Local PV manufacturers in South Africa are already utilising the government’s announcement of a 10% import duty on solar panels by talking with tier one producers to collaborate on local module assembly facilities for the South African market, a representative of the country’s solar association tells PV Tech Premium.
These manufacturers, who have “taken advantage” of the announcement in June are looking at module assembly for both public and private procurement, says De Wet Taljaard, solar energy technical specialist, at the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA). They are also looking to take advantage of trade agreements between South Africa and some developed markets, which should lead to an overall increase in the local manufacturing or assembly capacity. However, the tier one companies being approached are predominantly Chinese-owned.
Local PV manufacturers in South Africa are already utilising the government’s announcement of a 10% import duty on solar panels by talking with tier one producers to collaborate on local module assembly facilities for the South African market, a representative of the country’s solar association tells PV Tech Premium.
These manufacturers, who have “taken advantage” of the announcement in June are looking at module assembly for both public and private procurement, says De Wet Taljaard, solar energy technical specialist, at the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA). They are also looking to take advantage of trade agreements between South Africa and some developed markets, which should lead to an overall increase in the local manufacturing or assembly capacity. However, the tier one companies being approached are predominantly Chinese-owned.