South Africa’s imports of solar panels made by its biggest trading partner have shown the fastest growth in Africa and the Middle East as load-shedding drives people to seek independent power aided by short-term tax incentives by the government.
Solar panel imports from China quadrupled in the first half of 2023, reaching nearly the generation capacity of Eskom's Duvha or Matla power stations, reports News 24.
Households can qualify for a tax credit of up to 25% of the cost of solar panels, and businesses can deduct 125% of the cost of any renewable energy project from their taxes.
The government has also introduced a loan scheme for solar tariffs in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg.
