GoSolr warns of another energy crisis if solar barriers remain
At a recent roundtable discussion in Rosebank, experts warned that outdated regulations and red tape could dim the country’s solar future.
South Africa may be enjoying fewer power cuts at the moment, but, according to GoSolr CEO Andrew Middleton, the country is still teetering on the edge of another energy crisis – unless urgent reforms clear the clouds hanging over solar energy.
Speaking at a media roundtable in Rosebank on June 5, Middleton presented GoSolr’s latest light paper, a sharp look at the roadblocks holding back one of South Africa’s most promising energy solutions. Despite the country’s abundant sunshine, and a growing appetite for clean energy, solar adoption is being stifled by red tape, costly tariffs, and inconsistent municipal regulations.
Read more: How a PV solar system can save you money and improve your home
“People want affordable, sustainable energy, but our regulations are sending them in circles,” Middleton told attendees. “Instead of removing barriers, we’re building new ones.”
GoSolr, South Africa’s largest residential solar provider, estimates that around 137 000 households have installed solar systems, and the number is growing by about 1 000 each month, but while the demand is there, the system isn’t. Infrastructure development is lagging far behind, with only 200km of transmission lines being added annually, a far cry from the 14 000km target set for 2033.
Also read: Shift to solar and save money
The light paper also points out that coal still dominates the country’s energy mix, making up over 70%, while solar trails at just over 11%. Other countries, like Chile and Hungary, have leapt ahead by embracing progressive policies. Here at home, solar users often face high fixed costs and shifting municipal requirements that make it difficult to invest with confidence.
Middleton also stressed the potential of artificial intelligence and smart energy tech – tools that could help consumers reduce electricity bills, improve efficiency, and even support the grid. But, he warned, the country isn’t doing enough to scale or support these innovations.
“The private sector is ready. Consumers are ready. The technology is ready,” he said. “What we need now is for regulators to catch up. We’re in a race against time.”
GoSolr’s message was clear: Without swift, sensible reform, the country could once again find itself plunged into darkness, not from a lack of sunlight, but from a failure to harness it.
“It’s time to stop blocking progress,” Middleton said. “We can’t afford to waste another sunny day.”
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We’d love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
Related article: 5 good reasons to rent a solar power system
