Johannesburg, South Africa

Solareff is proud to announce that it has been awarded Solar EPC of the Year at the prestigious 2026 SAPVIA Industry Awards Ceremony, held on 2 July 2026.

The award, presented by the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), recognises outstanding Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) companies that have demonstrated exceptional performance in the delivery of solar photovoltaic projects. SAPVIA is the leading industry body and representative voice of the solar PV sector in South Africa, working to promote the growth, development and adoption of solar energy across the country.

The Solar EPC of the Year Award celebrates excellence in project execution, innovation, quality and industry leadership, and serves as a testament to Solareff’s commitment to delivering world-class solar PV projects and advancing South Africa’s renewable energy future.

The accolade was awarded in recognition of Solareff’s delivery of the Hartenbos Waste Water Treatment Works Solar PV Plant and Microgrid, developed in partnership with Element Consulting Engineers and the Mossel Bay Municipality. The project has emerged as a benchmark for municipal energy resilience and sustainable infrastructure development in South Africa.

“This award is a tremendous honour for the entire Solareff team and reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class renewable energy solutions,” said DeVilliers Botha, Chief Commercial Officer at Solareff. “The Hartenbos project demonstrates the power of collaboration, innovation and technical excellence in creating energy infrastructure that not only reduces costs and emissions but also strengthens the resilience of critical public services.”

The Hartenbos Waste Water Treatment Works Solar PV Plant and Microgrid is a pioneering hybrid energy solution designed to ensure uninterrupted operations at the wastewater treatment facility. Operating in parallel with the Eskom grid under normal conditions, the system seamlessly transitions to battery storage during grid interruptions, supported by solar generation during daylight hours and standby diesel generators when required. Excess solar energy is exported back into the municipal network, contributing to long-term sustainability and reduced energy costs.

Key project features include:

  • Site Size: 3.5 hectares of municipal land
  • Location: Hartenbos, Western Cape
  • System Type: Hybrid grid-tied microgrid with solar PV, battery storage, and diesel backup
  • Solar Generation Capacity: 2.112MVA from 4,536 PV Panels
  • Battery Storage: 4,586kWh
  • BESS Inverter Station Capacity: 2.75MVA
  • Generator Farm Capacity: 1.6MVA
  • Substation: Includes 11kV switchgear and advanced control systems that switch seamlessly between solar, battery, and diesel backup.

A standout feature of the Hartenbos Waste Water Treatment Works Solar PV Plant and Microgrid is its advanced Power Plant Controller (PPC), a first-of-its-kind solution developed by Solareff’s engineering team specifically for the South African market. Designed to intelligently manage the interaction between solar PV, battery energy storage, grid power, and diesel backup generation, the PPC takes energy integration to the next level. Through advanced automation and real-time decision-making, the controller ensures optimal system performance, maximises renewable energy utilisation, and enhances operational resilience. This innovation represents a significant step forward in the evolution of South Africa’s renewable energy sector and demonstrates how intelligent control systems will shape the future of energy infrastructure.

The project has been recognised as an innovative example of how municipalities can leverage renewable energy and smart microgrid technology to improve service delivery while progressing towards South Africa’s clean energy objectives.

Receiving the Solar EPC of the Year Award reinforces Solareff’s position as one of South Africa’s leading renewable energy EPCs and underscores the company’s continued dedication to engineering excellence, project quality and innovation.

“We are incredibly grateful to SAPVIA for this recognition, as well as to our partners, clients and stakeholders who place their trust in us,” added Botha. “Most importantly, this achievement belongs to the Solareff team whose expertise, passion and commitment continue to drive the successful delivery of impactful renewable energy projects across the country.”

As South Africa’s energy landscape continues to evolve, Solareff remains focused on developing and delivering sustainable energy solutions that support economic growth, energy security and the country’s transition to a cleaner future.