The Rising Sun: How South Africa's Solar Boom is Paving the Way for Electric Vehicles

Private Solar Going Up

As the sun rises on the horizon of South Africa, so does the demand for solar energy. With an abundance of sunlight throughout the year, this country is experiencing a solar boom like never before. Private individuals and businesses alike are investing in solar panels to harness the power of the sun and reduce their reliance on the grid.

One of the most exciting aspects of this solar revolution is the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into the equation. With private solar installations going up, it only makes sense to utilize this clean and renewable energy source to charge our cars. By connecting our home solar systems to our EV charging stations, we can effectively power our vehicles with the sun's rays. This not only reduces our carbon footprint but also saves us money on fuel costs in the long run.

The private solar energy market in South Africa is set to experience significant expansion in the coming years, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 29.91% between 2022 and 2027. As of the end of Q1 2023, the total installed solar PV capacity was 5.5GW. This was made up of 2.2GW of public procurement and 3.3GW of private procurement. 

The Downfall of Eskom and More Load Shedding

The South African electricity provider, Eskom, has been plagued by numerous challenges in recent years, leading to frequent load shedding across the country. Load shedding, the deliberate switching off of electricity in certain areas to prevent a total blackout, has become a frustrating and disruptive part of daily life for many South Africans.

One of the main reasons for Eskom's struggles is the aging infrastructure. Many of the power plants and transmission lines are outdated and in need of significant upgrades or repairs. This has resulted in a lack of reliable electricity supply and increased the vulnerability of the grid to breakdowns.

Additionally, Eskom's financial situation has deteriorated over the years. The company has accumulated a substantial amount of debt, and its operational costs have skyrocketed. This has led to increased tariffs for consumers, further burdening households and businesses.

As a result of Eskom's challenges, many South Africans have turned to private solar installations as a reliable and sustainable alternative. With the ability to generate their own electricity, individuals are no longer solely dependent on Eskom's grid. This not only provides a sense of energy independence but also allows individuals to avoid the inconveniences caused by load shedding.

EVs Are Perfect: Use Your Home Solar to Charge Your Car

Electric vehicles are the perfect match for South Africa's solar boom. With advancements in battery technology, EVs can now store and utilize a significant amount of energy. This means that we can charge our cars during the day when the sun is shining and use that stored energy to power our homes at night or during cloudy days. It's a win-win situation!

By utilizing our home solar systems to charge our EVs, we are effectively creating a closed-loop system of clean energy. We are no longer reliant on the grid or fossil fuels to power our vehicles. Instead, we are using the power of the sun, a free and abundant resource, to drive us forward. This not only reduces our carbon emissions but also helps to stabilize the grid by reducing peak demand.

With rising fuel prices and a weakening Rand it doesn’t look like fuel prices in South Africa are going to fall any times soon. The global crude price may move down but if the Rand continues on getting weaker than the price of fuel only goes up.

Solar effectively pays for itself, lower close to no electricity bill and you get to charge your own car for free, its almost a no brainer.

EVs That Can Power Your House: Cybertruck

One of the most exciting developments in the world of electric vehicles is the Tesla Cybertruck. This futuristic pickup truck not only runs on electricity but also has the ability to power your entire house. With its massive battery pack and built-in power outlets, the Cybertruck can act as a mobile energy source, providing electricity to your home during power outages or emergencies.

Imagine a world where you can leave home every day with a fully charged EV that not only gets you from point A to point B but also powers your home. This is the future that South Africa's solar boom is paving the way for. With the combination of private solar installations and EVs like the Cybertruck, we can create a sustainable and self-sufficient way of living.

For context the average house in South African will install a 5kva – 8 kva battery, the cybertruck has a 126kwh battery, we are talking days of backup power for your house in the event of total grid collapse and you and still charge it with solar.

South African’s love pickups or bakkies and the Cybertruck is bulletproof solving the security and crime problem too, Telsa’s or one of the least stolen car in the USA.

Leaving Home Every Day with a Fully Charged EV

The average person in South Africa fills up their vehicle with fuel just over two times a month. However, with the availability of home solar installations and the increasing number of public charging points, individuals have the opportunity to leave home every day with a fully charged EV.

By taking advantage of the excess energy generated by home solar panels, individuals can ensure that their EVs are always ready to go. This eliminates the need for frequent trips to the petrol station and reduces the overall cost of transportation.

Fuelling the Need for Charging Points

As more and more people switch to electric vehicles, the demand for charging points is increasing exponentially. While home charging is convenient and cost-effective, there is still a need for public charging infrastructure to support longer trips and those without access to private solar installations.

This growing demand for charging points presents an opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs to invest in the EV charging industry. By installing charging stations in strategic locations, such as shopping centres, office complexes, and along major highways, we can ensure that EV owners have easy access to charging facilities wherever they go. This not only supports the transition to electric vehicles but also stimulates economic growth and job creation.

The Tesla supercharges can charge up your EV with 200 miles (320km) of range in just 15 minutes and EV’s having a range of over 600km, range just isn’t an issue any more.

In conclusion, South Africa's solar boom is not only transforming the way we generate and consume electricity but also paving the way for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. By harnessing the power of the sun and utilizing private solar installations, we can charge our EVs with clean and renewable energy. With advancements in battery technology, EVs can now power our homes, making them an integral part of our daily lives. However, to fully embrace this electric future, we need to fuel the need for charging points and invest in the necessary infrastructure. Together, we can drive towards a sustainable and greener future. The CyberTruck might just be the car we didn’t know we needed to have!