Industrial scale solar heat in South Africa: Opportunities in agri-processing and textiles

This report by GreenCape examines the potential for industrial-scale solar thermal energy in South Africa, specifically focusing on the agri-processing and textile industries. It identifies these sectors as high-opportunity areas due to their requirement for low-temperature heat (below 160 °C). While South Africa possesses high solar irradiation, the report notes that the solar thermal market is currently an 'infant industry' characterized by high capital costs, a lack of skilled installers, and restrictive certification policies. The document provides quantitative estimates of energy and carbon savings potential, analyzes financial drivers and barriers, and offers recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to solar heat.

• South Africa has significant solar thermal potential, yet its installations (1,055 MWth) are substantially lower than those in countries with less solar irradiation, such as Austria (3,541 MWth) and Germany (12,281 MWth).
• The agri-processing and textile industries are primary targets for solar thermal because they require low-temperature heat, typically below 160 °C, which is the most economical range for this technology.
• The potential for solar thermal installations in the agri-processing industry is estimated between 425,000 and 3,758,000 m², capable of providing 425 to 3,758 GWh of heat per annum and saving between 110,922 and 942,556 tonnes of CO2e annually.
• The textile industry's solar thermal potential is estimated at approximately 519,000 m², which could provide 519 GWh of heat per annum and save 58,687 tonnes of CO2e annually.
• Solar thermal is financially viable as a substitute for most conventional fuels—including heavy fuel oil (HFO), paraffin, electricity, diesel, petrol, and LPG—with payback periods around 5 years for several of these, though it is currently not financially attractive for replacing coal.
• The South African solar thermal market is described as an 'infant industry' with high and varying costs, which makes it difficult for clients to compare quotes and select installers.
• A major policy barrier to the growth of the local solar thermal industry is the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) requirement for full system testing rather than individual component testing, which inhibits local manufacturing and increases costs.
• Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) are identified as a way to overcome high capital costs and installation risks by providing the capital in exchange for a share of energy savings or payment for energy provided.
• The South African Solar Thermal Technology Roadmap (SA-STTRM) envisions exponential growth in large-scale installations, aiming for nearly 4,000,000 m² by 2030.

APA

GreenCape (2017). Industrial scale solar heat in South Africa: Opportunities in agri-processing and textiles. https://greencape.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Industrial-Scale-Solar-Heat-in-South-Africa-opportunities-in-agri-processing-and-textiles-3.pdf

Chicago

GreenCape. Industrial scale solar heat in South Africa: Opportunities in agri-processing and textiles. 2017. https://greencape.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Industrial-Scale-Solar-Heat-in-South-Africa-opportunities-in-agri-processing-and-textiles-3.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=GreenCape |title=Industrial scale solar heat in South Africa: Opportunities in agri-processing and textiles |date=2017 |url=https://greencape.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Industrial-Scale-Solar-Heat-in-South-Africa-opportunities-in-agri-processing-and-textiles-3.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{greencape2017industrial, author = {{GreenCape}}, title = {{Industrial scale solar heat in South Africa: Opportunities in agri-processing and textiles}}, institution = {GreenCape}, year = {2017}, url = {https://greencape.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Industrial-Scale-Solar-Heat-in-South-Africa-opportunities-in-agri-processing-and-textiles-3.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }