ARTsolar has implemented a certified training and facilities upgrade programme at its plant in New Germany, KwaZulu-Natal – the only South African owned photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing plant.
“As part of our pledge to creating sustainable employment in manufacturing in the private sector, ARTsolar has offered intensive staff training to ensure every step in the quality control of producing PV panels is in accordance with international standards,” explains Qaphela Zikhali, the company’s operations manager. He says that, in conjunction with expert instructors and engineers from Germany, Switzerland and China, ARTsolar has provided skills training to over 200 local matriculants.
“The company’s training initiative also forms part of our commitment to providing long-term solutions to the development of renewable energy in South Africa and our support of the Government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP), where the creation of job opportunities, local content and community development, remain essential ingredients of the programme.
“By utilising the latest environmentally-friendly technology to convert solar energy to electrical power, ARTsolar provides reliable and independent electricity to support the country’s growing economy and to combat the effects of rising utility costs. Local interest in PV technology has heightened since the launch of the REIPPP and PV modules are gaining popularity as a form of renewable energy that is clean, emission – and noise-free, sustainable, safe and cost efficient,” he says.
To date, ARTsolar has completed the module supply of 65 MW in Round 2 and 86 MW in Round 3 of the REIPPP, and will continue to expand facilities at the plant to meet production requirements for the next phase of this programme. Its expanded facilities have a production capacity of 130 MW per year, which equates to approximately 412 000 x 315 W polycrystalline modules.
The company says it will again partner with international PV companies to ensure production for the REIPPP in 2017 continues to meet stringent quality, safety and environmental standards. Modules will also adhere to government requirements, which include the percentage of local content necessary.
ARTsolar prides itself on developing PV modules specifically for local climate conditions. Its PV panels are designed for large scale power plants, mines and rural electrification, as well as industrial and residential roofing, while modules with enhanced aesthetics are manufactured for residential and commercial installations. This environmentally-friendly system can also be integrated into roofs and façades to reduce the energy buildings consume.
For more information contact ARTSolar, +27 (0)87 287 9649, [email protected]
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