ARTsolar’s official opening
July 2013
News
ARTsolar, South Africa’s photovoltaic module manufacturer, officially opened its manufacturing plant in Pinetown during May. The company, established by local entrepreneurs, aims to provide long term solutions to the electricity shortages facing this county and to foster job creation in local communities.
“There was no locally owned PV module manufacturer in South Africa and we wanted to make a difference,” says ARTsolar’s chairman, Eshu Seevnarayan.
The ARTsolar team at the opening ceremony.
“ARTsolar is the only majority South African owned PV manufacturer and we are set to play a significant role in renewable energy – initially in South Africa and then in the sub-Saharan market and throughout the African continent.
“Important considerations for us in establishing the company were maximising local content of the modules, black economic empowerment, job creation and enhanced aesthetics of our quality products. There is a perception that PV modules are ‘unattractive’, but with the latest designs, quality materials and manufacturing techniques, we give architects, designers and builders the freedom to be creative with this flexible building material, with no compromise on performance.”
ARTsolar uses the latest environmentally-friendly PV technology to convert solar energy to electricity. This technology is gaining popularity globally as it is clean, emission and noise-free, sustainable, safe and cost efficient.
This newly established facility – the largest and most modern PV module fabrication plant in Africa – has the capacity to manufacture 250 000 PV modules annually. This is equivalent to 75 MW of electricity, sufficient to power approximately 15 000 homes per year.
The company has made a significant investment in a training programme at the plant to ensure every step in the quality control of producing PV panels is in accordance with international standards. It has also initiated a PV competence network which encompasses members from various disciplines that include wholesalers, installers, architects, property developers and owners, as well as engineers, construction companies, hospitals and academic institutions. This network will provide the platform for discussions about PV product development, the introduction of new solutions and the growth of this technology in KZN and throughout South Africa.
For more information contact Teri-Leigh Breeds, ARTsolar, +27 (0)31 705 7162, [email protected], www.artsolar.net
Further reading:
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...
Two weeks to go: AATF 2025 welcomes Africa’s industrial future
News
With less than two weeks to go, the countdown to Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 is on - and there’s never been a better time to register.
Read more...
Groundbreaking renewable energy skills platform
News
South Africa’s renewable energy sector has taken a significant leap forward with the launch of PowerUp. A South African first, this online platform is designed to equip the country’s workforce with the skills required to meet industry demands.
Read more...
Innomotics wins Platinum TITAN Brand Award for Best Corporate Rebranding
News
Innomotics has been awarded with the Platinum TITAN Brand Award for Best Corporate Rebranding. The international jury honoured Innomotics’ efforts to develop a powerful and recognisable brand after the carve-out of Innomotics from the Siemens Group in 2023.
Read more...
Unlocking Africa’s hydrogen potential
News
Africa is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the global green energy revolution, with hydrogen emerging as a critical commodity of strategic and national importance across the continent. Namibia is putting ambition into action by having already reached a number of key milestones towards final investment decision on up to five projects.
Read more...
Fuchs doubles sales volume
News
An aggressive growth strategy in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa over the last decade has resulted in Fuchs Lubricants South Africa achieving a CAGR of 6% in volume sold since 2015. The result of this is that sales volume has nearly doubled in this time.
Read more...
High-quality sensing and automation equipment
News
The Turck Banner Demo Van is showcasing the company’s latest products and solutions.Turck Banner sells directly to end users and OEMs in a broad range of industries and applications.
Read more...
SA company uses AI to break the language barrier
News
Helm has a unique approach to AI that allows it to automate customer communication in any of South Africa’s 11 official spoken languages.
Read more...
From ground to compound: the journey of crude oil
Wearcheck
News
You’re in for a ‘crude awakening’ when you download WearCheck’s latest Technical Bulletin. You will be treated to an in-depth explanation of the processes of producing oil, fuel and other petrochemical wonders that power our modern lifestyle.
Read more...
2025 – a year for growth, amid industry challenges
News
Automation is rapidly emerging as a catalyst for industrial transformation, enabling businesses to meet sustainability targets, enhance productivity and drive economic efficiency.
Read more...
printer friendly version