Schneider Electric is supplying the first 20 MW of specialised photovoltaic (PV) equipment to South Africa’s independent power producer (IPP) programme. According to solar business manager, James Shirley, the company is also providing its solar control system (heliostat tracking) and systems to two concentrated solar power (CSP) plants under construction, as well as large quantities of electric components to many other Round 1 and 2 projects.
Schneider is a leader in solutions for the solar power conversion chain and was recently distinguished by GTM Research as one of the top three most competitively positioned PV inverter companies. Due to its unique footprint in South Africa, Schneider can comply with 45% of the local content requirements of renewable energy bids (REBID) Round 1.
“Most of the equipment delivered to those projects will be integrated or manufactured in South Africa. Schneider Electric will provide a PV box, a factory integrated, tested and validated plug and play power conversion system that contains a direct current combiner box, inverters, step-up transformer, medium voltage switchgear and other accessories. We will also ensure that it is adapted to meet local standards and environmental conditions,” says Shirley.
Schneider will also increase its manufacturing arm in South Africa. “As a key partner in the development of solar energy for South Africa, Schneider Electric intends to achieve a local content compliance in excess of 60% for its photovoltaic offering, including inverters, array boxes and monitoring and control systems,” adds Shirley. “In addition, the company plans to launch its new range of solar products and complete electrical packages for rooftop installations ranging from 2 kW to 1 MW in the region,” he concludes.
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