IBC Solar opening subsidiary in South Africa

German solar developer IBC Solar is further expanding its international presence with the establishment of a regional company in South Africa, to take advantage of the growing opportunities within the country. IBC had already tentatively entered the market, but this move is a signal of intent not only that IBC wants to play a big role in the market, but that it is expecting that market to grow.

The company, IBC Solar South Africa, has been set up with the company’s existing partner, maxx | solar energy, who it had already been working with for PV projects in the country. The office will be established in Cape Town, with the management board consisting of Albert Engelbrecht from IBC Solar and Dieter Ortmann from maxx | solar energy.

“I look forward to further to further increasing the presence of IBC Solar in South Africa,” commented maxx | solar energy Managing Director Dieter Ortmann. “In addition to being a traditional trading company with systems and components, the focus of our business is primarily on consulting, planning and implementing diesel, off-grid and storage systems.”

There is a lot of potential in the South African market, as one of the fastest emerging markets in Africa, with a number of developers trying to get in on the act. One of the bigger solar developers active in the country is Enel, who has nearly 160 MW of installed capacity within the country.

“The South African PV market has substantial growth potential,” said Albert Engelbrecht. “Solar power is now cheaper than electricity from the grid. This results, in particular, in a great need for self-consumption and storage systems for private households and the commercial sector.”