A factory manufacturing solar PV panels has opened up shop in Paarl, Western Cape.

The plant, owned by Ener-G-Africa, has a daily production capacity of 150 MW of solar panels, and aims to service South Africa’s non-utility solar market, according to reports.

The global solar panel market is dominated by China, which produces about 80% of al solar panels.

The Ener-G-Africa facility, which employs a locally trained, all-female workforce, is focusing on the bespoke ‘prosumer’ market, reports Daily Maverick.

In the energy sector, a prosumer is defined as both a producer and consumer of renewable energy, according to Enel Green Power.

The facility will trade on its ability to customise solar panels and its quick turn-around times for local installers. It can produce panels from 5W to 620W.

‘Ener-G-Africa manufactures panels for residential, commercial and agricultural use, but does not operate in the utility-scale segment. This allows us to remain focused on the installer market, where responsiveness, proximity and service are critical,’ says Ener-G-Africa CEO André Moolman.

‘We want to custom-make panels for what the market needs and make sure that we can have availability and quality.’

24 February 2026
Image: Freepik