Arctech Takes a Leading Role at Africa Energy Forum 2025 in Cape Town

Arctech Shines Brightly at Africa Energy Forum 2025

Arctech Solar recently anchored its position as a key player in the renewable energy sector during the Africa Energy Forum 2025, held from June 17-20 in Cape Town, South Africa. This esteemed event provided a crucial platform for Arctech to reinforce its commitment to solar energy development and enhance its market presence in South Africa and across the Sub-Saharan region.

South Africa is abundantly blessed with solar resources, receiving an impressive average of over 2500 hours of sunshine annually. In light of its ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions to between 398 and 440 million tons by 2030, South Africa is positioning photovoltaic technology as a core component of its strategy, presenting a vast market opportunity. In fact, the local government has launched initiatives to reach a total installed solar capacity of 8.4 GW by 2030 and 16 GW by 2050. The recent progress is significant, with the country having added approximately 1.1 GW of new solar capacity in 2024 alone, accounting for a prominent share of solar installations across the African continent.

As South Africa undergoes rapid energy transition, the challenges posed by infrastructure aging, grid instability, and frequent load shedding are evident. These factors motivate the nation to integrate hundreds of megawatts of renewable energy sources to meet rising consumption demands while significantly cutting down its carbon footprint. However, challenges persist, including land constraints, uncertainty in return on investment, and ongoing operational and maintenance costs, all of which impact the viability of solar projects.

In response to these challenges, Arctech showcased its innovative solutions, including the flagship Skyline II Solar Tracker, which employs smart backtracking and adaptive algorithms to enhance energy generation. This system supports up to a 20% north-south slope with unrestricted east-west orientation. Additionally, it is fully compatible with automated cleaning robots, optimizing operations and maintenance efficiency.

Arctech also introduced the Starshine I Cleaning Robot, which effectively utilizes AI algorithms and high-pressure air cleaning methods to remove dust—an essential feature considering the dry and dusty conditions prevalent across Africa. The power gain improvement offered by this system can range from 5% to 20%, indicating strong potential for return on investment.

Furthermore, the integrated design of the cleaning robot and tracking system maximizes efficiency by sharing supporting structures, effectively reducing docking station costs. The docking stations are designed to move in unison with the tracker to ensure precise alignment with the solar modules, thereby minimizing mechanical impacts and operational risks.

Arctech's systems also utilize a SCADA platform, facilitating intelligent coordination between the tracking systems and cleaning robots. This allows for autonomous navigation and optimal route calculations, which enhances power generation efficiency throughout the lifecycle of solar plants.

Beyond showcasing their advanced technology, the forum served as a vital avenue for Arctech to strengthen connections with local stakeholders, including EPCs (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction companies) and developers. Through in-depth discussions and one-on-one meetings, the Arctech team examined potential collaborations and ongoing tenders while sharing insights into local procurement processes and energy needs.

According to Venson Sher, Vice GM of MEA Strategic Account, Arctech is eager to accelerate solar energy deployment across Africa. In 2024, the company reported record shipments of 6.2 GW of tracking systems across the Middle East and Africa. South Africa is now viewed as a strategic hub for Arctech as it seeks to deepen its global footprint. The establishment of a branch service organization in South Africa further underscores its dedication to meeting the needs of the local market.

Arctech is committed to expanding its supply chain and playing a pivotal role in catalyzing South Africa's transition to renewable energy. By delivering high-efficiency solar tracker systems, the company aims to boost return on investment and enhance the accessibility of utility-scale solar energy, signaling a bright future for energy management in the region. For more details, you can visit Arctech Solar's official website.