom’s announcement that load shedding will continue throughout winter, a greater focus on renewable energy sources is essential to bolstering the country’s pressurised energy grid. The Department of Energy (DoE) has realised that in order to keep up with an ever growing demand for electricity, more needs to be done to develop alternative energy sources.

“The DoE’s plan, with the backing of the South African National Treasury, to develop an 18GW renewable energy programme over the next 20 years is well on its way to meeting this need,” he adds. “This commitment was further supported with the announcement of an additional R45 billion for the development of renewable energy sources, which was made by the National Treasury in the recent Budget Speech.”

Phelan says that in an effort to find alternative energy solutions to meet the growing demand in South Africa the company has worked closely with the DoE on the first phase of the installation of what will become the largest solar farm in the Southern Hemisphere.

The first phase of the Solar Capital De Aar Northern Cape project will generate enough electricity to power approximately 35 000 South African homes every year, with the intention of delivering the first 75MW of solar energy generated electricity into Eskom’s power grid. The company’s 94.5MW first phase project is the largest solar farm in South Africa and with the completion of the second phase in 2016, totaling a combined 200MW.

“Our aim is to put South Africa on its way to achieving the production of 3,725MW of renewable energy envisaged for 2030 by the Independent Resources Procurement Programme. With the strong focus on developing alternative energy solutions, we are fast becoming a serious contender within global renewable energy arena,” adds Phelan.

Solar Capital was also recognised as the Best Renewable Energy Company in Africa at the ‘The New Economy Sustainable Energy Awards 2013, which was held in December last year. Other winners at the awards included Eskom as the Best Energy Group in Africa.

Solar Capital Community Training Centre

Solar Capital has designed and installed a computer laboratory, and thus equipped their Community Training Centre (CTC) in De Aar. This facility is within easy access of a large portion of the De Aar community. The computer lab has 13 stations with the latest IT technology and training software. Moreover, the wi-fi network will allow for additional students to be trained while using electronic tablets. Some of the training needs that will be addressed are: basic computer training; entrepreneurial development; Excel; basic web design; sensible drinking; and project management. This training centre will fill the need for a facility that is freely available for those community members who no longer have access to school laboratories. The CTC will thus allow flexibility to implement training needs that arise within the Emthanjeni Municipal district. Plans for maintenance and expansion of this centre are in place ensuring that the community have access to the latest technology.
 
Current expenditure on this project: R700 000

Solar Capital Community Development Workers Programme

In November 2003, the Cabinet launched the Community Development Workers (CDW) Programme to rural communities in order fill a social gap that had been identified.
 
These CDW’s are public servants who have the primary role of the dissemination of information to communities about the benefits and services to which all citizens are entitled. In this role, these CDW’S have formed relationships with the poor and needy they are working with. As a result of these relationships, the community members are turning to the CDW’s on a daily basis for assistance with numerous social problems. However, the CDW’s do not have the specialized skills to assist or guide the community to find solutions enabling economic development. These special people have been working tirelessly year in and year out without a formal qualification or the much-needed knowledge and support.

The Municipality of Emthanjeni have identified that the local CDW’S urgently need assistance but do not have the funds or the capacity to address this challenge. The REIPPP thus provided Emthanjeni Municipality with a solution. Solar Capital was consequently approached and asked to assist with the funding of a qualification, done through Stellenbosch University. This funding enabled the development of the curriculum, and will ensure that the 2 year course is delivered to the 35 CDW’s in the Emthanjeni Municipal area. This programme was launched in March 2015 with CDW’s already reporting positive transformation in their lives.
 
Development of course content and funding of 1st year of fees: R990 000.00
Second year fees R1 million.

Study Bursaries

Bursaries are awarded to qualifying students from De Aar and surrounding areas who have been selected to be beneficiaries of the Solar Capital De Aar Bursary Programme to study at a South African public tertiary institution. The bursary covers the duration of their degree.

The bursary covers study-related cost per the following categories and related recipients:

  • Tuition fees: Institution of higher learning
  • Rent: Institution (residence) or Landlord
  • Books: Booksellers
  • Laptop: Computer store
  • Transport: Bus company / airline
  • Living allowance: bursary beneficiary

31 successful candidates are studying at universities, universities of technology and TVET and FET Colleges.

Entrepreneurial Development Programme

According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2013 Report, South Africa has one of the highest failure rates of business start-ups in the world. These business failures can be attributed to inadequate business knowledge, the incorrect candidates being awarded enterprise opportunities, as well as a lack of mentorship and guidance during the first 2 years of enterprise development.

To ensure that Solar Capital De Aar had a full understanding of enterprise development opportunities in De Aar, as well as how many local entrepreneurs would be candidates for financial assistance, Solar Capital launched a research project in 2015. The results of this research project showed that entrepreneurial skills are desperately lacking in community members in De Aar. Without addressing this issue, it was clear that economic growth in the municipal area of Emthanjeni would not take place. The accredited enterprise development programme enables local entrepreneurs to attend a 8 month training programme, access to income generating assets, mentoring and access to business related services.  The success of the last five years has led to the decision to run the Entrepreneurial Development Programme for the period April 2020 – March 2021. The programme has been run in De Aar, Britstown and Hanover over the past 5 years and has launched the programme in Phillipstown for the period April 2020 – March 2021.  Entrepreneurs are 100% black local beneficiaries.

Early Childhood Development

Only 21,000 or 17% of an estimated 124 000 Children in the Pixley Ka Seme region have access to Early Childhood Development centres or community home- based play group centres.

Our aim is to ensure that 100 % of the children in our region have access to Early Childhood Development centres or community home-based play groups by 2030.

In order to achieve that we are collaborating with the Department of Social Development and relevant local authorities in the provision of ECD centres and playgroups. Solar Capital De Aar 3 funded the construction and maintenance of the iKhwezi Prep School.  The first two classrooms were completed and launched in April 2019, all the services are installed and the concrete platforms for another 6 classes are also completed. 80 children between the ages of 3 and 6 years attend iKhwezi Prep school.  Phase II comprising of another 2 classrooms for 80 children are now underway.

Drivers License Programme

Coega Development Corporation was appointed as Service Provider to implement and manage the Solar Capital De Aar Driver Training Programme for 100 beneficiaries, giving the youth of De Aar the opportunity to obtain a valid code 08 Drivers licence through the use of simulation and practical driving training. The focused target group were black unemployed youth between the ages of 18 – 35 years. The programme was extremely well received by the community and endorsed by political leaders. 450 applications were received and processed by Coega Development Corporation. The programme created 3 job opportunities for members of the community as simulator and driver instructors respectively.

Healthy Mother – Healthy Baby Programme

In 2000, the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR) received an invitation from the Department of Health to conduct a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Prevalence Study in De Aar. During this study (2001 – 2003), it was reported that12,2% of the babies born in De Aar were affected by FASD. This firmly secured De Aar on the universal map as the town with the highest reported FASD rate in the world.
 
Since 2006, FARR has intensified its efforts to raise awareness in De Aar about the teratogenic effects of pre-natal alcohol use on the fetus and to motivate women of reproductive years to plan their pregnancies. This has culminated in FARR implementing their evidence based Healthy Mother Healthy Baby (HMHB) Programme.

This programme has been developed in line with the WHO and Department of Health’s Policies; the Department of Social Development’s Substance Abuse Strategy; and the National Millennium Development Goals. It was acknowledged by both departments, but the departments indicated that they do not have the knowledge, skills, or capacity to incorporate this initiative into their existing service delivery models.
 
In order to make it more sustainable, FARR initiated a review of the HMHB programme. As a result, a refined version of this programme has been developed, which renders it more cost and time effective, and increasingly user-friendly for the government departments. This revised model is presently being piloted in De Aar.
 
To date, the HBHM Programme has been extremely successful: it has resulted in a 30% drop in the incidence of FASD in De Aar. De Aar is consequently now also the first community in the world with a reduction in a FASD prevalence rate.
 
A lower incidence of FASD accordingly relates to a reduction of neonatal and infant mortality rates, as well as fewer children with developmental delays, mental retardation, and poor scholastic performance and behavioural problems. This thus leads to a community that is now able to socially and economically contribute to society. In addition, there is a strong emphasis on the development of the self-esteem of the mothers in the programme. As a result of the HMHB programme, mothers are better equipped to deal with children and babies who already have FAS, and learn the importance of the prevention thereof.
 
Through the REIPPPP, Solar Capital have been able to fund the Healthy Mother – Healthy Baby Programme for the past 2 years. Solar Capital is proud to announce that FARR and their HMHB programme have won various national and international awards, and offer therapeutic services that are not even available in SA in the private sector.
 
Government structures that have incorporated the HMHB programme into their service delivery models
FARR implemented a similar HMHB programme in Prince Alfred’s Hamlet (PAH) in the Western Cape from 2012 – 2014.  During the three year project, training was given to practitioners within the Departments of Health and Social Development. At the end of the project, the Department of Health appointed one of the FARR Community Workers to continue the HMHB programme work from the PAH clinic. The health professionals are consequently using this programme as part of their antenatal service delivery at present, and the initial “FARR” Community worker is still in the service of the PAH Clinic. 
 
FARR follows the training of health care professionals on all of their project sites as to develop their skills in terms of FASD Awareness and Prevention, and to encourage them to use the HMHB programme concepts in their daily service delivery. If you visit the Western Cape Department of Health’s website, you will find FASD information on the website that was obtained from FARR. Unfortunately the other provincial and national websites are very outdated and do not contain info about FASD, except International FASD Day (9 Sept). 
 
NGO’s that have included FASD prevention in their programmes
Since their inception in 1997, FARR is the first NGO to raise awareness regarding FASD in SA. As a result of the publication of the first scientific articles about FARR’s research findings (1999 onwards), a number of FASD NGO’s have been established in the Western and Northern Cape Province.
 
Solar Capital have funded the Healthy Mother – Health Baby Programme over the past 2 years with donations of R 2.1 million.

Community Wi-Fi

In De Aar, access to the internet by members of the community at large is limited due to basic infrastructure, as well as a lack of money for mobile data. During stakeholder engagement with educators; municipal members; and local business forums, Solar Capital realised that social and economic development of children and adults in De Aar will only take place if access to the internet became available to the previously disadvantaged community. Free community Wi-Fi was a necessity! The first part of this programme has been the installation of 20 hot spots. 14 locations are in schools, and the other are in public areas used by the community.

Upgrades to the Solar Capital Free Community Wi-Fi service has seen a tremendous improvement in the number of users that now have access to the internet. A more stable link capacity has been distributed to the 20 different sites located in previously disadvantaged areas of De Aar.

At each site open Wi-Fi internet coverage is supplied to the De Aar community, where on average 20 different users are connected and actively use the internet at any given time. Organisations such as schools and in particular the Emthanjeni Youth Centre where the free Wi-Fi services are available reports that the stable connectivity has made them more efficient and have made it possible to assist the youth with job searches, research and emails.

Plans are in place for the maintenance and expansion of the network are in place ensuring that this project will deliver the latest technology and be sustained for at least the next 20 years.

Covid-19 Response

Solar Capital De Aar 3 have made significant and meaningful contributions to socioeconomic and enterprise development in the area, but none is more impactful than coming to the aid of this community during one of the most challenging times this country has ever faced.  Solar Capital De Aar 3 has brought some relief to the Emthanjeni Municipality by delivering and distributing 200 food and hygiene parcels; consisting of soap, toothpaste, dishwashing liquid, sanitizer, toilet paper, tinned foods, maize meal to name but a few; to families in De Aar and the surrounding towns.  2000 masks, of which 1,000 branded masks have been manufactured and purchased from a local woman owned enterprise in De Aar, have also been distributed to community members to try and mitigate the spread.  Solar Capital De Aar 3 has also launched a feeding programme where each day 1,000 children will be given a meal.  The duration for this programme is 1 year.

Solar Capital Free Community Wi-Fi

In De Aar, access to the internet by members of the community at large is limited due to basic infrastructure, as well as a lack of money for data. During stakeholder engagement with educators; municipal members; and local business forums, Solar Capital realised that social and economic development of children and adults in De Aar will only take place if access to the internet became available to the previously disadvantaged community. Free community Wi-Fi was a necessity! The first part of this programme has been the installation of 20 hot spots. 14 locations are in schools, and the other are in public areas used by the community.
 
To date, expenditure on the installation of both hard and software, as well as data, is R745 000.
 
Plans are in place for the maintenance and expansion of the network are in place ensuring that this project will deliver the latest technology and be sustained for at least the next 20 years.

Solar Capital Entrepreneurial Development Programme

According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2013 Report, South Africa has one of the highest failure rates of business start-ups in the world. These business failures can be attributed to inadequate business knowledge, the incorrect candidates being awarded enterprise opportunities, as well as a lack of mentorship & guidance during the first 1-2 years of enterprise development. To ensure that Solar Capital had a full understanding of enterprise development opportunities in De Aar, as well as how many local entrepreneurs would be candidates for financial assistance, Solar Capital launched a research project. The results of this research project gave Solar Capital a full understanding that entrepreneurial skills development were desperately lacking in De Aar. Without addressing this need, it was clear economic growth in the municipal area of Emthanjeni would not take place.

In collaboration with the Business School of University of the Free State (UFS), a competition was launched on 15 January 2015. This competition called for business plan proposals to be submitted, the top 20 of which were chosen. This lead to these entrepreneurs being enrolled in the 2015 Solar Capital Entrepreneurial Programme. This programme has commenced, with 3 of the training sessions already having been completed. The UFS has developed the particular curriculum, which covers entrepreneurship; financial, strategic, project and time management; as well marketing and administrative skills.
 
This educational programme will run for 6 months. Furthermore, if a candidate has successfully completed their training, they will receive seed capital within a structured format, which will assist them to develop their new business (or expand their existing business). At this point these candidates will have free access (for a pre-determined time) to small business units which Solar Capital will make available within their business incubator units in De Aar.
 
2015 Enterprise Development Programme as outlined above : R2 million