Schneider Electric is now supplying the first 20MW of specialised photovoltaic (PV) equipment to South Africa’s independent power producer (IPP) programme.
According to James Shirley, solar business manager at Schneider Electric South Africa, the company is also providing its solar control system (heliostat tracking) and SCADA systems to two South African-based concentrated solar power (CSP) plants under construction, as well as large quantities of its electric components into many other Round 1 and 2 projects
Schneider Electric provides solutions for the solar power conversion chain and was recently named as one of the top three most competitively positioned PV inverter companies by GTM Research. Due to its footprint in South Africa, Schneider Electric is able to 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 (DC) combiner box, inverters, step-up transformer, medium voltage switchgear and other accessories. We will also ensure that it is adapted to meet the local standards and environmental conditions,” says Shirley.
Schneider Electric is also pleased to announce its decision to increase its manufacturing arm in South Africa.
“As a key partner in the development of solar energy for South Africa, Schneider Electric intends to offer a local content compliance superior of 60% to its photovoltaic offering, including inverters, array boxes and monitoring and control systems,” says Shirley.
In addition, the company plans to launch its new range of solar products and complete electrical packages for rooftop installations ranging from 2kW to 1MW in the region.
“Schneider Electric has been established in South Africa for more than 20 years with productive local manufacturing facilities, field services capabilities and more than 1 000 employees complying with broad-based black employment equity rules.
“Our strong local presence combined with an extensive global track record in solar PV power plants and genuine bankability of the company firmly positions Schneider Electric as a trusted partner in the development, construction and operations of solar plants,” says Shirley.