Arctech at Africa Energy Forum 2025
Arctech, a global leader in solar tracking systems, took the spotlight at the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) 2025, held from June 17 to June 20 in Cape Town, South Africa. This event was pivotal for the company as it aims to bolster its footprint within South Africa and the wider Sub-Saharan region.
South Africa is blessed with ample sunlight, boasting over 2500 hours of sunshine each year. As part of its commitment to cutting carbon emissions to between 398–440 million tons by 2030, the nation's photovoltaic sector stands out as a critical contributor to this goal, providing vast market opportunities.
In 2011, the South African government initiated a comprehensive program intending to attain a total installed solar capacity of 8.4 GW by 2030, with an ambitious increase to 16 GW by 2050. In 2024 alone, the country managed to add approximately 1.1 GW of new solar power, representing the largest share of solar installations across the African continent.
The energy landscape in South Africa is undergoing rapid transformation, heavily influenced by aging infrastructure, grid instability, and regular load shedding. The country aims to incorporate hundreds of megawatts of renewable energy to satisfy increasing energy demands while minimizing its carbon footprint. However, challenges such as land limitations, uncertainties surrounding ROI, and operational maintenance costs continue to hinder project feasibility.
At the Africa Energy Forum 2025, Arctech showcased its innovative solutions designed to address these challenges:
Key Innovations Presented
Skyline II Solar Tracker
This flagship product is an independent-row tracker designed to enhance energy output via intelligent backtracking and adaptive algorithms. The Skyline II can handle up to a 20% slope north-south while allowing unrestricted east-west adjustments. It is also compatible with cleaning robots to maximize operational efficiency.
Starshine I Cleaning Robot
Utilizing advanced AI algorithms and high-pressure air cleaning technology, this robot provides effective dust removal without the need for water—ideal for Africa’s arid and dusty conditions. The overall power gain improvement varies between 5% to 20%, showcasing a robust return on investment.
Integrated Cleaning and Tracking System
The integrated design features shared supporting structures between the cleaning robot and the tracking system, optimizing docking station costs and ensuring precise alignment with photovoltaic modules to minimize mechanical impacts and reduce operational maintenance risks.
Unified After-Sales and SCADA Coordination
Arctech's integrated solutions come with a unified after-sales interface that emphasizes accountability and streamlined service access. Additionally, intelligent coordination through the SCADA platform allows for optimal pathway calculations and autonomous navigation cleaning. This holistic dual-system integration overcomes compatibility issues and enhances power generation efficiency throughout the solar plant's lifecycle.
Beyond showcasing technology, Arctech utilized this forum to cultivate relationships with local stakeholders, EPCs, and developers. Through individual meetings and roundtable discussions, the company explored collaboration opportunities, ongoing tenders, and shared insights regarding local procurement processes and energy requirements.
Venson Sher, Arctech's Vice GM for MEA strategic accounts, articulated the company's vision for boosting solar deployment across Africa. In 2024, Arctech shipped 6.2 GW of solar trackers across the Middle East and Africa, strategically positioning South Africa as a cornerstone in its global expansion strategy. The establishment of a local service branch is part of a broader initiative to address regional demand.
With six strategically located smart manufacturing bases globally, Arctech is well-equipped to support local project execution, actively expanding its supply chain and contributing to South Africa's transition towards renewable energy. Arctech is determined to facilitate sustainable solutions that enhance ROI while making utility-scale solar energy more accessible across the region.
For further information on Arctech’s cutting-edge solutions, visit their website:
Arctech Solar.